Global Community

(1703) Fruitless efforts

(1702) Attend a university (II)

SIWA will host annual fundraising event Nov. 13

By John RedmondThe Seoul International Women’s Association (SIWA) will hold its 55th SIWA and Diplomatic Community Bazaar at the Lotte Hotel in central Seoul, Nov. 13.Under the theme, “Share Culture, Share Love, Share Life,” the bazaar is one of the largest international fundraising events in Seoul, last year seeing cooperation from more than 30 embassies and several women’s clubs, plus local businesses, sponsors, welfare organizations and SIWA volunteers.Embassies, clubs, businesses, sponsors and welfare organizations join together to sell international products and food as well as donated prizes for raffles.“The event is expected to attract thousands of visitors, including residents of Korea, both Korean nationals and expats, as well as tourists,” the event organizer said.The bazaar will also feature performances throughout the day, such as the music of classical and jazz violinist Mia Jun.All proceeds generated by SIWA from the event will be donated to over 20 Korean charities serving orphans, homeless, the disabled and senior citizens.“Th

Expat band's album offers 12 songs in 12 minutes

Members of Machines / Courtesy of Punkie PunkBy Jon DunbarMachines, an expat punk band based in Seoul, celebrate their first CD release this Saturday.Although the band mates hail from three very distant places ― Iran, Ireland and the U.S. ― all three moved to Seoul from Daegu.”The Daegu invasion is in full effect!” said Michael Travers, guitarist. “I moved to Seoul because I wanted a change and to see more shows.”“Daegu was great!” said Paul Johnson, drummer. “I saw. I conquered. And now I live in Seoul ― which is far too big, makes feel like I’m trapped in a cage, but it has a great music scene and way more Mexican food.”“Seoul is definitely a cage,” said Ali Safavi, bassist. “I’ve regretted moving to Seoul for most of this year, and the song, Seoul Will Have Its Revenge, is about that.”Back in Daegu, all three played at some time or another for punk band Food for Worms. Safavi also performed in November on Earth and started the bands Colours, Mountains and Visuals, which reveals a dis

Hiking group to offer DMZ tour

Warren Kim, right, poses with members of Seoul Hiking Group at Mount Seorak earlier this year. / Courtesy of Warren KimNK defector to speak about life in NorthBy John RedmondSeoul Hiking Group offers a special tour of the DMZ with a North Korean defector Nov. 26.The day trip will include a full DMZ tour including visits to the Imjingak Unification Park, the third infiltration tunnel, Dora Observatory, Dorasan Station and Tongil-chon Unification Village.The highlight will be hearing about the tour from a North Korean defector.The defector will speak on life in North Korea, including the economy, society, human rights, school days and family life.The aim of the tour is raising awareness to the plight of North Korean defectors and their adjustment to South Korea, as well as raising funds for defector Choi Seong-kyeong to present a series of speeches in the United States to fellow defectors.“We are helping defectors to have a normal life, role, job in Korea as members of society,” organizer Warren Kim said.Choi, who defected 10 years ago, works for a foundation helping North

(1701) Attend a university (I)

(1700) Bareun Party

(1699) Liberty Korea Party

(1698) Study a foreign language abroad (IV)

(1697) Study a foreign language abroad (III)