Global Community

(393) Social issues: corporal punishment (II)

Documentary shows a taste of Cuba, a lesson in cultural understanding

By Kelly Francis Six years ago, Korean film maker and York University graduate student Joung Ho-hyun decided she needed a break from the harsh Canadian winter. She capitalized on Canada’s close ties with Cuba and brought her filming equipment along for the ride. What she found was a husband, a new life, and a new way of looking at her own country. You can experience her story by watching “Cuban Boyfriend,” currently playing at Media Theater i-Gong with Korean and English subtitles. “I was interested in seeing a new culture, and also, the fact that Cuba is a socialist country” said Joung. “After my initial vacation, I returned to Cuba after just 20 days. I saw that there were lessons I could learn from the Cuban people. Then I fell in love, and the direction of my work began to change”. Joung met Orlievis Padron, a 23-year-old graphic designer from La Habana who made the transition from Cuban “boyfriend” to husband in 2007. A charismatic documentary, “Cuban Boyfriend” depicts the 3-year journey of the couple, from the first “boy-meets-girl” to Padron’s initiation into Kor

AustCham has new leaders, hosts Sundowner Friday

By John Redmond The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham) will host the first Sundowner (party/get together) of the year under the title “Goodpie to Winter” on Friday at the Hilton Millennium Oak Room in Seoul from 6 p.m. till 9 p.m. The event promises a selection true Aussie pies, warm cheer, good friends, and great surroundings. New to Korea, but well known Down Under, Jester’s Pies will be on site making fresh pies. The Australian Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AustCham) consists of 250 corporate and individual members and has been in existence in its current form since 2008. AustCham’s primary mission is to support members, Australian businesses in Korea and Korean businesses interested in the Australia-Korea commercial relationship and provide an effective source of information, networks and advocacy. Australia and Korea have designated 2011 as the official Korea/Australia Friendship Year in recognition of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. Recently AustCham announced a new Executive Committee Leadership Team tha

Aussie style fish and chip shop in Incheon

By John Redmond New to Korea, Cotter’s, an Australian style fish and chip shop in Incheon, hosted a barbeque to celebrate the opening of the outlet and also to welcome the Australian Friends Society (AFS). Members of the expat community in Incheon and locals guests representing AFS got together last Thursday night at a reception room in the O’ville building, Incheon, to sample some traditional Australian fare. Julie Whang, Cotter’s manager, said the event was to give the expat community and local chapter of AFS a chance to become better acquainted. The AFS has been active for some 30 years as a program that involves the exchange of ideas and skills between Korea and Australia. These include job training, educational programs and trade opportunities. Cotter’s is unique to Korea in that it is a very typical Australian style fish and chip shop, not a restaurant. It is located on ground level, at the corner of the O’ville building near the Hyatt Hotel at Incheon International Airport. The shop specializes in grilled, battered or crumbed fish, chips (not fries), hamburger

International ski festival draws 600 foreigners

By Linn Helen Kornerud and Magnus B. Huus-Hansen Last weekend the International Ski Festival took place with fanfares at Yongpyong resort in Gangwon Province. With approximately 600 foreigners attending, and 240 participants competing in the different ski races, it was the biggest so far in its history. Blessed with beautiful weather and natural snow, the stage was set for the 29th consecutive festival. Norwegian Ambassador to Seoul H.E. Didrik Tonseth, who was also chairman of the organizing committee, opened the event Friday evening and people gathered to sign up for the ski races and measure the opponents. The conditions for this year’s competition could not have been better. Blue sky and sparkling sunshine together with a big snowfall from the previous week contributed to lay the foundation for a successful festival. Also, the presence of the IOC inspectors contributed to Yongpyong showing itself from its best side, and may we hope for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Games. First on the program Saturday morning were the alpine races for girls and boys, women and men o

(392) Social issues: corporal punishment (I)

(391) Heated floors: traditional ondol

(390) Common excuses (II)

(389) Common excuses (I)

(388) Hot water and ondol thermostat