Global Community

Jjimjilbang sometimes charge foreigners extra

By John Redmond With the recent cold spell on the Korean Peninsula, many were tempted to stay indoors to escape the brutal icy conditions, or in some cases escape to the nearest public bathhouse (“jjimjilbang”) for a combination of relaxation and a health boost. As in this writer’s situation, the latter was a no brainer due to frozen pipes in the water system resulting in a complete absence of hot water for over a month and a training regime that often resulted in stiff and aching muscles. A jjimjilbang is a large, gender-segregated public bathhouse, furnished with hot tubs, showers, Finnish-style saunas, and massage tables, similar to a Korean sauna or public baths or “mokyoktang.” The word “jjimjil” is derived from the words meaning heated bath. However, in other areas of the building or on other floors there are unisex areas, usually with a snack bar, ondol-heated floor for lounging and sleeping, wide-screen TVs, PC bang (internet cafe), noraebang (karaoke style singing room), and sleeping quarters with either bunk beds or sleeping mats. For the most part, taking advan

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Foreignline

Various events for Lunar New Year A variety of performances, demonstrations, food tastings and other events will take place at Namsangol Traditional Village, Seoul, every day, from Feb. 2 to 4. Performances Feb. 2: New Year shamanistic exorcism “gut” and traditional Korean drum performance from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 3: Korean traditional music from 2 p.m. to 2:40 p.m. New Year shamanistic exorcism “gut” good luck ritual from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 4: Demonstration of “Ipchundaegil” calligraphy titled “Good fortunes with the onset of spring,” from noon to 12:30 p.m. Ceremony of hanging calligraphies of Ipchundaegil will be held from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. “Gugak,” Korean traditional music performance from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Demonstrations Daily between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. : A ropewalker’s performance “jultagi,” kite performance “yeonnalligi” and “charye” offering and giving thanks to ancestors. Traditional mime performances Food tasting Feb. 3. Tasting of rice-cake soup with dumplings (“tteokguk”) from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 3 and 4. Rice ca

Rise and shine for Super Bowl Monday: Steelers vs. Packers

By Alan Green On Monday morning, while most people are either just getting up or still fast asleep, several bars will be opening their doors to gridiron fans wanting to watch the Super Bowl live. Despite the early hour there is always a lively atmosphere for the game. Every year, more places are screening one of the year’s biggest sporting events, although most are in the popular expat district of Itaewon. The longest-running Super Bowl party in Itaewon is at 3 Alley Pub and it always draws a lively crowd. The game will be shown on five screens with the doors opening at 7 a.m. Breakfast will be available at 13,000 won for sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs, sauteed potatoes, toast and coffee. Above 3 Alley, Sam Ryan’s Sport’s Bar and Grill has quickly made a name for itself as one of the best places to watch sport. It will also offer a full breakfast and several screens on which to watch the game from 7:30 a.m. Another perennial Super Bowl favorite is Rocky Mountain Tavern. With two floors available to cater to fans from 7 a.m. the Truck Stop breakfast will be available for

US photographer presents The Color of Calm

By Alan Green Located in the Haebangchon neighborhood of Seoul, Laughing Tree Gallery is presenting the “The Color of Calm,” featuring works by American photographer Anya Dennis. The solo exhibition explores the relationship between color, beauty and emotions. All images are connected through a common thread of green which symbolizes renewal, life, growth, nature and harmony. This body of work embraces the balance and opulence lent by its companion of color. Be awakened and be renewed as you witness the “The Color of Calm.” Photographer, educator and global citizen, Dennis, a native of Philadelphia, photographed her first subject at age eighteen. While attending Clark Atlanta University she traveled to Ghana, West Africa in 1997. This experience afforded her the opportunity to record the marvelous images that colored Africa’s complex cultural and geographical terrain. It was this journey that gave birth to her passion for photography. Determined to explore the relationship between culture and identity, her travels across the continent from West to East Africa provided her

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