UNSRC Korean Cultural Society

KOREA TIMES
06-24-2010 17:00

A scene from “A Barefoot Dream’’ by Kim Tae-kyun. The sports drama was inspired by the true story of a South Korean footballer who discovers hope while coaching East Timorese children. It is the first feature film to be screened at the U.N. Headquarters in New York. / Courtesy of Showbox/Mediaplex

By Lee Hyo-won
Staff reporter

With South Korea set to compete Saturday in the World Cup round-16 match, the football fever here is hotter than ever.

A timely release is “A Barefoot Dream,’’ about the so-called “Hiddink of Korea’’ that coaches penniless East Timorese children (named after the Dutchman who led the Taeguk Warriors to the 2002 World Cup semifinals).

Made with the support of the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and having been the first ever feature film to be screened at the U.N., “Barefoot’’ is a solid, politically correct (and a bit sugar coated) sports movie that is all about the love of the game.

It showcases all the hallmarks of the classic underdog movie, with adrenaline-pumping sequences, but is also so much more. It is a humane tale about “jeong’’ or collective compassion that touches upon the timeless themes of hope and redemption while offering an incisive observation of a developing country.

Yet even for those who could care less about malnourished kids kicking ball in an obscure place, it offers lighthearted entertainment with mass appeal to audiences both near and far. Like any good movie, it transports viewers to a whole new time and space to meet some of the most endearing individuals. You might easily find yourself cheering for the boys as if watching a real match and feeling like you can taste the sultry air of the tropical island.

Kim Tae-kyun, who directed the North Korean refugee film “Crossing,’’ again shows off his knack for filming dramatic stories in tough locations. But life is often stranger than fiction, and the story of Kim Shin-hwan, the footballer-turned-businessman who is now East Timor’s national hero, needs minimal dramatization _ though the lead actor Park Hee-soon (“Seven Days’’), deserves much credit for bringing a vibrant, antiheroic character who has mastered the art of Konglish (Korean-style broken English).

Park stars as Won-kwang, a once promising football player who is now often taken for a conman after a string of failed business ventures. But this Don Quixote, albeit a rather greedy one eager for financial success, heads over to East Timor. It’s a land still recovering from civil war so roads and buildings need to be built, he thinks, which naturally equals money.

He has nothing to lose but is dismayed to realize that nothing awaits him in the small Southeast Asian country. Just as he is about to head back to the airport, however, he spots children playing football in the street.

Yet Won-kwang is no humanitarian who is inspired to volunteer to coach impoverished children; the sight of kids running around barefoot comes to him as a sign that there is a potential market for sports goods and he opens a store stocked with Nike footwear. But soon he realizes that there aren’t many people who can afford the $60 shoes. He thus decides to “lease’’ them to the kids, and have them pay a dollar a day over two months.

What began as a business deal, however, blooms into an opportunity of a lifetime for not only the children but first and foremost for Won-kwang. “Hope, deceitful as it is, serves at least to lead us to the end of our lives by an agreeable route,’’ once said Francois Duc de La Rochefoucauld, and our protagonist realizes that fortune and happiness are two different things as he forms a youth football team.

But teamwork is also far from easy; some of the boys, scarred by civil strife that claimed members of their family, are at one another’s throats. Collaborating in a team sport however paves the path for friendship and forgiveness similar to orchestra projects that has brought together youths from Palestine and Israel.

Meanwhile the team is given the chance to take part in an international tournament in Japan. What would be the first ever overseas event for the newly independent nation, however, entails many hurdles as the team cannot afford the flight fare. Would they be able to make their dreams come true?

The film features some of the most captivating performances by the children, who are members of Kim’s actual football team and East Timor’s first ever movie stars. Supporting characters played by Ko Chang-suk (“Rough Cut’’), Kei Shimizu and Im Won-hee pepper the film with life and laughter. Xanana Gusmao, the actual East Timorese former president (now prime minister), also makes a special appearance as himself.

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The Korea Herald

Seoul is full of charms. If you have some time, walking around and feeling the real atmosphere of Seoul is very pleasant. Now, those who travel as professionals tell us about the best walking trails in Seoul.

Recommended by: Yoo Yeon-tae

Recommended trail: King’s trail, The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung (Palace)

Trail course: Donhwamun (start) → Gwanmulheon (0.4 km) → Buyongjeong (0.7 km) → Aeryeonji (0.8 km) → Jondeokjeong (1.0 km) → Okryucheon Cheonguijeong (1.5 km) → Back gate (3.1 km, 2 Hours)

Reason for recommendation: The Secret Garden of Changdeokgung, one of the five palaces of the Joseon Dynasty, was loved by the royal family for its beauty and dense forest. It was also the largest among palace gardens. Passing through Donhwamun, locust trees, a juniper, a tora vine and a mulberry tree designated as Natural Monuments welcome us. Then we cross Geumcheongyo and turn to the left to enter the Secret Garden.

The 16th king of the Joseon Dynasty, Injo, made furrows around a big rock, Soyoam, and made water flow along them. He floated drinking cups and composed poems. On Soyoam, Injo’s calligraphy and Sukjong’s quatrain are engraved. The contents of the poem are as follows: “The waterfall stands high of 300 feet, but the water flows from the nine celestial bodies far away. As I look at the water fall, white rainbow lathers, and thunder of water fills the valleys.” The Secret Garden trail is generally flat except the area near Ongnyucheon.

Travel tips: Changdeokgung is closed every Monday. From April to November, a Secret Garden tour should be reserved, except for Thursdays, at the website of Changdeokgung (www.cdg.go.kr). Changdeokgung Office (02) 762-8261. A 10-minute walk from No. 6 Exit of Subway Line 1, 3, 5, Jongno 3-ga Station, a 5-minute walk from No. 3 Exit of Subway Line 3, Anguk Station.

Restaurant tips: There are many restaurants around Anguk Station and Jaedong Elementary School. Mansuok (Seolleongtang and Haejangguk, 02-763-1447), Jaedonggol Manimsundae (Sundaeguk, 02-766-1035).

Recommended by: Yu Hyeong-yeong

Recommended trail: Most popular trail, Namsan Walk

Trail course: Dongguk Univ. Station (start) → National Theater of Korea (1.35 km) → Seokhojeong (3.03 km) → Waryongmyo (6.7 km) → Samsooni Stairs (6.76 km) → Hoehyeon Simin Apts. (8.7 km) → Hoehyeon Station (Total 9.21 km, 3 Hours)

Reason for recommendation: Namsan is the landmark mountain of Seoul, and is also easy to access. The Namsan walk is much loved because it is a beltway. As we walk along the beltway, it feels like we are walking through a deep forest. The cool atmosphere in Namsan relieves our minds. As we breathe in nature, Seokhojeong appears. Seokhojeong is an archery range for the Korean traditional archery, Gukgung. From Seokhojeong to Waryongmyo, it is around a 40-minute walk. The trail is fun, going up and down along a winding path in the mountain. Waryongmyo is a shrine of Zhuge Liang (Kongming). After a five minute walk from Waryongmyo, you will see the Namsan Walk office. Another five minutes of walking will take you to Namsan Science Museum.

Travel tips: Namsan Oreumi, an elevator service is available from Namsan Tunnel No. 3 to the cable car station (www.cablecar.co.kr, 02-753-2403). Namsan Oreumi is free of charge and is open from 9 a.m. to midnight.

Restaurant tips: There are Namsan Chamsutbulgalbi (02-775-0066) and Soban on the 1st floor of Seoul Tower (02-3455-9292) around Namsan.

Recommended by: Yi Jong-won

Recommended trail: Trail of 500-year-long history, Seoul Seonggwak (Fortress Wall)

Trail course: Waryong Park (start) → Malbawi Lodge (0.6 km) → Sukjeongmun (1 km) → Gokjang (2 km) → Cheongwundae (2.5 km) → Baekakmaru (2.9 km) → Dolgorae Lodge (4 km) → Changuimun (total 4.3 km, 2.5 Hours)

Reason for recommendation: The total length of Seoul Seonggwak (Fortress Wall) is 18.2 km. If you want a relaxed historical walk, Bugaksan Seonggwakgil would be a good choice. The fortress wall is well-preserved, and the view from the wall is beautiful. From Waryong Park to Malbawi, you will walk on an unpaved but soft road. If

After crossing Mokchaekgyo, you see Malbawi, the shape of which looks like the head of a horse. Malbawi is designated as a good vista point by Seoul Metropolitan City. From there, you will be able to see Gyeongbokgung, buildings of Gwanghwamun, Namsan, as well as Gwanaksan. After about 1 km along the fortress wall, you come to “Gokjang,” meaning bent fortress wall.

From Gokjang, you will see a panoramic view of Bukhansan. The trail from Gokjang to Baegaksan is the best part of Seoul Seonggwakgil. If you look at the fortress wall from above, the shape of the wall looks like a dragon twisted dragon heading for a jade ball. Baegaksan is the head of the dragon.

The Blue House is located under Baegaksan. The highlight of the Seoul Seonggwak trail is the ridge of Baegaksan. From the rock at the top of the mountain, you will see Sangmyung University, Gugi-dong residential area, as well as the ridge of Inwangsan and Gichabawi, and skyscrapers at Sejong-ro.

Travel tips: You can start walking along the fortress wall passing through Hyehwamun at Subway Line 4, Hansung University Station. However, for easier access, Waryong Park is a better starting point since it is connected with town shuttle bus lines.

A guided tour is provided at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. every day (www.bukak.or.kr).

Restaurant tips: In Seongbuk-dong, there are Geumwang Tonkatsu (02-763-9366), and Songuksu (02-743-5640 Suyuk, octopus). Restaurants near Changuimun are Jaha Sonmandu (02-379-2648 Sasaek Mandu), Harimgak (02-396-2441 Chinese, set meal), Tosokchon (02-737-7444 Samgyetang).

Recommended by: Jeong Bo-sang

Recommended trail: An oasis in the downtown, Jeongdong-gil

Trail course: Daehanmun, Deoksugung (Palace) (start) → Music Fountain (0.3 km) → Seoul Metropolitan Museum of Art (0.4 km) → Baejae Park (0.5 km) → Chungdong Church (0.6 km) → Chongdong Theater (0.7 km) → Canadian Embassy (0.9 km) → Starsix Jeong-dong (Movie Theater) (Total 1.1 km, 1 Hour)

Reason for recommendation: One of the world’s largest cities, Seoul is always busy and crowded. When you walk along Jeongdong-gil from Deoksugung to Kyunghyang Daily News, you will feel as if you’ve found an oasis in the downtown area. Jeongdong-gil is one of the most beautiful walks in Seoul.

It is also a cultural belt where the Seoul Metropolitan Museum of Art, Chongdong Theater, and Starsix Jeong-dong are located. Seoul Metropolitan Museum of Art uses the Old Supreme Court Building. Old buildings and neatly exhibition spaces are well harmonized to create a unique atmosphere. Next to Baejae Park, the 100-year-old Chungdong Church is located. Just across the street from Chungdong Church, there is Chongdong Theater. Chongdong Theater was built in 1995. If you turn to Sinmun-ro, there you’ll find the Annex of Sina Ilbo, designated as a Modern Cultural Heritage. On the first floor of this building is Wow Travel Gallery, specializing in travel photo.

Travel tips: Get off at Exit 1 of Subway Line 1 City Hall Station or Exit 2 of Subway Line 2, City Hall Station and find Daehanmun, the main gate of Deoksugung. There you find the start point of Jeongdong-gil, stone wall of Deoksugung.

Restaurant tips: A famous restaurant around this area is Namdosikdang (02-756-5945) with 40-year-long history, specializing in Chueotang.

Recommended by: Chae Ji-yeong

Recommended trail: Metasequoia road in Haneul Park, Sangam-dong

Trail course : Parking lot of Haneul Park (start) → Nanjicheon Park snack bar (1.0 km) → Korea District Heating Corporation (0.15 km) → entrance to Metasequoia road (0.6 km) → Metasequoia road (0.9 km) → Haneul Park (0.8 km) → Haneul Park Dullegil (1.9 km) → Pyeonghwa Park three-way intersection (0.8 km) (Total 6.15 km, 2 Hours)

Reason for recommendation: Metasequoia road in Haneul Park is a road that comforts our minds. The dirt road, which is very rare downtown, is soft like a cozy comforter. If you are on this small Metasequoia road, you feel that there’s only you, the forest, the chirping of birds and butterflies seeking wildflowers on the walking trail.

After you pass the Metasequoia road, you will meet Haneul Park. In Haneul Park, you can pass through the flame grass field or walk the Dulle-gil around the field. The best part of walking around the field is the beautiful scenery of Hangang and the city of Seoul.

Travel tips: Get off at Exit 1, Subway Line 6 World Cup Stadium Station, cross the overpass between Pyeonghwa Park and Haneul Park, and use Haneul stairs or slope road. Haneul Park opens at 9 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. in January, February, November and December, 6 p.m. in March and October, 7 p.m. in April, May and September, and 10 p.m. in June to August.

Recommended by: Yi Dong-mi

Recommended trail: Tranquil trail in Seoul, Buamdong-gil

Trail course: Changuimun (start) → Mugyejeongsa & Site of Hyun Jin-Gun’s House (0.6 km) → Whanki Museum (1.4 km) → Café Sanmotungi (2.5 km) → Baeksasil Valley & Samgaksan Hyeontongsa (3.9 km) → Segeomjeong (4.4 km) → Seokparang (Total 5.2 km, 5 Hours)

Reason for recommendation: Buamdong-gil is a trail with unpolished naturalness, not artificial beauty. Its unique charms are hidden like treasures around Buamdong-gil. Changuimun is a good place to start a Buamdong tour. Next to Changuimun, one of the main gates of Seoul Seonggwak, there is Club Espresso, which is very famous for good coffee. The next spot is Mugyejeongsa, a vacation home for Anpyeongdaegun, the third son of King Sejong. From Buamdong Community Center, you take Mugyejeongsa-gil on the right side of the Community Center.

Anpyeongdaegun built this house based on the paradise he had seen in his dream. The harmony of fallen leaves on the stairs is beautiful.

There is Whanki Museum that commemorates renowned artist Kim Whanki, who drew the most impressive water drops in the world. If you go up red brick alley, you will be led to Café Sanmotungi, which was featured in a hit drama series “The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince.” From its terrace garden, you will have a panoramic view of Buamdong valley and Seoul Seonggwak.

From the gate of the military base and going down a steep hill for 100 meters, Baekseokdongcheon (Historic Site No. 462), welcomes you. Even though it is in the downtown of a mega city, you will find salamanders, Chinese minnows and Korean fresh water crayfish. Buamdong is only a step away from the rapid pace of the city. Walking in Buamdong is real walking.

Travel tips: Take bus No. 0212, 1020, and 7022 at Exit 3 of Subway Line 3, Gyeongbokgung Station and get off at Buamdong Community Center or Jahamun-gogae bus stop. The total length of the trail is around 5 km, but it may take a significant amount of time, since there are many restaurants and cafés. It is better to visit Baeksasil valley early in the day, since it is difficult to navigate when it gets dark.

Restaurant tips: Club Espresso (Coffee 02-764-8719) serves delicious coffee, and Sanmotungi (Coffee 02-391-4737) has a nice view. Jaha Sonmandu (02-379-2648) is run by the third- generation owner.

[Box] A book to recommend

This book introduces 111 walking trails all around Korea from Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, Jeolla, Gyeongsang, Chungcheong provinces to Jeju Island. Twenty-seven travel writers of the Association of Korea Travel Writers wrote articles for the book. It includes: Haneul Park in Seoul, Dulle-gil of Jirisan, Ganghwa Nadeul-gil, a museum without a roof, Gosat-gil Hahoe Maeul with stone walls, and Olle-gil of Jeju with winds and stones.

The book shows us 111 of Korea’s representative walking trails ranging in length from 2 kilometers to 30 kilometers.

By The Association of Korea Travel Writers | 416 pages | 13,800 won |Yeolbeonjjaehaengseong (10th Planet)

By Annabelle Lee

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KOREA TIMES
06-24-2010 20:42

By Jung Sung-ki, Shim Hyun-chul
Staff reporters

Avestige of the fratricidal 1950-53 Korean War, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a strip of land dividing the Korean Peninsula and serves as a buffer zone between South and North Korea.

The DMZ cuts the peninsula roughly in half, crossing the 38th parallel on an angle, with the west of the zone lying south of the parallel and the east end lying north of it. The 250-kilometer-long, 4-kilometer-wide zone is the world’s most heavily fortified border.

The Armistice Agreement signed by the U.S.-led United Nations Command, China and North Korea on July 27, 1953, established the DMZ along the approximate line of ground contact between the opposing forces at the time the truce ended the Korean War.

The Military Demarcation Line (MDL) runs down the center of the DMZ and indicates where the front was when the agreement was signed. Since the armistice accord has never been followed by a peace treaty, the two Koreas are still technically at war.

The DMZ has seen numerous incursions by the North Koreans, although the reclusive state never acknowledges direct responsibility for any of their provocations.

The heavily militarized border, however, is a ready-made nature reserve containing the last remnants of untouched Korean geography.

During the past half century, the DMZ is and continues to be a deadly place for civilians, making habitation impossible. This isolation along the DMZ has created an involuntary park and is now recognized as one of the most well-preserved areas of temperate habitat in the world.

The DMZ also owes its varied biodiversity to its geography which crosses mountains, prairies, swamps, lakes and tidal marshes. Environmentalists hope that by the time reunification takes place, the former DMZ will be conserved as a wildlife refuge.

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