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Mountain
VOLUME 4 NO. 10
Check out the new,
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SEPTEMBER 24 − OCTOBER 7, 2015
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During Chuseok millions take to roads to meet relatives
BY FRANKLIN FISHER,
U.S.ARMY
CAMP RED CLOUD – When
millions of Koreans take to the
roads and rails to visit families
from one end of the country to
the other later this week, they’ll
be observing one of their biggest
national holidays, Chuseok.
It’s the nation’s annual autumn
harvest festival and falls this
year on Sept. 27, but the overall
holiday spans four days, Sept. of Lunar New Year – are the na26 through 29. Most Korean em- tion’s two biggest holidays.
ployees on U.S. military installaDuring Chuseok many Korean
tions in Korea will be off Sept. 28 families gather and give thanks
and 29, giving them a four-day for the year’s harvest and hold
weekend.
rituals that honor
Chuseok is con- WHEN: SEPT. 26 – 29 their ancestors.
sidered Korea’s most
Through
much
important holiday,
of Korea’s history,
according to the Korean govern- Koreans saw harvest crops as a
ment’s Korea Tourism Organi- blessing that owes to one’s anceszation (KTO) website. Chuseok tors. Korean Christian families
and Seollal -- Korea’s observance typically do not perform rituals
associated with ancestor worship, but do hold a Chuseok family gathering. Chuseok is often likened to American Thanksgiving.
During Chuseok, nearly all
government offices and most
businesses are closed. City
streets can seem all but deserted.
Trains and buses are jammed
and the nation’s highways carpeted in bumper-to-bumper
SEE CHUSEOK ON PAGE 2
2 STRIPES KOREA
Max D. Lederer Jr.
Publisher
Lt. Col. Brian S. Choate, USAF
Commander
Terry Wegner
Business Operations Manager
Michael Davidson
Revenue Director
Meg Irish
Member Services Director
Marie Woods
Publishing and Media Design Director
Chris Carlson
Publishing and Media Design Manager
Enrique “Rick” W. Villanueva Jr.
Korea Area Manager
Jinsun Song
Operations Manager
Ed Kelin
Advertising and Circulation Manager
Yoshifumi Yagisawa
Production Manager
Rie Miyoshi
Member Services Manager
Oscar Johnson
Publishing and Media Design Editor
Publishing and Media Design Writers
Tetsuo Nakahara
Takahiro Takiguchi
Layout Designers
Ayako Kamio
Yukiyo Oda
Yuko Okazaki
Kayoko Shimoda
Multimedia Consultants
Josh Clay
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Scott Jung
Jason Lee
Megumi Savoy
Hans Simpson Chae Pang Yi Robert Zuckerman
Graphic Designer
Kenichi Ogasawara
Sales Support
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Chae Yon Son
For feedback and inquiries,
contact [email protected]
To place an ad, call DSN 721-7145
korea.stripes.com/contact
CHUSEOK: Be safe when traveling
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
traffic as about three-fourths
of Korea’s population fans out
across the country to visit relatives. They enjoy traditional
foods and games, and make ritual
visits to their family burial sites.
Chuseok can be thought of as
having two main phases.
There’s the long holiday weekend built around Chuseok Day itself, of course, but also the weeks
of intense pre-holiday scrambling.
Koreans hurry to buy hardto-get train and bus tickets well
in advance. They buy and cook
traditional Chuseok foods. And
there’s a big holiday surge in buying and sending Chuseok gifts.
For some Koreans there’s even
a preliminary trip – sometimes at
long distances – to trim grass and
pull weeds at family gravesites
for the rituals that will later be
performed during Chuseok itself.
Other families choose to
wait until the holiday to get the
gravesites ready. The preparation, regardless of when it’s done,
is called “beolcho.”
But there’s plenty else to do
before Chuseok arrives.
There’s much buying of gifts
to be given to relatives and business associates at Chuseok.
And it’s an especially busy time
for the country’s postal system
Bumper-to-bumper traffic, along with heavy use of railroads and bus lines, is
typical of Chuseok, the annual fall harvest festival and Korea’s biggest holiday. Photo
courtecy of Republic of Korea Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
and its home delivery businesses
as families send Chuseok gifts to
relatives.
But for all the bustle that
goes into the run-up to Chuseok,
there’s nothing quite like the arrival of the holiday itself.
It’s most obvious sign is
that cities and towns can seem
abruptly emptied of people.
Where is everybody? Many
are bumper-to-bumper deep in
one big traffic jam that eventually overspreads the entire country.
Motorists blanket the highways in trips that on Chuseok can
take two and three times longer
than they would were it not a
holiday.
Also jammed with Chuseok
travelers are the country’s railroad stations and bus terminals.
Train and express bus tickets
for Chuseok travel are in such
demand they can sell out a month
ahead of time. Buying of train
tickets online has been so heavy
at Chuseok season it’s sometimes
crashed the computer system.
Those who try to buy at railroad
ticket windows face long, slowmoving lines.
On Chuseok day itself, families
gather at home and perform several acts, not necessarily in a set
order.
They tidy family gravesites if
they hadn’t done so weeks earlier.
Typically, they then hold an
indoor family ceremony, called
“charye,” in which they honor
their ancestors’ memory.
This service is followed by the
traditional Chuseok meal, which
is notorious for the long hours of
painstaking cooking and other
kitchen work Korean women
typically perform in preparing it.
It’s after all this that some
families go to family gravesites
and there, in a ritual called
“seongmyo,” render a formal
bow of respect to their ancestors.
Some Koreans, however, are
moving away from traditional
Chuseok practices. A growing
number are skipping Chuseok
observance entirely and using
the days off for leisure trips, often to places outside Korea.
Some families hire landscaping services to clear weeds and
trim grass at gravesites. Some order Chuseok food from catering
businesses.
Chuseok also sees a surge in
movie-going, with the holiday affording Koreans a chance to get
to the theaters.
But for those millions of Koreans who keep to the more traditional observance, there comes
the second and final holiday challenge, the return trip.
Trains, buses, roads, highways
and city streets are once again
congested, as three-fourths of the
nation’s populace, their preparations and get-togethers over for
another year, press their way
home.
Korea bases to get
new cable TV provider
in November
ARMY & AIR FORCE EXCHANGE
SERVICE
DALLAS – This fall, Army
and Family MWR will transition management of Cable
TV (CATV) services in Korea
to the Army & Air Force Exchange Service and its business partner, LG U+. This
change will significantly reduce direct expense to the
military while paving the way
for service members to enjoy
more program options, digital
features and upgraded signal
quality. Delivery of AFN and Command channels will transition to LG U+ effective Nov.
1. That will be followed by the
availability of new premium
packages as content agreements are finalized. About the transition:
• AFN service will transition
to LG U+ on Nov. 1. Viewers will need to have their
TV connected to coax, then
do a channel rescan.
• Premium packages will
change; they are still being
finalized and details will be
announced as soon as available. Premium subscribers
will need to remove their
set top box, connect their
TV directly to coax and
then do a channel rescan
– but not until after Nov.
1. To minimize the inconvenience, the Exchange
and LG U+ have teamed
to make free and premium
Hulu service (programs
from NBC, Fox and ABC/
Disney) available to LG
U+ internet subscribers on
base.
• Family and MWR premium
subscribers will need to
return their set top boxes
to the local CATV office
and close their account on
or about Nov. 1. Effective with the transfer,
LG U+ will assume responsibility for maintaining the
coax and network equipment
required for residential telecom services. Command has
authorized a $5/month fee for
LG U+ Internet customers to
cover these costs, also effective Nov. 1.
LG U+, which already
serves the U.S. military community through Exchange contracts for high-speed internet
and mobile communications,
will invest in technical infrastructure upgrades that will
pave the way for future digital
features.
STRIPES KOREA 3
AFN TV adding 12 new
shows to fall line-up
on the same channel and same
night to lessen the chances of a
viewer choosing one favorite proall is an exciting time for
gram over another. Saturdays on
Stateside TV fans eagerly
AFN|prime it’s Supernatural,
waiting for fresh episodes
Grim and Sleepy Hollow. Sunof their favorite shows and new
days on AFN|spectrum it’s Suprogram debuts. The American
perhero Sundays with Flash, ArForces Network (AFN) is bringing a similar viewing experience row and Gotham. Mondays on
to the overseas military audience AFN|pulse it’s Muppets, Fresh
off the Boat, Last
with 12 new priMan Standing and
metime
shows
Dr. Ken.
and more than 60
“The
AFN
highly rated relineup
showcases
turning shows.
the freshest, most
”We are exFor a complete listing popular programcited to offer viewof the start dates for ming from U.S. caers many new
all of the new and
ble and broadcast
programs, such as
networks as well
returning shows on
Minority Report,
as
informative
Scream
Queens
AFN TV, go to http://
programs
that conand Supergirl as myafn.dodmedia.osd.
well as returning mil/SeriesCycle.aspx. nect with our diverse audiences,”
favorites like ScanLowe said. “Our
dal, The Blacklist
goal
remains
to
serve our valued
and the NCIS franchises across
overseas
viewers
by achieving
the AFN platforms,” said AFN
Broadcast Center’s Chief of En- quick turn-around scheduling
tertainment Programming Kar- and air shows within days of the
reem Lowe. “We believe our au- U.S. airing of shows.”
In addition to the exciting new
dience will thoroughly enjoy our
fantastic line-ups on AFN|prime, primetime shows, AFN is deAFN|spectrum, AFN|family and buting two additional high profile shows: the Late Show with
AFN|pulse.”
Throughout the week, AFN is Stephen Colbert and The Daily
scheduling many similar shows Show with Trevor Noah.
BY GEORGE A. SMITH,
DEFENSE MEDIA ACTIVITY
F
4 STRIPES KOREA
FOR MORE
RESTAURANT STORIES
M
O
C
.
a
e
r
o
K
s
e
Strip
Percent Craft Beer
Pub a great place
to chill in Daegu
STORY AND PHOTO BY ANNIE,
THE BRAZEN GOURMAND
The vast majority of cities I’ve
visited in South Korea have a
notoriously crowded, neon and
flashing light laden, sensory
overloading, heavily concentrated nightlife, dining and shopping
district where local students, expats and tourists converge.
Although these areas are a
sure guarantee for a lively night
on the town, sometimes you just
want a night that’s a little less…
extreme.
Cue Daebong-ro in Daegu,
a relatively quiet, unobtrusive
street lined with craft beer bars,
open air BBQ restaurants and
small, intimate eateries.
On this road sits Percent Craft
Beer Pub, an oasis of sorts in a
city as “colorful” as Daegu.
Although they do not brew
their own, Percent features an
oft-changing variety of draft
beers from local and international breweries as well as a significant list of bottled craft selections.
The bar is modern, intimate
and open air, making for a perfect low-key evening …but don’t
fret, if after a few Percent pints
you get the sudden urge for Korean karaoke and a steady din of
K-pop, downtown Daegu is just a
few short minutes away.
What to know
PRICE: n/a
REVIEW: n/a
HOURS: Monday - Sunday: 15:00-2:00
ADDRESS: Jung-gu, Daebong-ro 206
(DAEBONG-DONG 132-20)
700-431 27 South Korea
SEE MAP: Google Maps
EMAIL: [email protected]
URL: http://www.percentcraftbeer.com
Suji’s Itaewon
— it’s that damn good.
With almost everything made
in house, the New York style
Anyone who has traversed
brunch and deli restaurant spethrough Itaewon over the past
cializes in American brunch fare
decade or so has no doubt either
— from salads and burgers, to
seen or heard of Suji’s. And if
delectable brunch options like
you haven’t — mark it on your
Smoked
Salmon
list of places to eat.
Benedict
and
Eggs
As many places
Florentine
at
prichave come and gone
es that won’t break
over the year’s, Suji’s
has consistently main- www.busanhaps.com the bank.
Whether
you
tained a simple menu
crave a full meal
with an unpretentious
ambience. To be frank, Suji’s or something light, you honestly
Deli is an Itaewon institution, can’t go wrong with any choice
one that deserves all the kudos on the menu.
While Itaewon restaurants
that it gets.
From the piled-high pastrami may come and go, there’s a
sandwiches to the delectable reason this one is a mainstay —
brunch options, there’s a reason fresh quality, great service and
that its always hard to get a seat above all, great food.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY TORY MOCK,
BUSAN HAPS MAGAZINE
What to know
HOURS: Open 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily
ITAEWON LOCATION: 서울특별시 용산구
이태원로 134, 2층 & 3층
2nd & 3rd Fl, 134, Itaewon-ro,
Yongsan-gu, Seoul
TEL: 02.797.3698
FAX: 02.797.3697
NO SMOKING
CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
Big Screens
,
s
k
n
i
r
D
Big
n
o
i
t
c
A
g
Bi
BY LIAM RING,
GROOVE KOREA MAGAZINE
W
orried about fiddling about
with streams? Not sure if you
can handle England versus
Australia on a small screen at home?
Why not head to ne of these six fine esbalishments for a hassle free evening
(or early morning) with your rugby heroes. There’ll be loads to eat and drink
and plenty of fellow rugby fanatics too
at anyone of Scrooge Pub, Shenanigans,
Sin Bin, Wolfhound, Cheeky Kiwi or Upper Deck. Enjoy the tournament!
Photo courtesy of Scrooge
Scrooge
(Itaewon)
Re-located to the more convenient
main Itaewon street (above the ABC
shoe store on the same side as the Hamilton Hotel) two years ago, Scrooge has
been a mainstay of the sporting community in Seoul for a decade now. The
bar focuses not only on local events – it
sponsors darts and pool teams in their
respective leagues – but also focuses on
bringing international events to Itaewon, with everything from rugby and
cricket to American football and Formula 1. Recent major events included
the
Mayweather/Pacquiao
fight with a full Scrooge
breakfast menu and the
Super Bowl (the last few
minutes of which are likely to be
remembered for some time to come).
With five large flat-screen TVs and a
100-inch HD projector screen, you will
be hard-pressed NOT to have a clear
view of the action. The bar has even set
up one screen so that smokers can still
keep an eye on the action while having a
puff. With so many screens, almost any
sports event can be shown live and staff
take requests where possible. The bar
fits 80 people comfortably, with the pool
table sacrificed when busy to allow for
more spectators, and with opening times
from 4pm ‘til late on weekdays and 2pm
‘til late on weekends, there is plenty of
opportunity to watch Rugby World Cup
games either live or on replay. And fans
of any team will be able to get a slice of
the action; as owner Mark Jones points
out, “We are an equal opportunity rugby
supporter.”
Sport can only offer so much sustenance without the right kind of food and
beverage, meaning that Western-style
pub grub including pizzas, burgers,
chicken wings (which take on an “insane” element on a Tuesday night), ribs,
and chili cheese fries are among the favorites. Featured drinks such as Friday’s
Four Horsemen shots special go hand in
hand with the bar’s other famous concoctions and, with over ten beers on tap
including Guinness, Erdinger, Ark, and
Kilkenny and special shots planned for
the Rugby World Cup, there is sure to
be plenty of life in whichever game you
head to Scrooge for.
Shenanigans Pub
(Itaewon)
Shenanigans Pub prides itself on reminding its regulars of their favorite
watering holes from Europe or North
America. Well-known for barbeques,
going-away parties, and other celebrations, the bar is gearing up for six weeks
of frenetic rugby action with a focus on
two of the Northern Hemisphere favorites.
The bar started out as
Bless You in 2002, but took
its more playful moniker
three years ago courtesy
of owner Willy Watson from Dublin.
Only closed two days a year, the bar
is open from 4pm until late Monday to
Thursday and from 3pm on Friday and
weekends so anyone needing a beer and
a.com
ore
groovek
a game of darts or pool won’t have far
to travel. As a bar with two teams in
both the darts and pool leagues as well
as having regulars in local rugby and
soccer teams, it’s a venue well-used to
sports action.
For the spectator, the bar plays regular Premier League games, rugby, boxing, and UFC. It also plans to start showing American football this season. For
the Rugby World Cup, owner Willy Watson’s native isle will be one of the main
features, although the bar promises that
England matches will also be a regular
fixture during the tournament. That is
not to say that other teams will not be
featured however, with any game available upon request. The bar comfortably
fits 70 people with one large projector
screen, one large HD screen and two
smaller screens. It offers a traditional
western pub menu including burgers,
wings, and quesadillas, in addition to
new UK pub-style dishes such as chips
and curry, chicken tikka masala skewers, and a weekly Indian curry special.
Beers on tap include Guinness, Carlsberg at a very respectable KRW 6,000,
local brews such as Red Rock and OB
and craft beers Be High IPA and Hug Me
White Ale. With screens, drinks, food,
and even an outside garden patio with
BBQ grills, there are plenty of reasons
to head to Shenanigans this September.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SHENANIGANS.SEOUL
Sin Bin
(Itaewon)
One of the major sports bars in Seoul,
Sin Bin supports expatriate rugby
clubs Seoul Survivors and Seoul Sisters
throughout the season and shows rugby
events such as the State of Origin series,
the Southern Hemisphere Rugby Championship, and the European Six Nations.
With the bar also regularly hosting both
darts and pool league matches, it’s fair
to say that it has its finger on the sporting pulse. Food offerings include wings,
personalised pizzas, burgers, and platters, with regular discounts on different
nights so sports fan won’t be hungry either. With 11 LED full HD televisions,
the bar expects to be exceptionally busy
over a month which will balance the
STRIPES KOREA 5
Photo courtesy of Scrooge
rugby with American sports such as the
NFL. Already with plans in place for a
big event for the opening match between
England and Fiji on the first Friday
night/Saturday morning of the tournament, expect plenty of the regular rugby
stalwarts to be in situ throughout the
month. Play a game of darts or shuffleboard, or practise your pool skills in between games, always confident of never
missing a scrum or line out.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/SINBIN.SPORTSPUB
Photo courtesy of Wolfhound
Wolfhound
(Itaewon)
The bar synonymous with all things
Irish, fans won’t have had the chance to
draw breath with the ending of the GAA
hurling and football championships before the rugby kicks in. The bar’s upstairs section offers six screens for a
view from wherever you’re seated, so no
matter how packed it gets, you’ll still be
able to see a Johnny Sexton penalty or a
Paul O’Connell leap. With full access to
channels from the British Isles and Ireland, expect plenty of fans to be heading
there as Ireland kick off its tournament
against Canada on the first Saturday.
From there, the Irish move to a Sunday
night slot with games being played just
after midnight Korean time. With six
screens and the ability to show different
sports on the recently renovated second floor, the bar is ready to flow seamlessly from live GAA matches to hosting
SEE BIG ON PAGE 6
6 STRIPES KOREA
Big: Cheer on
your fav team
Barclays Premier League soccer and the very best that the
Rugby World Cup has to offer.
With regular discounts on cider and other promotions, there
promises to be plenty of opportunities for renditions of “Ireland’s Call” during the tournament.
BE THERE FOR:
• Ireland vs. Romania
(Monday, Sept. 28 at
12.45am)
• Ireland vs. Italy (Monday,
Oct. 5 at 12.45am)
• Ireland vs. France (Monday,
Oct. 12 at 12.45am)
WOLFHOUNDPUB.COM/
“kettle” – served in a tea kettle,
patrons can choose between
Kiwi Smash, Long Island, and
Heisenberg for 10 to 12 shots
at KRW 15,000. For those of a
more sophisticated persuasion,
the bar also offers New Zealand
white and red wines.
Check out the Cheeky Kiwi’s
Facebook page for details on
what the staff promise will be
a month of full-blooded action.
Someone might even do a haka!
BE THERE FOR:
• If you want a game that the
bar isn’t open for, contact
the bar to make booking
arrangements.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/
CHEEKYKIWISEOUL
Photo courtesy of Cheeky Kiwi
Photo courtesy of Upper Deck
Daegu
USAG Yongsan
* Vietnamese rice Noodle (PHO) *
* Steamboat *
* Spring roll *
* Special Vietnamese Vegetarian Roll *
* Tomyamkung *
*PAT Thai (Thai Fried rice Noodle) *
*Pat Pong Curry *
(Thai Style Curry with Prawn or Crab)
Vietnamese & Asian Family Restaurant
Add: 20-6,
6-gil,
,
Tel: 053-765-6544
Osan Air Base
Only Fresh
Chickens!
OSAN AB
TIBA 2-for-1 Chickens
Call 15 min. early
for Fresh Pick up
031-668-2993
Best flavor for Americans,
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Cheeky Kiwi
(Sinchon)
The Cheeky Kiwi has nailed
its colors to the mast for this
tournament,
with
changed
opening hours one way to ensure fans of the All Blacks can
get their fill of the action. Chosen as the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce’s official bar
for the Rugby World Cup, there
are likely to be plenty of All
Black supporters making their
way to Sinchon. The bar is also
involved in rugby at the local
level, with its sponsorship of
the Korea Touch Association
Open since last September, the
bar utilises two screens to show
major sports events including
rugby, cricket, and soccer within the forty plus seat venue.
For the thirsty and hungry fan, the bar furnishes top
quality grub including fish and
chips at KRW 15,000 and plenty
of burger options. Just to add
that air of authenticity, all fish
is sourced from New Zealand,
while the beef is either from
New Zealand or Australia. All
to bring a taste of home.
Drinks-wise, local beers are
on tap but with a range of bottled offerings from back home
and an international selection, there is no need to stick
to Cass or OB. Tui, NZ Pure,
and a number of beers from
the Monteith Brewing Company jostle with overseas offerings such as Corona, VB, and
Somersby. Mixed drinks and
cocktails are also available, but
the bar’s specialty drink is the
Upper Deck
(Kyungridan)
Open since mid-January
2014, the Upper Deck has dedicated itself to the goal of bringing top quality sport to Kyungridan, with American-style
bar food and a variety of beverages to keep the locals happy.
The bar offers 12 beers on tap, a
variety of bottled beer, liquors,
and cocktails, and competitively priced food. All set then
to keep the hungry and thirsty
satisfied.
The venue offers three floors
of entertainment, with six 50- to
70-inch screens in addition to
two three-meter HD projection
TVs, so fans will have no problem getting a panoramic view
of their sporting heroes. In addition to showing major UFC
events (the bar sponsors a local
MMA fighter), it has in the past
also shown major championships such as the Super Bowl,
World Series, NBA finals and
World Cups, meaning that the
upcoming Rugby World Cup
will be little different.
Upper Deck opens from 5pm
until around 2am on weekdays,
and 11am until the intriguingly termed “late” on weekends, meaning that the rugbyobsessed Kyungnidan resident
has every chance of getting
late games, particularly on the
weekend. Promising to focus
on what the customer wants,
Upper Deck is well-situated to
offer plenty in September and
beyond.
WWW.UPPERDECKKOREA.COM/
Visit valley town of Hwacheon
STORY AND PHOTOS BY KAT NICKOLA,
STRIPES KOREA
K
orea can sometimes seem too crowded.
It’s nice to have a place to escape for
fresh air, village life and nature. One
such place is Hwacheon; a cute mountain town
in the very north of the country. There are no
high rise apartments in Hwacheon; nothing giant to block views of the steep green mountains
and pretty Bukhan (North Han) river. The town
itself is small and quaint with one main shopping
road and a nice central market area for getting
food or fishing gear. It’s nestled in a V; shaped
by the river and a tributary.
In the warmer months Hwacheon is a great
place for camping or staying at minbak; for options drive east on route 460 along the river.
The camping area is near a very tall waterfall.
Though manmade, the waterfall is prettily nestled into the river valley and worth the short
drive. There is a walkway to the top for a nice
view, and in the winter the falls freeze to become
an ice-climbing center.
Along this same stretch of the Han river,
Hwacheon has created its own gorgeous little
cycle-way. This is a great bike path along either
side of the scenic gorge that is mostly paved or
made out of decking to pedal over the water
where the bank was too steep. There are even a
few spots to cross floating bridges on your bike.
Our favorite place along this bike path is south
of town on the east side of the river. Near the
end of the path is a beautiful garden designed
as fields of flowers; a giant tree makes for pretty
photo opportunities and a serene picnic spot.
Another favorite pastime in Hwacheon is fishing. The area is known for its mountain trout
and the local stores sell lots of fishing gear.
There are plenty of small tributaries that look
perfect for casting.
High elevation activities abound in
the mountains around Hwacheon. We
spent one warm fall day rock climbing on
mount Yongwasan, south of town. The
views from the top were amazing. There is a
trail to the peak, for non-climbers, but be warned
that it is super steep (even for Korea!). Ropes
along route can are there to help pull yourself
up the trail. The effort is well worth
it, though. From that peak Korea
seemed natural and remote. There
To get there, drive
were mountain peaks and steep val- along I-60 eastward
leys as far as we could see. And, it
to Chuncheon
may have been my imagination, but
and then follow
I think the air was clearer there; the
route 5 north into
sky bluer; the clouds whiter.
Hwacheon has a few other attracHwacheon.
tions as well. There is a wonderful,
small, but well done folk museum
that is free. It highlights the local village fishing
and farming heritage. The building is just across
the river from town. The river itself is an attraction; the waterfront has paddleboats to rent
for enjoying the water and the stillness.
I would be remiss to not mention the one
thing that does draw large crowds Hwacheon:
The Sancheoneo (mountain trout) Ice Festival.
In 2015 the festival with run from Jan 10 - Feb
1. Visit www. narafestival.com and click the language flag on the top right for details.
Hwacheon is far to the north and near the
DMZ. You will notice a lot of military bases on
the drive, and even some anti-troop-movement
additions to the roadways if you know what to
look for.
www.ramblingfamily.com
STRIPES KOREA 7
8 STRIPES KOREA
Climb into fall foliage
KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION
C
ool temperatures and colors change from the
vibrant greens of summer to a rich palette of
red, orange and yellow, signaling the arrival of
autumn. Though numerous areas across Korea offer
brilliant displays of autumn leaves, the mountains
are still considered the quintessential destination.
This year, the leaves are expected to change color
around late September at Seoraksan Mountain and
spread southwards across the central and southern
parts of Korea. Fall foliage generally reaches its
peak in two weeks from the time the leaves begin to
change, meaning this year’s peak foliage is expected
to hit the central region around late October, and
the southern region around early November. This is
when you can hit the road to revel in the splendor of
the changing of the seasons.
Seoraksan Mountain (설악산)
When it comes to autumn destinations, the first
mountain that comes to mind for most is Seoraksan Mountain. A feast for the eyes throughout the
year, rich colors make Seoraksan a main attraction
in autumn. There are plenty of hiking trails along
the mountainside. When planning your hiking
route, take into account that the best places to
view leaves are Cheonbuldong Valley(천불동계곡),
Osaek Mineral Spring(오색약수터), Osaek Jujeongol (주전골) and Baekdam Valley (백담계곡).
More Info
• Seoraksan National Park (NaeSeorak)
english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.
jsp?cid=264219
• Seoraksan National Park (OeSeorak)
Jirisan Mountain (지리산)
Beloved in Korea, Jirisan Mountain is rugged
in form and impressive in scale. During peak
foliage season in late October, the slopes blaze
with brilliant colors in the rocky landscape, while
Piagol Valley (피아골) and Baemsagol Valley(뱀사
골) offer great hiking trails. Jirisan also extends
across three provinces (Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Jeollanam-do), and many choose
to go on overnight hiking trips to fully appreciate
the mountain.
More Info
• Jirisan National Park
jsp?cid=264209
• Transportation
1. To Jeollanam-do
• Yongsan Station → Guryegu Station (구례구역)
(Train schedule: First train 05:22, last train 22:45)
• KTX (Travel time: 2 hrs 30 min / Fare: 41,500 won)
• Saemaeulho Line (Travel time: 4 hrs / Fare: 35,000 won)
• Mugunghwaho Line (Travel time: 4 hrs 15-30 min / Fare:
23,600 won)
• Guryegu Station → Gurye Bus Terminal (구례공용버스터
미널)
(Bus schedule: Approx. 1-hour intervals / First bus 07:13,
last bus 19:55 / Fare: 1,200 won)
• Gurye Bus Terminal → Take a bus bound for Nogodan (노
고단) → Get off at Seongsamjae (성삼재)
in Inje, Gangwotn-do
jsp?cid=264211
• Transportation
• Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울종합버스터미널) → Sokcho
Intercity Bus Terminal (속초시외버스터미널)
(Bus schedule: First bus 06:05, last bus 23:00 / Travel time:
Approx. 2 hrs 30 min to 4 hours 40 min (It varies depending
on traffic, please confirm in advance.) / Fare: 17,300 won 19,000 won
• From Sokcho Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus 7 or 7-1 → Get
off at the last bus stop (Seoraksan Sogongwon Bus Stop)
Bus schedule: 20-30 minute intervals / Travel time: Approx.
40 minutes / Fare: 1,200 won
• Ticket office is about a 5-minute walk from the last bus stop.
(Admission fee: 3,500 won)
• Nearby Attractions
Seorak Waterpia, Naksan Beach, Gangneung Gyeongpodae
Pavilion and more
in Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do
* Buses do not operate from late November to mid April.
last bus 17:40 / Travel time: Approx. 40 min / Fare: 4,500
won)
2. To Gyeongsangnam-do
• Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal (서울남부종합버스터미널) →
Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal (진주시외버스터미널)
Approx. 3 hrs 40 min / Fare: 20,300 - 22,300 won)
• Jinju Intercity Bus Terminal → Take a bus bound for
Jungsan-ri (중산리행) → Get off at the last bus stop.
(Bus schedule: First bus 06:10, last bus 21:10 / Approx.
1-hour intervals / Fare: 5,900 won)
3. To Jeollabuk-do
• Central City Terminal (Honam Line) (서울호남고속버스터
미널) → Namwon Express Bus Terminal (남원고속버스터미
널)
(Bus schedule: First bus 06:00, Last bus 22:20 / Travel time:
Approx. 3 hrs / Fare: 15,800 - 25,600 won)
• Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울종합버스터미널) →
Namwon Bus Terminal (남원공용버스터미널)
(Bus schedule: 09:00, 10:00, 15:20 / Travel time: 4 hrs /
Fare: 16,000 won)
• Namwon Bus Terminal → Take an intercity bus bound for
Baemsagol (뱀사골)
last bus 19:20 / Travel time: Approx. 50 min / Fare: 5,300
won)
Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan, Hwaeomsa Temple, Cheoneunsa Temple and more
Acrylic / UV Gel
https://www/facebook.com/myblingstory
Mon–Sat 10:00-21:00
For appointments call: 070-8747-2414
Eye Lash / Wax
Fix Ingrown Toenail
Located in DAEGU
Manicure / Pedicure
STRIPES KOREA 9
Odaesan Mountain (오대산)
Odaesan Mountain’s vibrant fall foliage puts it on
the map as an autumn destination. A popular vacation
site year round, the mountain bustles with campers and
guests at natural recreation forest lodges, especially
during peak foliage season around mid-October. During
busier times, the road from Myeonggae-ri, located to
the north of Woljeongsa Temple (월정사), often offers
more convenient access to Odaesan Mountain.
More Info
• Odaesan National Park
english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/SI/SI_EN_3_1_1_1.jsp?cid=264215
• Transportation
in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal(동서울종합버스터미널) → Pyeongchanggun Jinbu Bus Terminal (진부공용버스터미널)
Bus schedule: First bus 6:22, last bus 20:05 / Travel time: 2 hrs 15
min / Fare: 13,100 won
• Jinbu Intercity Bus Terminal (진부시외버스터미널) → Take a bus
bound for Odaesan Mountain Destination: Woljeongsa (월정사) or
Sangwonsa (상원사) Temples
Bus schedule: Approx. 1-hour intervals / First bus 06:30, last bus
19:40 / Travel time: 20-40 minutes / Fare: 1,900 won (Woljeongsa),
3,000 won (Sangwonsa)
• Get off at Woljeongsa or Sangwonsa Temples (Admission: 3,000
won)
Sangwonsa Temple (Odaesan), Woljeongsa Temple (Odaesan),
Daegwallyeong Museum and more
Naejangsan Mountain (내장산)
Second only to Seoraksan Mountain, Naejangsan
National Park boasts a high volume of visitors
every year. The most remarkable feature of
this mountain during autumn is the tunnel of
multicolored maple trees that begins at the ticket
office.
More Info
• Naejangsan National Park
Juwangsan Mountain (주왕산)
Juwangsan National Park is characterized by
rocky peaks, deep valleys and elegant waterfalls.
Its main hiking trail, which runs through the
Sangui Parking Lot (상의주차장), Kaldeunggogae
Ridge (칼등고개), Hurimegi (후리메기), Waterfall
No.1 and back to the parking lot, takes approximately four hours to complete. At dawn, the thick
fog blanketing Jusanji Pond near Juwangsan
Mountain, combined with the reflection of trees in
the water, continues to attract visitors, especially
photographers, to the mountain every year.
in Cheongsong, Gyeongsangbuk-do
More Info
• Juwangsan National Park
jsp?cid=264150
• Transportation
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (동서울종합버스터미널) →
Juwangsan Intercity Bus Terminal (주왕산시외버스터미널)
(Bus schedule: 06:30, 08:40, 10:20, 12:00, 15:10, 16:40 /
Travel time: 4 hrs 30 min / Fare: 24,700 won)
Jusanji Pond, Cheongsong Folk Museum and more
• Korea National Park: www.knps.or.kr (Korean, English,
Chinese)
in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do
jsp?cid=264295
• Transportation
• Central City Terminal (Honam Line)
(서울호남고속버스터미널) → Jeongeup Bus
Terminal (정읍공용버스터미널)
3 hrs / Fare: 14,600 - 23,600 won)
• Jeongeup Bus Terminal → Take Bus 171 → Get off at
Naejangsan Terminal (Bus schedule: Approx. 30-minute
intervals / Travel time: Approx. 30 min / Fare: 1,400 won)
Naejangsa Temple, Geumseon Valley and more
10 STRIPES KOREA
The waiting game: Space-A travel challenge
BY PAUL ALEXANDER,
STARS AND STRIPES
Published: Sept. 10, 2015
S
ome I recognize, like the
guy toting the “Ugly Stik”
fishing pole. Others are
easily spotted as they shamble
around with the same dazed,
glazed expression that says they
can’t believe they’re stuck in this
bad daily rerun.
Space-Available can be the
greatest thing since The MileHigh Club — a chance to travel
for free on military flights.
Then there are trips like this
one, where everything goes
wrong and hopes of getting out
quickly are dashed with unintentional cruelty.
It had started out with such
promise. The plan, proposed by
my wife as we looked at several
options for a pre-school shopping
trip stateside from our residence
at Yokota Air Base in Japan, was
the cheap route. I’d go alone since
I could stay with friends and
spend more on our two daughters, 10 and 12, along with a stop
at Victoria’s Secret for my wife.
I had traveled Space-A twice
before and almost cockily felt
I had a feel for how the system
works — and doesn’t work. The
key is to be flexible, so I would
fly to Travis Air Force Base,
near San Francisco, on a Thursday with a target of getting back
home exactly a week later. I had
:
S
E
IV
US
CL
EX
W
NE
OM
FR
Illustration by Bev Schilling, Stars and Stripes
four extra days as a cushion in
case of problems. I could fly via
Hawaii or Alaska.
Getting to Travis was a breeze
— though a chilly one. I didn’t get
my leave paperwork until noon
but made it through roll call five
hours later and soon was hugging
the family goodbye.
I grabbed one of the two seats
at the very back of the plane only
to learn why they hadn’t been
snapped up: They were right by
the open stairwell to the unheated cargo area below. By the time
the flight was halfway through,
I was wrapped in three blankets
and wishing I wasn’t wearing
shorts.
Still, I reminded myself that
it was free. The shopping went
well, and it was great to catch up
with friends, munching homecooked meals in Oakland and
grilling buffalo burgers in Santa
Monica. Though it was a short
visit and I still wasn’t fully over
jet lag, I headed back to Oakland
on Tuesday. Travis’ Facebook
page showed a flight leaving for
Yokota the next day.
But when I woke up the next
morning, the flight schedule no
longer had Yokota listed. I chuckled, thinking of similar occurrences before and the standard
Space-A warning that schedules can change without notice.
Nothing was on the agenda for
Thursday, but another flight was
marked for Friday with 73 seats.
I was in the second priority category, so it was pretty certain I’d
be aboard.
So I checked into the base’s
comfortable
Westwind
Inn,
dropped off my rental car to
cut expenses and relaxed in my
room. After my hectic schedule
so far, it would be nice to have a
little free time to relax with my
feet propped up and the TV remote close at hand.
Again keeping costs in mind,
I walked the mile to the commissary to pick up some food, including a loaf of bread, packs of
turkey and ham, a few beverages
and some snacks. There would be
plenty left over for the flight.
Friday morning came, and the
Travis passenger terminal was
abuzz with people gathered for
roll calls on several flights. More
than 70 were hoping to get on the
C-5 headed for Yokota, including
several families with small children. They regularly checked a
TV monitor showing where they
stood on the priority list. I saw
the guy with the “Ugly Stik” for
the first time.
Nervous smiles turned to disappointment as word came that
only three seats were available.
The courtesy phones were quickly swamped as people called
friends, rental car companies
and hotels, then trudged out
the door with their luggage
carts.
Unfortunately, when I
called the Westwind, it was
fully booked. Talk about a sudden crisis. The base’s rental car
office was all out, too. The terminal closes from 10 p.m.-4 a.m.,
so there would be no sleeping
there. I frantically called the USO
— they’d have to refer me to the
Red Cross. I hung up. I didn’t feel
homeless, but a night roughing it
outdoors suddenly seemed like a
real possibility.
I sat around the terminal the
rest of the afternoon, using their
free Wi-Fi and calling the Westwind every hour. I was making my
last call at 5 p.m., already resigned
to wrapping up in a blanket on the
grass somewhere, when they told
me they had a handicapped room
available.
“Does it have a bed?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“I’ll take it.”
The next couple of days are a
blur of walks to the commissary
for more supplies and lots of bad
TV. I learned the depth of America’s love for zombies — there are
at least four TV series on the undead now, and there were back-toback zombie movies on the cutely
named Syfy network one night:
Ving Rhames toted a skull-crushing hammer in one, and Mariel
Hemingway starred in the other.
That’s how I started learning
more about Travis. The base is
pretty well located if you’re gonna
be stuck somewhere, so it’s particularly popular with retirees,
some with RVs. San Francisco, the
Napa Valley, Yosemite National
Park and the Pacific Ocean are all
within driving distance. There’s a
big outlet mall a few miles away in
Vacaville and an Anheuser Busch
Brewery 20 minutes away.
But I’d given up my rental
car. So I discovered that I could
get temporary membership at
the base library, which gave me
access to their video collection,
and I burned through a couple of
those. A bowling alley is across
the street from the hotel. The
combined enlisted and officers
club has a batch of big-screen TVs
to watch sports, along with free
happy-hour appetizers for club
members, even if you joined at
another base. There’s a food court
STRIPES KOREA 11
and a Starbucks.
Despite the distractions, frustration grew as the days dragged
by. Keeping in contact by Skype,
my wife and daughters shared the
sentiment.
One day summed up just how
unpredictable Space-A can be.
A flight was scheduled with 73
seats. Right before roll call came
an announcement that instead
of stopping in Alaska, the plane
would go direct to Yokota — great
news for all but a few who had
planned to end their travel at Elmendorf.
The roll call began and my
name was called. Then as I waited in line for check-in, another
announcement came: because
the flight was going direct, more
fuel was needed, eating into the
weight allowance, so fewer people
would be able to go. The roll call
was suspended.
Since I was still in line, I was
a little disappointed for those who
hadn’t been called yet, including
“Ugly Stik.” Then again, fewer
people would mean empty seats
and room to stretch out.
As I was eight people away
from checking in, a third announcement came. Check-in was
being suspended, too, as they had
reached the weight limit. Crushed,
I headed for a seat in hopes that a
couple more seats would open up.
It never happened.
Two days later, another Yokota flight was listed with 14 seats
available. I was 20th on the roll
call list, but my hopes remained
high because right in front of me
was a family of six, including four
small children. Surely they would
stick together, and I would get the
last seat.
Nope. The father took it, saying
he had to get back to work right
away. I know that was probably
the right decision professionally,
but I wonder if the wife being
left behind with the kids — and
dropped to a lower category —
might come up in some future argument.
When I asked the terminal staff
why another flight was taken off
the list, I was told it was traveling heavy and hauling hazardous
materials. I said I didn’t care,
that if there was an accident, the
crash would kill me before the
hazardous material. They just
laughed.
By now, the hotel staff knew me
well. I had a good chat with “Ugly
Stik,” a retiree who was looking
to get to the Philippines. Other
people who were equally stranded
waved when they spotted me. One
was a Florida-based serviceman
who was trying to get to Yokota to
escort his Japanese wife back; he
was driving back and forth from
the terminal to his father’s place
in Reno, 3 ½ hours away.
My ninth day at the Westwind
passed, raising my bill there to
$540. I was on my second loaf of
bread, fourth pack of lunch meat,
second box of microwave popcorn and a batch of grapes from a
weekly farmers market. I discovered a decent barbecue restaurant
outside the base, though it was a
long walk and my knee ached. I
was tired of the food court.
Another Friday, and the hotel
was booked again. This time I
rented a car, did some more shopping at Vacaville and had lunch
there, striking up a good chat with
a golf fan as we watched Tiger
Woods climb into contention at a
tournament for the first time in a
while.
That night I slept in the red
Volkswagen Jetta. It was chilly,
and strong winds had the car
rocking — all in all, a miserable
night, especially because a flight
was listed for Saturday morning,
but only 10 seats were tentatively
available, terminal staff said that
could drop to zero, and no flights
were scheduled for the next two
days.
I already had lost an extra
week of leave time, and the ordeal
was seeming endless.
The morning finally brought
some good news. The monitors
showed 73 seats available. With
a rubber-band ring, made by my
youngest daughter, on my right
pinkie for good luck, I was sixth
on the list. And although I waited
for another stroke of bad luck, it
didn’t come.
I got on the C-5 and pumped
my fist. Ten days after I started
trying to get back, I was finally going home.
[email protected]
Who says dogs can’t
vacation in style?
BY LYNN O’ROURKE HAYES,
THE DALLAS MORNING NEWS
I
t may be difficult to leave
your four-legged
friends at home
when you travel. Here
are five places that sit
up and take notice of
your pets:
along with menu
selections sure
to please. Later,
strap on the leash
and stroll the many
paths along the city’s
scenic riverfront.
Contact: www.
commonshotel.com
Fort
Lauderdale,
Fla.
Chicago
Loews
Hotels and
Resorts were
among the
first chains
to throw open
their doors to pet-loving guests.
Offering dog treats, puppy
beds and a special Yappy Hour,
guests and their four-legged
friends feel welcome at the 22
properties dotting the U.S. and
Canada.
With a hotel that serves
specialty drinks like Snooptinis
and puppyccinos, why leave
Fido behind?
Contact: www.loewshotels.com
Scottsdale, Ariz.
You’ve heard of yoga’s
downward facing dog? Now
you and Spot can get your
om on together during the W
Scottsdale resort’s free monthly
yoga classes for dogs and their
humans.
Salute the sun in class
and then head for nearby
hiking trails in the McDowell
Mountains for an outdoor
experience the whole family
will enjoy.
Contact: www.wscottsdalehotel.
com
Minneapolis
Whether you are checking
out the university options,
popping in for a game at Target
Field or want to preview the
new Viking stadium, your pup
will stay in style — argyle style
— at Commons Hotel. Designer
patterned beds and bowls will
be delivered by the Bark Butler,
No doubt
your dog
deserves a
room with a
view. Check into the W’s Doggie
Suite, and the proper amenities
will be waiting, including a
Tinkle Turf pad on the balcony.
The Bark Box delivered to
your room promises healthy
doggie snacks, toys and a
special menu with offerings
that include organic salmon
fillet and steamed asparagus,
or poached chicken breast with
baby carrots.
If you hear a knock on the
door, it could be the dog walker
offering to take Fido for a stroll.
Your two-legged kids never had
it so good.
Contact: www.
wfortlauderdalehotel.com/doggone-it
New York
Two Gansevoort hotels in
New York roll out the red carpet
for your furry pal. Expect
premium treats from the
Barking Zoo, a comfy pet bed,
Fiji water, toys and tasteful food
and water bowls.
Your pet will feel extra
special when she settles in
next to her own monogrammed
welcome mat.
If you choose to go the extra
mile for Fido, you can request
a cross-body puppy purse for
wear on your most important
outings.
Contact: www.
gansevoorthotelgroup.com
12 STRIPES KOREA
s
d
i
k
a
m
i
h
s
u
k
u
F
dive into
n
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l
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T
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
TETSUO NAKAHARA,
STRIPES KOREA
he children wept as they
said goodbye to their new
friends. Friendships that
are likely to last a lifetime because of the bond forged during a
special week of camp. Yes, it was
an emotional and heartfelt scene
at the Takeshiba Ferry Terminal
in Tokyo. One I will never forget,
but one I hope repeats with other
children in years to come.
This group of children from
Fuksuhima, Japan, had just returned from the Fukushima Kids
Dolphin Camp that was held Aug.
15-19 on small, friendly Mikura
Island. The group spent the week
exploring nature, facing fears,
sharing feelings and, yes, swimming with wild dolphins.
Longtime friend Toru Fujita and I held the first FKDC in
2014. It is a radiation-free and
expense-free camp for children
whose families were affected by
the meltdowns at the Fukushima
Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant following the Great Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami on March 11,
2011.
Four years after the earthquake and tsunami devastated Fukushima and
surrounding
areas,
there are still some
places where radiation levels
are checked on a regular basis.
In fact, some kids even carry a
special device to keep an eye on
the radiation level when they go
to school. And some areas closer
to the power plant are simply off
limits. Houses are abandoned,
and only the occasional stray
animal frequents these neighborhoods.
Concerned about the radiation, even in those areas where
people live, work and are considered safe, many parents in
Fukushima have cut down the
time they allow their children to
play outside. And even though a
couple of beaches in Fukushima
are now open to the public, many
families avoid them. So children
like the ones who attended the
recent camp, no longer swim in
their hometown.
That’s where FKDC comes in.
But before I go any further,
I have to answer the question
asked most about the camp:
Why do you hold a camp that
features swimming with
wild dolphins?
I spent two years working as a
dolphin swimming guide in Hawaii about 20 years ago. I was
amazed by the effect these wild,
yet approachable creatures had
on humans. I believe swimming
with dolphins can not only bring
one closer to nature, but also it
can bring out courage and confidence.
That’s what the camp is all
about: Giving children the courage and confidence to live a positive and fulfilling life. And let’s
be honest, swimming with wild
dolphins is a pretty cool thing to
do.
So, Toru and I and other volunteers set up a 4-night, 5-day excursion to Mikura Island, located
about 200 kilometers off Tokyo. It
is also the stomping grounds of
about 150 friendly bottlenose
That’s wh
children
live a
dolphins. It is o
places in the wo
swim with wild
the watchful eye
This year we
attend the camp
ranging from 2nd
graders, were se
essays they wrot
ma and why the
the camp. We ha
plicants and it wa
ficult to select wh
We didn’t want
down, but the bu
in the faciliti
lim-
n adventure
hat the camp is all about: Giving
the courage and confidence to
a positive and fulfilling life.
one of very rare
orld that you can
dolphins under
of professionals.
had 13 children
p. The campers,
d-graders to 7thelected based off
te about Fukishiey should attend
ad dozens of apas extremely difho would attend.
to turn anyone
udget and space
ies we used were
ited.
F o r
those
selected, it was quite the adventure. One that didn’t include their
parents. They took a bullet train
by themselves from Fukushima
to Tokyo, rode a ferry with our
camp staff and stayed in a bungalow with other children they had
never met.
And they swam with wild dolphins.
Upon arrival and getting settled in, the campers were given a
snorkeling lesson in shallow water. And then we boarded a boat
and headed out to sea in search
of dolphins. After 10 minutes,
the captain yelled, “Dolphins!”
There was a pod of 30 dolphins
swimming toward to us.
To say the campers were excited
is an understatement.
Jumping up and down and eyes
almost popping from their sockets as they stared at these friendly and approachable creatures of
the sea, they were ready to jump
in. So they grabbed their snorkels and masks, donned a life
jacket jumped into the unknown.
In the clear blue water, the dolphins slowly approached, checking out the excited children. I
could hear the hi-pitched sounds
of “yeeew, yeeew” that dolphins
make. They swam slowly and
got within 10 feet of our group.
They stayed with us for less than
a minute before swimming away,
but it is a time that will forever
be etched in the minds of these
children.
“I saw a baby dolphin!” one of
the campers yelled on
the surface.
“Their eyes
are bigger
than mine,
and they swam super close and
I thought I was going to touch
them,” said super stoked 3rdgrader Kanta Terauchi “They
were very gentle and I want to
swim with them more.”
During the entire camp, the
children had a blast. They played
to the max. They ran in their bare
feet, snorkeled in the clear water
every day, hiked in the mountains
and helped cook meals. But most
importantly, they bonded with
one another.
But the reality of the life they
live and the fears they face in Fukushima popped up on occasion.
One day during the camp, a
local fisherman gave us a goodsized bonito he caught at sea. We
made sashimi out of it.
“Is it safe from radiation?”
one boy asked. Only after he was
assured that indeed the fresh
catch was safe to eat, did he
chomp down on the raw
chunks of bonito.
As I sat there and
took in the scene, I
was saddened that
these children have
SEE ADVENTURE
ON PAGE 14
STRIPES KOREA 13
Swimming with dolphins
around Mikura Island
The chance to swim with dolphins around Mikura
Island is available yearly from March 15 to Nov. 15. It
can be pretty windy in November, but September is
still good month to go because it less crowded and
the water is still warm.
There are more than 15 boats and crews that take
folks out to swim with dolphins. Each boat can carry 10
people. The cost of the two-hour tours and swim range
6,500 – 8,000 yen ($54 - $66), depending on the tour
company. You can book dolphin swim tour before you
visit the island.
For more information, go to:
http://mikura-isle.com/?page_id=379
(Mikura Island Tourism Office).
The link is Japanese and they don’t speak English.
So, you need to have a Japanese friend to help you.
Rules to follow when swimming with dolphins.
• Don’t touch dolphins.
• Don’t chase dolphins.
• Don’t feed dolphins.
• Turn off the flash on your camera.
14 STRIPES KOREA
ADVENTURE: MORE THAN JUST DOLPHINS
such worries and can’t enjoy the sea
or the seafood around Fukushima. For
the past four years they’ve lived with
the constant fear of radiation.
I have heard many stories of the
healing power of dolphins. And I believe in them. The children traveled
far to see dolphins and it took a lot of
courage to swim in deep waters with
these creatures of the sea. But the trip
was more than just swimming with
dolphins. It was about exploration,
discovery, conquering fears and learning that it’s OK to dream.
During the last night of camp, each
child stood up in front of everyone and
announced his dream.
“I want to be the strongest man in
the world!” a boy screamed.
“I want to be a nurse,” a girl said
with pride.
“I want to be an Olympic swimmer,” chimed in another camper.
“I want to be a volunteer leader,”
said another.
After each declaration, the other
children yelled back in force, “You
can do it!”
The campers were no longer timid
and shy like when they arrived. They
expressed their feelings thoughtfully but vigorously, shouting into the
night sky. They had grown. They had
formed their own pod.
[email protected]
Fukushima Kids
Dolphin Camp
The camp is run by donations
received from crowd-funding site
Indiegogo and Readyfor. More than
$8,000 was raised for this year’s camp.
Folks from around the world donated,
included those from the U.S., France,
Holland and Australia.
Funds for the 2016 camp are being
accepted now.
To find out more about the camp,
visit at kidsdolphincamp.com.
Contact
Tetsuo Nakahara at:
futurekidsadventure@
gmail.com
STRIPES KOREA 15
How to get there
Taebaek is on the KoRail train line, but driving
will allow you to more easily get around as
most sites are a bit of a ways out of town.
From the Osan / Humphreys area you can
follow route 38 all the way to Taebaek, or
follow I-40 eastward before joining 38. From
Seoul take I-50 to I-55 south and then follow
route 38.
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H
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
KAT NICKOLA,
STRIPES KOREA
igh in the mountains of
eastern Korea, a small
town sits in the crook of
a river. Shaped like a crescent,
the town of Taebaek is a unique
mountain paradise. It is part coal
town, part ski town, and a relaxing place to get away. Pick up an
English speaking tourist map at
the Tourist Information Center
near the train station to see all
there is to do. The area has
so much! From caves and hiking
to museums and scenic drives;
Taebaek is a wonderful place.
The well done Paleozoic Museum is a pleasant surprise on a
cold or rainy day. It features the
natural history of Korea; there
are many fossils and displays
that walk guests through Korea’s
geology. There are dinosaurs,
but the focus is the time period
prior to such beasts. My children
were enthralled with the dioramas and interactive exhibits. All
displays are in English. Children
are ₩1,000 and adults are
₩2,000.
The Coal Museum is another
tourist attraction we found to be
surprisingly enjoyable. It begins
with numerous displays of minerals, before focusing on the origin
of coal, and moving on to how
coal is mined and used. While all
displays were in Korean, we find
the pictures to be enough for our
family. The highlight, though, is
taking a faux mine shaft elevator
to the lower level where there is
a recreated coal mine! It is fascintating to see all the different
mining equipment that has been
used through time. The museum
is free with admission to Taebaeksan Provincial
park (₩2,000 parking and ₩2,000
for adults); and sits just inside the
entrance.
Getting outdoors is essential in
Taebaek, and hiking Taebaeksan
seems to be a Korean rite of passage. It is as popular in the winter
as summer, and was considered
one of the five sacred mountains
during the Silla dynasty. There
is an altar at the top and unique
ancient Yew trees said to give the
mountain its energy. The main
entrance to Taebaeksan Provincial park lies south of Taebaek
city along route 31.
Another wonderful hike a little
farther from town is along the
Dakpoong valley (덕풍계곡). During busy months you may need to
park at the valley entrance where
there is a camp ground, but during down times such as when we
went in November, the gate was
open and we could drive up the
valley to the traditional mountain
town of Punggok. This is where
the hike begins. It is a beautiful
trek through a steep canyon along
a trail that is sometimes a metal
walkway and at other times a test
of balance along riverside rocks.
Our family hiked a few miles up
to the first of three waterfalls. It
was in a dramatically steep canyon that required me to roll up
my pants and walk (with a shouldered child) across the river and
then shimmy along the bottom of
the cliff holding a thick rope. In
summer, the water would feel
wonderful and the deep pool at
the base of the falls may be good
for a swim. In winter, however, it
is freezing!
The drive from Dakpoong valley to Taebaek is worthwhile as
its own attraction along a steep
and windy scenic road. Our kids
were so excited to see wild deer
on this route! There are views
of mountains, steep valleys, and
the not-too-distant east coast. In
fact, nearby Samcheok is another
great place to stay if beach activities are more your style. Take
route 35 south of Taebaek and
eventually follow road 910 to Dakpoong valley.
For the geology buff, there are
a few tourist caves in the Taebaek
vicinity as well. The biggest is
called Hwanseongul. It is north
of Taebaek along route 38; halfway between Taebaek and the
coastal town of Samcheok. There
are actually two caves here, but
Hwanseongul is larger and offers
self-tours along a metal walkway.
It is gigantic! Still a very active
cave, there is a lot of water and
even waterfalls inside. There are
also such huge caverns that require suspension bridges. For an
additional fee there is a monorail
up the mountain to the entrance.
If the day is nice, however, I recommend hiking one way; there
are some amazing waterfalls
along the route. Cave entrance
is ₩4,000 for adults and ₩2,000
for kids. The monorail is another ₩4,000 one-way or ₩7,000
roundtrip for adults and ₩2,000
for kids.
Taebaek city itself is a cute
place to base yourself for touring the area. Downtown has one
main road (Hwangji-ro) of cute
boutique stores and restaurants.
There is also a small central park
near the traditional market, but it
is otherwise a small non-descript
Korean town. It is nicely central
to mountain town activities. O2
ski resort is just outside of town,
while High resort is not far down
the road.
16 STRIPES KOREA
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The “Hand of Harmony” at Homigot Beach
STORY AND PHOTOS BY
MARY B. GRIMES,
USAG DAEGU
USAG DAEGU
eing a little off base can
take on a whole new
meaning for U.S. Soldiers,
family members, DoD civilians
and retirees living in the Daegu
area who want to get out and
explore Korea’s east coast. For
those so inclined, a great place to
start is the industrial city of Pohang, located just 71 kilometers
(roughly 44.5 miles) from Camp
Henry.
Home to POSCO, one of the
world’s largest steel companies, Pohang is also credited
with having a number of other
largely known and recognized
places such as Jukdo Market,”
the country’s largest traditional
seafood market, the historic
and picturesque Oeosa Temple,
the breathtaking landscape surrounding Bogyeongsa Temple,
and the ever popular Bukbu
Beach that stretches more than
1700 meters along the coast of
the East Sea.
Each of these locations are
a must see for the individual
traveler, as well as those units
B
or organizations looking to do
something that will further enhance their cultural experience
while in the Land of the Morning Calm. However, there’s more
to this city of more than 500,000
people that is worth mentioning, and that’s Homigot Beach
where the “Hand of Harmony,”
an immense bronze structure of
a hand rising up from the sea has
become a popular place for natives and tourists alike.
Homigot, which is said to
mean “village on a tiger’s tail,”
is said to be the place where
the sunrise can first be seen in
Korea. The sculpture has been
perfectly aligned so that as the
sun rises, it shines through the
fingers of the hand. Imagine for
a moment, the shape of Korea
on a map, and it becomes easier
to envision the shape of a tiger’s
tail. That awareness helps all to
better understand the importance of the tiger tail to any reference to Homigot.
The road to Homigot begins
with the scenic drive from Daegu to Pohang. Getting away from
the all too familiar day of meetings, formations, classes, and
training, a chance to get on the
open road and catch a glimpse
of Korea’s awesome Taebaek
Mountain Range, puffy white
clouds and blue skies, and the
extended handshakes and smiles
from people encountered at rest
stops along the way, makes the
journey unforgettable. Set out
on the drive during the weekday
or non-holiday, and the road trip
will seem almost magical.
However, don’t be dismayed.
Regardless of what day of the
week it is, the efficiency of the
Daegu -Pohang Highway makes
the 1 hour, 40 minutes drive
more of an opportunity for
pleasant conversation than angst
and frustration. The road from
Daegu to Pohang is almost a
straight shot. Upon entering the
Pohang city limits, a sure sign
that you’re heading in the right
direction will be indicated by the
smoke billowing from POSCO’s
smokestacks and towers. Even
so, road signs are easy to follow. The ride through town has
POSCO industries on one side,
and Hyundai on the other. Both
take up a significant area of tiny
Pohang, and both seem quite at
home in this cozy coastal city.
Several kilometers beyond
POSCO’s industrial landscape
the Pohang countryside captures
POHANG and the East Sea: The beauty of the East Sea makes a visit to Pohang a must.
the essence
of a Korea
long
ago.
Throughout
the
drive,
aged
tracts
of farmland,
along
with
building
structures old and new, appear to stand in harmony.
Approaching Homigot, the view
of the East Sea is simply breathtaking, and immediately brings
to mind just why getting away
from the hustle and bustle of city
life can make the Korean experience an unforgettable one. Parking at Homigot is not only easy,
but places the traveler literally
steps away from the seashore,
and the massive “Hand of Harmony.”
Streams of restaurants offering a variety of raw fish,
vendors, seagulls, the Homigot
lighthouse, and the sound of the
rushing waves make it clear that
garrison installation activities
are far removed. At a glance, the
“Hand of Harmony” seems overwhelming. With the East Sea as
its backdrop, the
structure
almost
instantly
looks larger
than
life.
Pohang
Standing on
Daegu
the nearby
observation
deck provides
another astonishing angle of
the unique and much
talked about landmark.
Directly across from the
“Hand of Harmony” on dry land
of course, is the New Millennium Memorial. Very easy to spot
upon entering the Homigot location, New Millennium Memorial
provides visitors with a close up
look of the size and economy of
the area. USAG Daegu and Area
IV visitors will be glad to know
that an explanation of the area is
in English…at the push of a button.
Finally, for U.S. Soldiers, family members, DoD Civilians, and
retirees looking to get away from
the familiar, a tour of Pohang,
and a visit to Homigot and the
east coast, may be just what the
doctor ordered. The ride is comfortable, the scenery breathtaking, and the experience
unforgettable.
New Millennium Memorial Hall contains easy to comprehend English explanations of the Homigot
land size and economy, and is located directly across from the “Hand of Harmony” statue.
STRIPES KOREA 17
Andong unmasked
BY HALLIE BRADLEY,
GROOVE KOREA MAGAZINE
A
ndong was once the center of
Confucianism in Korea, but
these days the city is most famous for the Mask Dance Festival. Taking place for ten days each autumn, the
tradition of the mask dance goes back
centuries to when they were used
in shamanistic rituals. It
was said that the spirits
were restless and, one
night, a daring soul entered the dreams
of a sleeping member of the Ho clan and
requested that he make a wooden mask
to be used in a ritual dance to please
the other spirits. In fulfilling the request, the chosen member was forbidden to let anyone else in the clan know
what he was doing and so he slipped
away to the nearby mountains to make
the mask in solitude. On the hundredth
day of his work, his lover came searching for him and when she found him, he
immediately died. Thus the masks became used to ward off evil spirits and
the dances performed were to ask for
health and wealth, among other things.
rain making for a romantically beautiful scene memorable for any spectator.
Popular mask dances include the Hahoe
Byeolshin-gut Tal-nori from Andong,
the Gwanno Mask Dance from Gangneung, and the Ogwangdae Mask Dance
from Goseong, alongside many other
performances from around the country
and abroad. Presenting
local traditions, the festival showcases numerous
historical Korean mask dances
for tourists and residents alike. Additionally, foreign dance troupes from 11
countries, including China, Russia, India, Israel, Malaysia, and Taiwan, have
also joined in over the years to portray
their cultures’ own unique use of masks
and dance customs.
a.com
ore
groovek
One of the biggest events during
the festival is Seonyujulbulnori, a fireworks display that takes place over the
Nakdong River. Blazing pine needles
are said to fall to the earth like fire
The dances often tell stories of love,
loss, and social inequality through
masks that are used to depict different
characters. A famous tale performed
once every three to five years is the
Hahoe Byeolshin-gut Tal-nori, which
was one of the biggest local events,
worshipping a local god. The dance is
made up of seven acts and was used by
commoners to represent the disparity
and discrimination they felt existed between the social classes. In this particular tale, a fool, a hasty scatterbrained
meddler, a bride, a lion, a butcher, an
old widow, a depraved Buddhist monk,
an aristocrat, a scholar, and a flirtatious
young woman come together to weave
a tale of intrigue. While watching, don’t
be surprised if you are drawn into the
dance as spectators are invited to become participants and add their own
variations and energy to many of the
shows.
The Andong Mask Dance Festival
is a must see for anyone interested in
Korean history, culture, and beliefs and
the city itself has so much to see, eat,
and enjoy so make a weekend of it and
unmask Andong this autumn.
What else to see in Andong
BONGJEONGSA TEMPLE: The largest temple
in Andong and the site of the
oldest wooden building in Korea,
Geuknakjeon. The temple is unique
in that visitors can see architecture
representative of the Goryeo
Dynasty next to architecture from the
Joseon Dynasty.
BYEONGSANSEOWON CONFUCIAN ACADEMY:
This Confucian school was
established in 1572. The school is
located a hike away from Hahoe
Village and provides a peaceful
respite in the mountains.
JANGSEUNG PARK: This park, located
on Chilgapsan Mountain, houses
the largest collection of preserved
jangseung – ancient wooden
and stone totem poles that were
traditionally placed outside of
villages to ward off evil spirits.
Local food specialties to try
HEOTJESABAP: a kind of bibimbap that
substitutes soy sauce for gochujang.
ANDONG JJIMDAK: chicken, noodles, and
vegetables marinated in soy sauce
ANDONG SOJU: a traditional soju with a
higher alcohol content than regular
soju
Info Box
WHEN: September 25, 2015 – October 4,
2015
WHERE: Hahoe Village, Maskdance
Park & Downtown Andong,
Gyeongsangbuk-do
WEBSITE: www.maskdance.com
COST:
• Mask Dance Theater: KRW 7,000
• Hahoe Folk Village: KRW 3,000 (ticket
includes a round-trip bus ride from
the festival to the village)
Transport
BUS: Take an intercity bus from Dong
Seoul Bus Terminal to Andong
Bus Terminal. Buses run every 30
minutes. From there, get bus 0, 0-1
or 1 and get off at the Kyobo Life
Insurance bus stop. Or catch a taxi
to Maskdance Park (costs more than
KRW 10,000). The journey from Seoul
takes a total of about 4 hours.
TRAIN: Take a train from Cheongnyangni
Station to Andong Station. Runs
8 times a day at 6:40am, 8:25am,
10:40am, 1:05pm, 3:10pm, 5:10pm,
7:07pm, and 9:13pm. The journey
takes 3 hours and 40 minutes.
18 STRIPES KOREA
Hongwon Port Jeoneo (Gizzard
Shad) & Crab Festival
DATE: Until Sep. 25
LOCATION: Hongwonhang Port area
INTRODUCTION:
Famous for its unique taste, gizzard
shads are a type of Herring delicacy
in Korea best enjoyed in the fall.
Hongwonhang Port in Seocheon
(Chungcheongnam-do) hosts the Jeoneo
(gizzard shad) Festival every October
for visitors to enjoy a fresh catch of this
fish served up in a variety of ways. A
number of popular dishes range from
roasted to sashimi-sliced Jeoneo and
even salads mixed with spicy marinated
Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and
parsley.
The festival opens with exciting
performances and a food-tasting event
and ends with a spectacular evening
fireworks show. Visitors can also taste a
variety of other local dishes made with
salted eel, dried seaweed, crab, and
shrimp. Fresh produce and seafood will
also be available for sale in the various
shops and stands. Additional exciting
events include contests for fish-catching,
shell-gathering, fishing, and singing.
TRANSPORTATION:
Bus
From Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal, take
an intercity bus to Seocheon.
* Bus schedule: 06:40-17:15, departs 10
times daily
From Seocheon Terminal, take a local
bus bound for Seomyeon/Hongwonhang
Port.
Get off at the entrance of Hongwonhang
Port (홍원항).
HOMEPAGE: tour.seocheon.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Dong Gang International
Photo Festival
DATE: Until Oct. 4
LOCATION: Yeongwol / Dong Gang
Museum of Photography, outdoor
exhibition area around Yeongwol
INTRODUCTION:
The annual Dong Gang International
Photo Festival, which began in 2002,
is held in and around Dong Gang
Museum of Photography in Yeongwolgun, Gangwon-do Province. This
festival showcases various themes of
photo exhibitions to cater to visitors’
diversified tastes and interests. Along
with the regular programs, the festival
will also offer educational programs.
The Dong Gang Photography
Workshop will feature quality lectures
by some of the most photographers
and theorists from home and abroad
such as an open lecture from renowned
photographers. The workshop will
provide exciting opportunities for the
general public, as well as professional
photographers.
TRANSPORTATION:
n From Seoul Express Bus Terminal,
HAPPENINGS
OFF BASE
FESTIVALS
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take a bus to
Yeongwol Bus Terminal.
Travel time: 2 hr
n From Yeongwol Bus Terminal,
take a taxi to Donggang Museum of
Photography.
Travel time: 5 min
HOMEPAGE: dgphotofestival.com/
(Korean only)
Hongseong Namdanghang Port
Jumbo Shrimp Festival
DATE: Until Oct. 4
LOCATION: Namdang-ri, Seobu-myeon,
Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
INTRODUCTION:
Namdanghang Port, located at the west
end of Hongseong, is a famous west
coast port known for its exceptional
seafood. Surrounded by the clean
waters of Cheonsuman Bay, Namdahang
Port is home to a wide array of sea
life including blue crab, cockle and
webfoot octopus. Namdanghang Port
also draws throngs of visitors from
early September to mid-October every
year for the country’s largest Jumbo
Shrimp Festival, which has been held
since 1907.
A major jumbo shrimp party unfolds
along the west coast of Korea from
October to November, and as the
shrimp are in season, this is the ideal
period to enjoy the savory food. The
Jumbo Shrimp Festival offers not only
food but also various activities for
visitors to take part in such as catching
clam in the mud flats or even personally
catching jumbo shrimp. It also holds
a diverse range of events such as
traditional rites (rituals for a big catch
of fish), fishing boat parades, singing
contests as well as hands-on experience
programs for catching and peeling
jumbo shrimp. Regional products
are also sold, making it possible to
purchase quality jumbo shrimp at low
prices. With much to offer, the festival
draws over 700,000 visitors each year.
TRANSPORTATION:
Train
n From Yongsan Station (Seoul Subway Line 1, Jungang Line), take a train
bound for Hongseong(홍성).
* Train schedule: 05:45, 06:30, 07:35,
08:08, 09:35, 10:35, 11:50, 12:20, 13:35,
14:25, 15:35, 16:05, 17:35, 18:35, 19:55,
20:20
Bus
n From Seoul Central City Terminal
(Express Bus Terminal Station, Subway
Line 3,7,9), take an express bus bound
for Hongseong(홍성).
* Bus schedule: 06:40-20:40, 2hr
intervals
n From Hongseon Station (Janghang
Line) or Hongseong Terminal, take Bus
Hongseong-Galsan(Namdang)(Hongseong Station) (홍성-갈산) (남당)(홍성
역) bound for Namdanghang Port(남당
항).
* Bus schedule: 07:40-20:30, run 11
times a day
HOMEPAGE: tour.hongseong.go.kr
(Korean only)
Seoul International Dance
Festival
DATE: Until Oct. 18
LOCATION: Namsangol Hanok Village
Guakdang, Seoul Arts Center, Gangdong
Arts Center, Seogang University Mary
Hall
INTRODUCTION:
SIDance was created by Seoul Section
of the International Dance Council
CID UNESCO in 1998 as a proper
channel for introducing Korean dance
to international stages as well as
worldwide trends to the local dance
scene. Korean dance had experienced a
severe lack of international exchanges,
but that has been surmounted, to a
certain degree, since the formation of
the Seoul Section of the International
Dance Council CID-UNESCO in 1996.
SIDance stands out among its various
activities to promote Korean dance.
SIDance, led by LEE, Jong-Ho, the
artistic director, has since grown into
a dance festival at the international
level, marking its 18th anniversary
in 2015. SIDance is closely working
together with governmental bodies
including Ministry of Culture, Sports
and Tourism, Seoul Metropolitan
Government, Korea Foundation, and
Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture
as well as embassies and official
organizations abroad. SIDance has been
also elected as a member of AAPAF
(Association of Asian Performing Arts
Festivals), being recognized of its
active engagement with international
exchanging activities in the performing
arts scene of Asia. SIDance has recently
reached its highest point to collaborate
a number of joint projects with
prominent festivals including Singapore
Arts Festival, Festival Montpellier
Danse and Festival Internacional
Cervantino. SIDance has invested
significant efforts in cultural exchange,
collaboration, and co-productions in the
field of dance, representing the dance
scene in Korea to the international
stage.
TRANSPORTATION:
Bus
n Seoul Arts Center
1. Nambu Bus Terminal Station
(Subway Line 3), Exit 5.
Take the shuttle bus or bus 4429 to
Seoul Arts Center.
2. Seocho Station (Subway Line 2), Exit
3. Take bus 11 to Seoul Arts Center.
3. Yangjae Station (Subway Line 3), Exit
1. Take bus 17 to Seoul Arts Center.
Subway
n Sogang University Mary Hall
Sinchon Station (Subway Line 2), Exit
6. Walk 5min to Sogang University.
HOMEPAGE: sidance.org
(Korean only)
Korea Grand Sale
DATE: Until Oct. 31
LOCATION: Seoul and its capital area,
Busan, Gyeonggi, Gangwon, Chungbuk,
Gyeongbuk and Jeju regions.
INTRODUCTION:
During the ‘Korea Grand Sale,’ held
every year is to be held around the major
tourist sites in Seoul, Busan and Jeju.
International visitors will find the event
and discount offers at major department
stores, restaurants, accommodations and
entertainment facilities.
TRANSPORTATION:
Lotte Department Store (Main Store)
Subway
Euljiro 1-ga Station (Seoul Subway Line 2).
Bus
Blue: 105, 143, 151, 152, 261, 500, 501,
701
Green: 7017,7021
HOMEPAGE: www.koreagrandsale.co.kr
(Korean, English, Chinese, Japanese)
Korea in Motion
DATE: Until Oct. 31
LOCATION: Korea Performing arts &
Tourism Association
INTRODUCTION:
As the nation’s leading non-verbal
performance festival, Korea in Motion
(KOINMO) has began its journey since
2006, aiming to promote unity and
harmony through actions, gestures,
music and art. The festival features
some of the best Korean performances,
including non-verbal performances,
musicals and traditional plays. During
this time, tickets to these shows will be
sold at huge discounts.
HOMEPAGE: koreainmotion.com (Korean,
English, Japanese)
Mindung Mountain Eulalia
Festival
DATE: Until Nov. 8
LOCATION: Mindungsan Mountain area,
Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
INTRODUCTION:
The Mindungsan Eulalia Festival takes
place in the Mindungsan Mountain area.
Some of the events held include weekend
mountain climbing, talent contests,
Arirang singing contests, eulalia music
concerts, a Mindungsan Gate ball
competition and eulalia photo exhibition.
Hands-on programs at the festival
include a local food program, post card
sending, mountain horseback riding and
much more!
TRANSPORTATION:
Train
- Take a train from Cheongnyangni
Station to Mindungsan Station
(Mugunghwa Line). For train schedules
and reservations, go to www.letskorail.
com.
- Exit Mindungsan Station and follow
Mureung1-ro Street (무릉1로) for about
1.5km (or take a cab) to reach Jeungsan
Elementary School (증산초등학교) where
the trail going up to the mountain starts.
Bus
- From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take
an intercity bus heading to Jeungsan
(travel time: 4hr 20min / departs at
18:01).
- From the bus stop, follow Mureung1-ro
Street (무릉1로) for about 1.5km (or take
a cab) to reach Jeungsan Elementary
School (증산초등학교) where the trail going up to the mountain starts.
HOMEPAGE: jeongseon.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Andong Mask Dance Festival
The Andong region has many renowned
historical and cultural sites, such as
Hahoe Village. However, the major
cultural attraction of the region is the
Andong Mask Dance Festival.
Visitors to the festival can enjoy
the many performances of Korea’s
traditional mask dances. These dances
are an important part of Korea’s
heritage, in particular the byeolsingut
talnori dance, which has been
designated an Important Intangible
Cultural Asset of Korea. International
mask dance troupes have also been
invited to the festival, so visitors are
exposed to folk culture from around the
world.
As well as performances, events
in the festival program also include
mask dance competitions and mask
dance lessons, which are available for
international visitors.
TRANSPORTATION
Bus
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take
an intercity bus bound for Andong Bus
Terminal. (Intervals: 30 min)
From the terminal, take a taxi to Mask
Dance Park (탈춤공원, 15 min).
Hahoe Folk Village
Take Bus 46 at the bus stop across from
Andong Intercity Bus Terminal.
Get off at Hahoe Folk Village. (40 min)
* Bus 46: 06:20-18:20 / Departs 10 times
per day.
Train
- Cheongnyangni Station (Seoul Subway
Line 1) → Andong Station
06:10, 08:10, 10:25, 13:00, 15:00, 17:00,
19:00, 21:00 (Departs 7 times per day)
- Andong Station → Cheongnyangni Station (Seoul Subway Line 1)
02:18, 07:05, 08:30, 11:15, 13:20, 15:15,
17:15, 19:15 (Departs 8 times per day)
From Andong Station, take a tour bus to
the venue.
HOMEPAGE: maskdance.com
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese,
French, Spanish, German)
Baekje Cultural Festival
DATE: Sep. 25 – Oct. 4
LOCATION: Downtown Andong area, Maskdance Park (탈춤공원), Hahoe Village,
Culture Street
INTRODUCTION:
DATE: Sep. 26 – Oct. 4
LOCATION: The area of
Geumgangsingwan Park, Gongju-si,
Gongsanseong Fortress
INTRODUCTION:
Baekje Cultural Festival first started
in 1955 to commemorate the three
loyal subjects of the Baekje era, named
Seongchung, Heungsu, and Gyebaek
through a Samchungje rite and comfort
lonely souls drifting throughout
Baekje’s land through the a Suryukje
rite. Gongju-si began participating in
1966, and Daejeon participated from
1975 to 1978. Since 1979, Gongju-si and
Buyeo-gun have alternated holding this
festival every other year. The Baekje
Cultural Festival Organizing Committee
was established in 2007 and the festival
is now thought to be one of Korea’s
top historical culture festivals, with its
many years of consecutive success.
TRANSPORTATION:
Bus
n To Gudeurae Plaza (Buyeo-gun)
From Buyeo Bus Terminal, take a
taxi to Gudeurae Plaza (구드래광장,
5-10min).
n To Gungnamji (Buyeo-gun)
From Buyeo Bus Terminal, walk 900m
towards the Buyeo County Office.
n To Geumgang Singwan Park (Gongjusi)
Take an intercity bus to Gongju
Intercity Bus Terminal.
Geumgang Singwan Park is located
500m from the bus terminal.
HOMEPAGE: www.baekje.org
(Korean, English, Japanese)
Busan International Film Festival
DATE: Oct. 1 – Oct. 10
LOCATION: Centum City: LOTTE
CINEMA Centum City, CGV Centum
City, Busan Cinema Center, Dongseo
University Sohyang Theater,
Community Media Center / Haeundae:
MEGABOX Haeundae / Nampo-dong:
MEGABOX Busan Theater
TRANSPORTATION:
n Haeundae
Subway
Haeundae Station (Busan Subway Line
2), Exit 1.
Bus
STRIPES KOREA 19
From Busan Station, take bus 1001 or
1003 to Haeundae.
n Busan Cinema Center
Subway
Centum City Station (Busan Subway
Line 2), Exit 12.
Shuttle Bus
Opereting period: October 4-11
Operating hour: 8:30-19:30, Busan
Cinema Center (Start point)
Intervals: 10 min
Route: Busan Cinema Center (Start
point) → Haeundae Centum Hotel →
MEGABOX Haeundae (Busan Subway),
Exit 5. → BIFF village → Haeundae
Grand Hotel →Park Hyatt Busan →
Busan Cinema Center
HOMEPAGE: biff.kr
(Korean, English)
Jinju Namgang Yudeung
(Lantern) Festival
DATE: Oct. 1 – Oct. 11
LOCATION: xNamgang River Area
INTRODUCTION:
Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival
originates from the lantern lighting
custom used during the Jinjuseong
Fortress Battle of the Imjinwaeran War
(Japanese invasion, 1592) as a military
strategy to prevent Japanese troops
from wading the Namgang River. The
highlights of the festival are the floating
of lanterns carrying personal wishes of
the citizens along the Namgang River,
and the parade of lanterns created by
the students themselves. In addition,
the festival features gaejesik (lighting
of lanterns in remembrance of the
Jinjuseong Fortress Battle veterans),
an exhibition of the world’s traditional
lanterns, and many more participatory
cultural programs.
TRANSPORTATION:
Take an intercity bus to Jinju Intercity
Bus Terminal.
Exit the terminal towards the river.
Turn right, and walk for 5min to arrive
at the festival site.
HOMEPAGE: www.yudeung.com (Korean,
English, Chinese, Japanese)
– Source: Korea Tourism Organization
20 STRIPES KOREA
HAPPENINGS ON BASE
Stripes Korea is published every
other Thursday and lists events
submitted by the Friday prior to
[email protected]
STRIPES KOREA
CAMP HUMPHREYS
AIR FIELD ROAD TRAFFIC will be rerouted over Beacon Hill between
0730 and 1800hrs on 19 SEP
(Saturday) EXPECT TRAFFIC
DELAYS!
AIRFIELD ROAD IN FRONT OF GARRISON
HQ-1280 will be “CLOSED” on
20 Sept. 201, (Sunday) between
0700 and 1200 Please plan to use
alternate routes.
CONSTRUCTION ON THE CAMP
HUMPHREYS’ LODGE NEW WING has
begun. The contractor is now
driving piles and noise and dust
is expected around the Lodge.
Pile driving is limited to 07001800 Mondays - Saturday, and
completion is expected in late
October.
AS OF SEPT. 10 THE KOM-JI-NAE
CONVENIENCE STORE has been
removed from the OFF LIMITS
list. The following off-post
establishments and areas are
OFF LIMITS by order of the
USAG Humphreys Commander:
Dixie Bell Bar, Spot Club,
Hanseong Red Light District
in Wonju and Glass Houses Thousand Won Alley near AK
Plaza in Pyeongtaek.
THE PAINTED DOOR THRIFT SHOP is
looking for volunteers that are
eager to help our community.
The more we get on the floor
and sold the more scholarships
and welfare grants we can give
away in the Fall and Spring. So
come on out and help us make
a difference! Sign up link -->
http://www.signupgenius.com/
go/20f0b4babaf22a5f94-volunteer.
BECAUSE OF THE ONGOING transition
the Camp Humphreys
Commissary can get pretty busy
at times. In an effort to help the
community avoid the congestion,
here are some suggestions on
shopping times to avoid the
crowds: Mondays from 9 to 11
a.m., Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m., Thursdays from 9 to 11 a.m.
& 1 to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 9
to 11 a.m. The busiest days are
Saturday and Sunday with an
average of 1100 customers per
day. For more information, call
753-6711.
AS OF SEPT. 4 THE DIXIE BELL CLUB has
been added to the OFF LIMITS
list. The following off-post
establishments and areas are
OFF LIMITS by order of the
USAG Humphreys Commander:
Dixie Bell Club, Spot Club,
Hanseong Red Light District in
Wonju, Glass Houses - Thousand
Won Alley near AK Plaza in
Concerts
MUSE
Seoul, Sept. 30, 8 p.m., Olympic
Park Gymnastics Gymnasium,
99,000-110,000-132,000 won;
http://tinyurl.com/3e6rwhe.
Block B
Seoul, Oct. 1, Club Answer, 55,000
won;
Zandari Festa 2015
Behemoth
Naturally7
Hommexit
JunJin
Seoul, Oct. 6, 8 p.m., Rolling Hall,
77,000 won;
Seoul, Oct. 9-10, 7 p.m., Oct. 11,
5 p.m., Baekam Art Hall, 88,000
won;
RADWIMPS 2015 AsiaEurope
Seoul, Oct. 9, 6 p.m., AX-Korea,
featuring Rock N Roll Ride, Sultan 88,000 won;
of the Disco, Apollo 18, Harry Big http://tinyurl.com/3e6rwhe.
Button, and more; Seoul, Oct. 2-4,
open, Hongik University street the Someday Stage
whole area, 100,000 won (one-day Seoul, Oct. 9-10, 6 p.m., Yonsei
tickets), 45,000 won (two-days
University Grand Hall, 99,000advanced tickets);
110,000 won;
Global Gathering
featuring Krewella, Idiotape and
more: Seoul, Oct. 3, 1 p.m., Jamsil
Sports Complex, 77,000 won;
Fly to the Sky
Busan, Oct. 3, 7 p.m., Bexco
Auditorium; Guangzhou, Oct. 10,
7 p.m., Main Theater, Gwangju
Culture & Art Center, 88,00-99,000121,000 won; Seoul, Oct. 17, 7 p.m.,
Oct. 18, 5 p.m., Ewha Women’s
University Grand Hall, 99,000121,000 won; Daejeon, Oct. 23, 8
p.m., International Cultural Center,
Chungnam University, 99,000121,000 won;
Pyeongtaek and the Kom-Ji-Nae
convenience store.
SCHOOL AGE CENTER HOURLY CARE
is now available Monday thru
Friday on a space available basis,
from 2:30 to 6 p.m. on school days
and from 7 a.m. to 5:30 pm. on
non-school days (No hourly care
available during field trip days).
Reservations can be made by
calling DSN 753-8507.
ENGLISH-SPEAKING VOLUNTEERS
NEEDED. Pyeongtaek International
Exchange Foundation (PIEF)
has a program called “Talk
Café” which is an English
conversational club available to
Pyeongtaek citizens. Volunteers
are needed to lead the groups
and facilitate conversation
and help correct English when
needed. Programs are held
every Monday from 10 a.m.
to noon at the Paengseong
International Community Center.
For more information, visit
www.pief.or.kr/en. Participation
Board/Volunteers, contact
[email protected], or call
Show Me The Money 4
Concert
featuring Verbal Jint, Paloalto,
San E, Jay Park and more; Busan,
Oct. 10, 7 p.m., Bunsan KBS Hall,
88,00-99,000 won;
Seoul, Oct. 17, 7 p.m., Yes24 Muv
Hall, 99,000 won;
Seoul, Oct. 24, 6 p.m., Ewha
Women’s University Grand Hall,
99,000-110,000 won;
Olafur Arnalds
Seoul, Oct. 31, Yonsei University
Centennial Hall, 77,000 won;
Damien Rice
Seoul, Nov. 22, 6 p.m., Kyung Hee
University Grand Peace Palace,
66,000-99,000-110,000-132,000
won; Busan, Nov. 24, 8 p.m.,
BEXCO Auditorium, 110,000132,000 won;
BTS
Seoul, Nov. 27, 8 p.m., Nov. 28, 5
p.m., Nov. 29, 4 p.m., SK Olympic
Handball Gymnasium, Olympic
Park, 99,000 won;
Grand Mint Festival 2015
featuring Lee Seung-hwan, Kiha
& The Faces, Daybreak, No Reply
and more: Seoul, Oct. 17, 5 p.m.,
Oct. 18, 11 a.m., Olympic Park,
88,000 won (one-day tickets),
140,000 won (two-day tickets);
031-692-4302.
THE INSTALLATION SECURITY OFFICE has
moved to Bldg. 577 next to the
One-Stop.
ALL IN-PROCESSING AND OUTPROCESSING can be done in Room
125 of Bldg. 577.
Fingerprinting will still be done
in DPTMS, Bldg. 1280 until we
are able to move the Finger
Printing system. Hours of
Operations are Monday, Tuesday
Wednesday and Friday from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday from
1 to 5 p.m. CLOSED for lunch
from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. For
more information, call 753-6852.
JOIN THE GARRISON CHOIR at Camp
Humphreys! Members meet
weekly to rehearse patriotic,
classical, and contemporary
music to be used for Garrison
and community functions upon
request. Looking for committed
Soldiers who can attend weekly
rehearsal and participate
in performances. Please
contact SPC Sydney Moore at
[email protected] for
more information.
HUMPHREYS CENTRAL ELEMENTARY
School is looking for substitutes
for SY15-16.
If you are interested in
substituting, please stop by and
complete a substitute packet to
join us for SY15-16. For more
information, call 754-9310.
SEPTEMBER SPECIALS AT LECAC CAFÉ:
Mozzarella Sticks: $6.95, Bulgogi
Kimchi Burger: $6.50. For more
THE SHIPS DELIVERING GROCERY
ITEMS for our commissary may
be delayed due to adverse
weather. This may result in
shortages of chilled juices, milk
and some produce items. We
regret the inconvenience and are
working to remedy the situation
expeditiously.
CONGRATULATIONS to the Camp
Humphreys Commissary on
their second place finish in the
L. Mendel Rivers Award for
the Best Small Commissary
Overseas. To win, a store has to
exceed DeCA’s normal criteria for
customer service, accountability,
safety, operations and sales.
The awards are named in honor
of American statesmen who
championed quality-of-life issues
for the military community.
THIS IS TO INFORM ALL RESIDENTS
that the LOCK-OUT service for
Bldg. 731 will transfer from the
Army Family Housing Office to
the maintenance team KOHOM
effective immediately. The
LOCK-OUT service hours are
Monday to Friday from 5 p.m. to
8 a.m. Saturday, Sunday, U.S. and
Korean holidays 24hr support.
Please contact KOHOM at 031654-7896 or 753-5202, if you
require service.
CAMP HUMPHREY’S CLINIC is looking
for Nurse Volunteers to assist
with the upcoming flu season.
If you are a Licensed Practical
or Registered Nurse and would
like to assist with providing
Unit Medical Readiness and
Community Support, please
contact the Immunization Clinic
at 737-5626.
SEPT. 20 THRU OCT. 28: Zoeckler
Fitness Center’s hardwood
floors in the aerobic room
and racquetball courts will be
replaced. The aerobic room
and racquetball courts will be
CLOSED to use during this time.
Family and MWR apologizes for
the inconvenience.
SEPT. 24: The USAG Humphreys
Equal Opportunity Office is
hosting the 2015 Hispanic
Heritage Month Celebration,
featuring an Art and Cook-off
Contest and a special Observance
Event on 24 September, 11 am at
the Community Fitness Center.
For more information contact
SFC Williams at 753-6527 or
email: Nastassia.s.williams2.
[email protected].
SEPT. 26: Bingo at the CAC will be
CANCELLED for the Chuseok
holiday. Family and MWR
apologizes for the inconvenience.
SEPT. 27 & 28: The Camp
Humphreys Commissary will be
CLOSED In observance of the
Chosuk holiday. They will reopen
at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 29
and will be OPEN on Wednesday,
Sept. 30. For more information,
call 753-6711.
OCT. 1 TO NOV. 13: The MultiPurpose Training Facility (Movie
Theater) will be CLOSED for
renovations.
OCT. 1: customers mailing
packages to or from a Military
Post Office (MPO) are required
to fill out a United States Postal
Service customs form online.
It is recommended that you go
online to create and print forms
prior to arriving at the Post
Office. Customers can
do this by going to
www.usps.com and
selecting “Complete
Customs Forms” found under the
International tab or by visiting
cns.usps.com and creating
a “Click-N-Ship” account.
Customers not doing this prior
to mailing packages could result
in delays at their post office. For
more information follow the link
--> https://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=82C9asD0u4g. Check
with your local post office if you
have any questions.
OCT. 3: OKTOBERFEST at
Freedom Field, 1-10 p.m.
Featuring: German games,
Oompah Band, live music, Mr.
& Mrs. Oktoberfest Contest,
German cuisine and beer,
prizes for best outfit, eating
competitions, home brew contest.
BREAST CANCER AWARENESS
WALK/RUN/RACE at
Humphreys High School Track,
7:50-10 a.m. Sign-ins start at 7
a.m. For more details, contact
Family & MWR Special Events at
753-8820.
OCT. 7-11: Cheonan Dance
Festival will be held at Cheonan
Samgori Park with the theme of
“Let’s Dance in Cheonan!” The
Cheonan Dance Festival is known
as one of the best national dance
festivals in Korea.
OCT. 12: A Food Handlers Class
will be held at the Camp
Humphreys Community Activity
Center (CAC) from 2 to 6 p.m.
This class will fulfill the four
hours of initial Food Sanitation
and Safety Training, and the four
hour annual refresher training
requirement of TB MED 530,
Tri Service Food Code. This
class is designed for food service
workers in a food service activity
and will be presented in both
English and Korean. For more
information please contact Dale
Eichhorst, at 737-5703 or email;
[email protected].
OCT. 26 THRU NOV. 6: The Central
Issue Facility will be CLOSED
for Annual Inventory. For more
OCT. 30: Calling ghosts, goblins and
ghouls! All Directorates, Private
Organizations, Mission Units and
Family Readiness Groups are
invited to be a part of the Annual
Spooky Hallow from 5 to 8 p.m.
at Freedom Field. Organizations
are encouraged to stir all spirits
from the dead by operating
Trick or Treat booths and or
haunted attractions inside The
House of Fear at Spooky Hallow.
Reservations are available on a
first-come, first served basis by
contacting the Family and MWR
Special Events Coordinator at
753-8820 NLT Oct. 16 or as space
is available. Family and MWR
will provide booths or tables and
canopies. No fundraising or food
sales are authorized.
YONGSAN GARRISON
SQUARED 2 BE FIT AT USAG YONGSAN
FAMILY AND MWR FITNESS CENTERS
until Sept. 30, 2015. For more
GET GOLF READY IN 5 DAYS at Yongsan
Driving Range and Sung Nam
Golf Course. $99 for 5 lessons.
Session 1: Sept. 22-26; Session 2:
Oct. 13-17. Enrollment is limited.
Call 738-4190 to register now.
SEPT. 21-OCT. 10: National Hispanic
Heritage Month Quiz Contest at
the Yongsan Library. The drawing
will be held on Oct. 13.
SEPT. 26: Group Resistance
Training at Collier Community
Fitness Center, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $114. For more information or to
register, contact Chad Jimison at
[email protected] or call
736-3340.
SEPT. 27: Primary Group
Exercise Certification at Collier
Community Fitness Center, 9
a.m.-6 p.m. - $114. For more
information or to register, contact
Chad Jimison at chad.jimison@
gmail.com or call 736-3340.
SEPT. 27-29: Yongsan Lanes closed
for Chusok Holiday. For more
information, call Yongsan Lanes
at 723-7830.
SEPT. 28: Sunrise Yoga Training
at Collier Community Fitness
Center, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - $114. For
more information or to register,
contact Chad Jimison at chad.
[email protected] or call 7363340.
OCT. 9: DoD Armed Forces
Entertainment presents GIs of
Comedy at R&R Bar and Grill,
7 p.m. Free admission. Adult
comedy – 18 years or older. For
more information, call 723-5721
or go to the USAG Yongsan,
FMWR Facebook page.
OCT. 10: USAG Yongsan Fall
Friendship Festival – Noon-9:30
p.m. Outside Collier Community
Fitness Center. For more
information, call 723-5721 or go
to the USAG Yongsan, FMWR
Facebook page.
OCT. 20: DoD Armed Forces
Entertainment presents: Bucky
Covington & Kristen Kelly at
Collier Community Fitness
Center, 7 p.m. Free admission.
For more information, call 7235721 or go to the USAG Yongsan,
FMWR Facebook page.
INSTRUCTIONAL CLASSES: Table
Tennis - every Saturday from 10
a.m.-noon; Baduk (GO) Class (14
weeks) – every Thursday, 5:10-7
p.m.; Billiards & English class.
Sign up at Commiskey’s CAC.
For more information, call 7386879/6880.
R & R BAR AND GRILL BINGO: Every
Saturday 1-5 p.m. Up to $5000
in prize money every Saturday.
For more information, call 7235678/8785.
YONGSAN LANES: Mondays – Blue
Head Pin Bowling Day, 5-8:30
p.m.; Tuesdays – Closed;
Wednesdays – Open at 4 p.m.,
FED Bowling League at 6:30
p.m.; Thursdays – Philippine
Embassy Friendship Bowling
Fun League, 6:30 p.m.; Fridays
– T.G.I.F. Bowling League, 6:30
p.m.; Saturdays – Blue Head
Pin Bowling Day, 8-11:30 p.m.;
Sundays – Blue Head Pin Bowling
Day, 5-8:30 p.m. For more
information call 723-7830.
K-16 BOWLING CENTER: COSMIC
BOWLING NIGHT – Wednesday,
4:30-7 p.m.; LEAGUE NIGHT –
Friday, 6 p.m.; ROCK-N-ROLL
BOWLING NIGHT – Saturday,
6-11 p.m.; LADIES’ NIGHT –
Sunday, 4-10 p.m.; RED HEAD
PIN BOWLING – Sunday
& Monday, 6 p.m. For more
STRIPES KOREA 21
Stars & Stripes Archives
Editor’s note: This story first appeared in Stars and Stripes on Jun. 2, 1961
The “Hawaii Calls Girls” talent team stages a hula for the 4th Cav. soldiers. The “girls” on the team were from the Hq.
Co. of the 1st Cav. Div. and staged a beauty contest as well as the dance.
A little bit of Hawaii in Korea
wrap it in banana and ti leaves
and cook it over hot rocks in a pit
WITH THE U.S. 1ST CAV. DIV.,
called an ‘imu.’ We started the fire
Korea – It was just like home for
at 11 o’clock last night, and put in
some 20 Hawaiians of the 4th Cav.
the pigs at 4:30 this morning.”
as the battle group staged a “HaThe leaves were shipped by
waii Aloha” party to celebrate the
air-mail for the party by the
successful completion of its Army
lieutenant governor of Hawaii,
Training Tests.
James, K. Kealoha, and Warren
Highlighting the festivities was a
Thurston, Honolulu newspaper
noon meal of Hawaiian-style roast
editor. Thurston’s son served in
pig wrapped in banana leaves and
the 5th Reg. combat team with
cooked underground with heated
the 1st Cav. Div. during the early
rocks.
days of the Korean War.
A sky-diving exhibition in the
“The whole thing started when I
morning, performances by talent
told my battle group that if they
groups, and music by the division
did well in the recent Army trainMembers of the 4th Cav. root for
band provided entertainment. In their comrades as they get a leaping tests that I would give them
the afternoon, members of the ing start on the sack race, part of a party,” said Col. Louis G. Menbattle group, some wearing straw the “Hawaii Aloha” festivities.
dez Jr., battle group commander.
hats and paper leis, entered sack
“Though the results of the test
races, tug-o’war, and other comare not yet in, we got quite a bit of
praise from the umpires. I then turned the whole
petitive games.
“The pig was just the way we cook it in Hawaii,” thing over to Capt. Bogert, my adjutant, and he
said Sgt. Alonzo Kaapana of the 50th state. “We decided to make it an aloha party,” he added.
S&S KOREA BUREAU
OSAN AIR BASE
DMZ & TUNNEL #3: SEPT. 29, 30 – Bus
departs at 9:30 a.m., returns at
7:30 p.m. SEPT. 19 – Bus departs
at 7 a.m., returns at 6:30 p.m. $55
for buffet lunch with beverage,
transportation and guide. For
more information, call ITT at
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
Members of the 4th Cav. root for their comrades as they get a leaping start on the sack race, part of the “Hawaii
Aloha” festivities.
22 STRIPES KOREA
YOUTH PAINTING CLASS every Monday
at the Community Center from
4:30-6 p.m. Class fee is $90 per 4
sessions, supplies included. For
784-4254.
SEPT. 24: Pre-Separation
Counseling (DD Form 2648)
at Airman & Family Readiness
Center, 9-11:30 a.m. For more
information, call Airman &
Family Readiness Center at 7845440.
SEPT. 24: Off-Base Excursion with
Airman & Family Readiness
Center, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 20,000
won for lunch and souvenirs. For
more information, call Airman
& Family Readiness Center at
784-5440.
SEPT. 24: Volunteer Training at
Center, 1-3 p.m. For more
SEPT. 25: Credit Management at
Center, 2-4 p.m. For more
SEPT. 26: Rafting on the
Naerincheon - $65 for
transportation, boat fee,
equipment and guide. Register
by noon, Friday prior to trip.
Sign-in/departure: 5:30/6 a.m. For
more information, call Outdoor
Recreation at 784-4007.
SEPT. 26: Everland Amusement
Park - $45 for transportation and
day pass (2 children, 12 & under,
per family FREE). Bus departs
at 8:30 a.m., returns at 6 p.m. For
784-4254.
SEPT. 26: Paragliding in
Moongyeong - $180 for
transportation, gliding fee, all
rental gear, movie & guide.
Registration deadline is noon,
Friday prior to trip. Sign-in/
departure: 6:3/7 a.m. For more
information, call Outdoor
SEPT. 27: Local Bass Fishing $45 for transportation, fishing
pole, fishing reel and guide.
departure: 4:30/5 a.m. For
SEPT. 27: ATV on Mt. Yumyeong
– $90 for transportation, all
ATV rental gear and guide.
departure: 7:30/8 a.m. For
SEPT. 27: Korean Folk Village
& Wawoojeong Temple - $40
for admission, transportation
and guide. Bus departs at 8:30
a.m., returns at 5 p.m. For more
information, call ITT at 784-4254.
OCT. 4: Peach-Unity Marathon in
Paju. For more information, call
784-5568.
OCT. 10: Oktoberfest at Officers’
Club Parking Lot, 4-8 p.m.
For more information, call the
McPherson Community Center at
784-3123.
OCT. 10-12: Jeju Island Tour –
Beach, Hiking Mt. Halla & Yacht
Ride – Register by Oct. 2. $480/
person (double, age 10 and up),
$650/person (single), $200/person
(sharing a room with parents,
age 10 and under) for hotel with
breakfast, admissions, round trip
air fare, transportation and guide.
For more information, call ITT at
784-4254.
OCT. 11-12: Jinju Namgang
Yudeung (Lantern) Festival
KUNSAN AIR BASE
Two Korean statues face the entry of the pier as guests arrive to Nami Island with an Information Tickets and Travel trip April 8,
2013. Artists from around the world have contributed paintings, statues, pottery, instruments and hand-made glasswork that
add to the innovative ambiance of Nami.
Step into Nami Island’s
own little world
STORY AND PHOTO BY
SENIOR AIRMAN KRISTINA OVERTON,
51ST FIGHTER WING ARCHIVES
OSAN AIR BASE – A world of its own, and only
two hours from Osan, Nami Island is one the
most unique and creative attractions on the
peninsula. Renamed the Namira Republic in
2006 after declaring their cultural independence, the imaginary country offers a variety
of activities for visitors seeking to get lost in a
world of creativity.
With little knowledge of the island when
I signed up for this Information Tickets and
Travel trip, I had literally just jumped at the
opportunity to get out of the local area and
enjoy some of the cultural diversity of the Republic of Korea. The bus departed the base at
7 a.m. and just a few minutes past 9 a.m. the
Gapyeong Wharf was in sight.
Formed in 1944 during the Cheongpyeong
Dam construction, the island has been a cultural, spiritual and artistic haven for guests
around the world. The Naminarians even invented their own flag, anthem, currency, stamp,
telephone card and passport, which visitors
must use to gain access onto the island. (One of
the things ITT provided for us)
After exiting the ferry, or in my case, zip
lining down to the island, I found myself walking down a tree-lined path of hanging lanterns.
It’s not enough to say this island is strewn with
random collections of art, but literally acts
as a canvas for artists from around the world
who’ve contributed paintings, statues, pottery,
instruments and hand-made glasswork that
add to the innovative ambiance of Nami.
Nami Island is an ideal place to walk around
and enjoy the relaxing scenery, but if you’d
rather see it on wheels, they have single, tandem or family bicycles, four-person electric
tour cars or electric tricycles available for rent.
Among the many interesting sites, a few of
my first stops – and some of the most renown
– are the General Nami’s Tomb, Song Museum
& Magic Hall, and Metasequoia Road.
The half-moon shaped island was named after Gen. Nami, a young and courageous soldier
during the Joseon Dynasty. The young general had been named the Minister of National
– Register by Oct. 2. $160/
person (double, age 10 and up),
$240/person (single) for hotel
with breakfast, admissions,
transportation and guide. For
784-4254.
OCT. 17-18, 24-25: Mt. Odae National
Defense at age 27 for his heroic military exploits. Within his term, false accusations were
made against him, which led to his execution.
After the truth was uncovered more than 300
years later, Gen. Nami’s good reputation was
restored and a monument was erected in his
honor. His tomb, along with a poem engraved
on a burial stone are a highlight and must-see
when visiting.
My next stop was to the Song Museum and
Magic Hall. This facility is Korea’s first national pop-music museum. It includes a music art
exhibit, a museum featuring hundreds of instruments and their history, a recording studio,
a music stage and a riverside café.
Another well-known feature of the island is
the Metasequoia path, a forest path surrounded
by 40-feet tall white birches and Korean white
pines. The path was one of the locations used
during the filming of a “Winter Sonata,” a Korean drama that was part of the ‘Korean Wave’,
the international popularity of Korean arts and
entertainment.
The island also plays hosts to the Nami Island International Children’s Book Festival or
NAMBOOK. At random points on my journey
through the island, I noticed cubbies, shelves
and even corners filled with books. This addition was to inspire the creative minds of youth
so that on any day, children and families could
picnic or sit out by the waterfront and read.
The island is a dream--the dream of many
who aspired to build a world within the world
dedicated to beauty. For a small fee and a short
ride, anyone can experience the Naminarians
fairy-tale. As their Proclamation of Independence states:
We build a fairy-tale world
On this Nami Island
where happiness and love lie
The sound of birds, water,
and wind becomes one with our breathing
On this island of songs, river of music,
we hum a song
The one and only small country inside
the Republic of Korea
Where the freedom of imagination and creation
reawakes our little dream
Park (fall colors) Tour – Register
by Oct. 2 & 9. $145/person
(double), $200/person (single) for
hotel with breakfast, admissions,
transportation and guide. Dinner
and lunch not included. For more
information, call ITT at 784-4254.
NOV. 1: Hanhwa Chungcheong
Province Marathon in Sejong. For
NOV. 27: Tuff Turkey Challenge on
Osan AB. For more information,
call 784-5568.
JAN 3: Polar Bear Swimming
Festival in Busan. For more
DMZ TOURS: Sept. 19, 7 a.m.-10 p.m.
$45 per person plus W12,000 for
lunch. Sign up by noon on the
Wed. before trip date. For more
information, call CAC Tours at
782-5213.
SEPT. 28: Bingo at Falcon
Community Activity Center,
7 p.m. Free to all. For more
SEPT. 21-25: Transition Assistance
Program Seminar (5 day
mandatory session) at Airman
& Family Readiness Center,
8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Registration
required. For more information,
call A&FRC at 782-5644.
SEPT. 25: Nine-ball Tournament
Falcon Community Activity
Center, 7 p.m. Free to all. For
SEPT. 26: Horseback Riding Trip –
10 a.m.-1 p.m./2-4:45 p.m. $40 per
person includes transportation,
horseback ride, photo, equipment
and guide. For more information,
call Outdoor Recreation at 7824938.
SEPT. 26: Hanok Village, 9 a.m.4 p.m. $30 per person. Sign up
by Sept. 24, 5 p.m. For more
782-5213.
SEPT. 26: Black Light Glow Party
at the Loring Club, 7:30 p.m. Free
for club members, $5 for nonmembers. For more information,
call 782-4312.
SEPT. 27: Mt. Naejang National
Park & Geumsan Temple, 8 a.m.6:30 p.m. $35 per person plus
W13,000 for admission fees. Sign
up by Sept. 24, 5 p.m. For more
782-5213.
OCT. 1: First Duty Station Officer
PFR at Airman & Family
Readiness Center, 2:15-3 p.m.
Registration required. For more
information, call A&FRC at 7825644.
OCT. 3: Yellow Sea Cruise – 9:30
a.m.-3 p.m. $15 per person plus
W20,000 for boat fare. Sign
up by Oct. 1, 5 p.m. For more
782-5213.
OCT. 3: Gusan City Bike Riding
Trip, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $20 per person
includes bike, helmet, lock, and
guide. For more information, call
Outdoor Recreation at 782-4938.
OCT. 3: Namhae German Village
– 7 a.m.-8 p.m. $40 per person.
Sign up by Oct. 1, 5 p.m. For more
information, call Falcon CAC at
782-4679.
OCT. 4: Bamboo Market &
Baegyang Temple – 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
$35 per person plus W10,000 for
admission fees. Sign up by Oct. 1,
5 p.m. For more information, call
CAC Tours at 782-5213.
OCT. 7, 11: President’s Cup 2015
with CAC Tours – Oct. 7, 7
a.m.-8 p.m.: $45 per person
plus W30,000 for ticket. Oct. 11,
7 a.m.-8 p.m.: $45 per person
plus W125,000 for ticket. Sign
up by Sept. 15, 5 p.m. For more
information, call Falcon CAC at
782-4769.
OCT. 9: Nine-ball Tournament
Falcon Community Activity
Center, 7 p.m. Free to all. For
more information, call 7825213.
OCT. 10-12: Mt. Sorak
National Park - $250
per person. Sign up
by Sept. 28, 5 p.m. Discounts do
not apply for this trip. For more
782-5213.
OCT. 15: Pre-Separation
Counseling at Airman & Family
Readiness Center, 9-11 a.m.
Registration required. For more
information, call A&FRC at 7825644.
OCT. 18: Buyeo (Capital of Ancient
Baekje) – 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $30
per person plus W22,000 for
admission fees. Sign up by Oct.
15, 5 p.m. For more information,
call CAC Tours at 782-5213.
OCT. 23: Ping-pong Tournament
at Falcon Community Activity
Center, 7 p.m. Free to all. . For
OCT. 24: Byeonsan National Park,
Jikso Waterfall & Neso Temple –
8 a.m.-6 p.m. $35 per person plus
W3,000 for admission fees. Sign
782-5213.
OCT. 25: Jewelry & Precious
Metals Center in Iksan – 9
a.m.-5 p.m. $30 per person. Sign
782-5213.
DAEGU/CAMP WALKER/
CAMP CARROLL
SEPT. 15-OCT. 15: Hispanic Heritage
Month
SEPT. 24: Resiliency Training at
ACS, Camp Carroll, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.,
Camp Carroll Movie Theater.
For more information, call ACS,
Camp Carroll at 765-7900.
SEPT. 26: AUSA Golf Tournament
at Camp Walker Evergreen Golf
Course, 10 a.m.-noon. For more
information, call 764-4601/4628.
SEPT. 26: Recreation Table Tennis
Tournament, 2 p.m. at Camp
Walker CAC. Sign up deadline is
Sept. 23. For more information,
call Camp Walker CAC at 7644123/5919.
SEPT. 28: Spouse Group Meeting
and Birthday Celebration at
Camp Carroll ACS Program
STRIPES KOREA 23
Manager’s Room, 1:30-4 p.m.
For more information, call ACS,
Camp Carroll at 765-7900.
SEPT. 29: Newcomer’s Orientation
at Camp Henry Movie Theater, 10
a.m.-3 p.m. For more information,
call ACS, Camp Henry at 7687112.
OCT. 20-21 USO SESAME STREET SHOW at
Camp Walker.
OCT. FALL FESTIVAL, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL)
CLASS: Every Monday, 10-11:30
a.m. at Camp Carroll ACS
Conference Room. For more
information, call Camp Carroll
ACS at 765-7900.
KOREAN LANGUAGE CLASS (ADVANCED):
Every Monday, 2-3:30 p.m. at
Camp Carroll ACS Conference
Room. For more information, call
Camp Carroll ACS at 765-7900.
FREE CREDIT SCORE & ANALYSIS:
Call 768-8127/7112 for an
appointment.
Grill your own steak night is
back! Every Thursday from 5 –
8:30 p.m. on the outside patio at
Henry’s Place! And step inside
to catch live music from Night
Tunes too!
FREE CREDIT SCORE & ANALYSIS: Check
your free FICO credit scores
and the educational information
and tools in the FICO Standard
product-available free of charge
to eligible active duty service
members and their spouses.
Please call 768-8127 for an
appointment.
HENRY’S PLACE - Dinner special,
$8.95, Wed.-Fri., 5-8 p.m. Call
768-7300 for more information.
KARAOKE & LADIES NIGHT at the
Hideaway Club, Camp Carroll,
every Wed. 5-10 p.m. Call 7658574 for more information.
CHILDREN’S STORY HOUR: Every
Thursday. Camp Walker Library,
10:30 a.m., call 764-4318 for more
information. Camp Carrol library,
call for times at 765-8407.
WARRIOR ADVENTURE QUEST: Warrior
Adventure Quest embodies unit
cohesion, teamwork and stress
management through outdoor
recreation activities. It is made
available through the Army
Family Covenant promise to
Stripes Korea is A Stars and Stripes Community Publication.
This newspaper is authorized for publication by the Department
of Defense for members of the military services overseas.
However, the contents of Stripes Korea are unofficial, and are not
to be considered as the official views of, or endorsed by, the U.S.
government, including the Department of Defense or the U.S.
deliver Soldiers a quality of life
commensurate to their level of
service and sacrifice. Have your
unit representative contact 7644432 or 764-4426 to schedule unit
training and high adventure!
NEWCOMER AND SPOUSE ORIENTATION:
Every Tuesday at Camp Henry
Movie Theater, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.,
768-7112.
NEWCOMER AND SPOUSE ORIENTATION:
Every Thursday at Camp Carroll
Movie Theater, 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.,
765-7900.
NEW!! PIZZA BUFFET EVERY WEDNESDAY:
Evergreen Club, 5 – 9 p.m., 7644060.
THE HANG OUT: Rock & Country
club, Camp Carroll Bowling
Center, Friday and Saturday
nights, 10 p.m. – 3 a.m., 765-4470.
CAMP RED CLOUD/
CAMP STANLEY/
CAMP CASEY/CAMP HOVEY
THE USO is currently accepting
donations of: Individually
packaged snacks, disposable
eating products (flatware, plates,
napkins, bowls, coffee cups),
coffee & powdered creamer,
Clorox/Lysol cleaning wipes &
hand sanitizer, video games and
controllers. PCSing soon? Save
space by donating items to the
USO!
AREA I WIDE 2015 OPERATION RISING
STAR COMPETITION: Semi-Final
Round, Sept. 25, 6 p.m., Final
Round. Registration deadline
is COB, Sept. 10. Register at
any Area I Family and MWR
Community Activity Center.
ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE SEMINARS:
Seminars are held at ACS, 1 p.m.2 p.m. Please call ACS at 7303107 to reserve your space.
SEPT. 30: Personal Anger
Management: “Managing the
Angry Warrior”
SEPT. 25: Movie Night at the USO –
The Illusionist. Popcorn and soda
provided. For more information,
call Camp Casey USO at 7304813.
SEPT. 28: USO Donut Day – Stop by
the Camp Casey USO for donuts
and coffee. This event is open to
active duty & dependents. Starts
at 9:30 a.m.
SEPT. 30: ACS Seminar: Personal
Anger Management: “Managing
the Angry Warrior,” 1-2 p.m. at
ACS. Call 730-3107 to reserve or
for more information.
OCT. 7: ACS Seminar: Health
Relationship Skills for Singles:
“Doing it Alone”, 1-2 p.m. at ACS.
Call 730-3107 to reserve or for
more information.
OCT. 21: ACS Seminar: Stress
Management: “Is It ‘ommm’
Time?” 1-2 p.m. at ACS. Call
730-3107 to reserve or for more
information.
COMMERCIAL BUS SCHEDULE UPDATE:
CRC-Jackson-Yongsan (MyungJin Bus) – The shuttle bus that
runs between Area I and Yongsan
in Seoul, which has been a paid
service, is now free. Casey-Red
Cloud-Jackson – Additional bus
runs have been scheduled for
service between Camp Casey and
Camp Red Cloud. For a complete
listing of the new bus schedule
please call 732-6662.
VISIT TO MYEONGJIN ORPHANAGE: once
very month BOSS volunteers visit
the Myeong Jin Orphanage to
meet and interact with orphans.
You can help ‘make a difference’
in the lives of these special young
people simply by showing that
you care. For more information,
call 732-5417.
PART-DAY PROGRAMS: Available
for pre-toddlers, toddlers and
preschoolers. Mon-Fri, 8:30-11:30
a.m. Follows the DoDes School
Calendar. For more information
or to register, call CYSS Parent
Center at 730-3628.
HOURLY CARE: $4/hour. MonFri, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. For
reservations call, 730-8525.
PARENTS NIGHT OUT: $16. Every 3rd
Friday of the month, 6:30-10:30
p.m. For reservations call, 7308525.
KOREAN LANGUAGE CLASS: Free. 3
p.m. every Sunday, 6 p.m. Every
Thursday at CRC Community
Activity Center. For more
ENGLISH CLASS: Every Tuesday
and Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Pacific Command. As a DOD newspaper, Stripes Korea may be
distributed through official channels and use appropriated funds
for distribution to remote and isolated locations where overseas
DOD personnel are located. The appearance of advertising
in this publication, including inserts or supplements, does not
constitute endorsement of those products by the Department
at Kyungmin High School.
Stanley BOSS council invites
all BOSS members to meet and
interact with local nationals by
participating in their English
lesson program. Contact your
BOSS representative or call 7325417 for more information.
HOOP-IT-UP ON FRIDAY NIGHTS: Every
Friday, 4:30-6 p.m. at Camp Casey
Hanson Field House. Free. Call
Child, Youth & School Services at
730-3114 for more information.
HOURLY CARE AT THE CHILD
DEVELOPMENT CENTER: Mon-Fri, 9
a.m.-4 p.m., $4 per hour. For more
information, call 730-8525/3628.
THE SCHOOL LIAISON OFFICER works
through CYSS with the local
school community to address
educational issues involving
military children. If you Home
School, information may be
obtained on support services and
resources offered through CYSS
that may enhance your child’s
at home program. For more
information, contact your School
Liaison Officer at DSN 730-3468
or commercial 05033-30-3628.
TAE-KWON-DO classes at Camp
Casey Hanson Fitness Center
every Monday, Wednesday, and
Friday. Ages 6-13, 3-4 p.m., ages
14-18, 4-5 p.m. $75/month. For
HAP-KI-DO classes every Tuesday
and Thursday at Camp Casey
Hanson Fitness Center. Ages 6-13,
3-4 p.m., ages 14-18, 4-5 p.m. $50/
month. For more information, call
730-6523.
SWIMMING classes every Tuesday
and Thursday at Camp Hovey
Indoor Pool. Ages: 6 months-2
years, 3:30-4 p.m.; Beginning,
ages 7-18, 4-4:45 p.m.; Beginning,
ages 3-6, 5-5:30 p.m.; Advanced,
ages 7-18, 5:45-6:30 p.m. $55/
month. . For more information,
call 730-6523.
CRC LIBRARY is starting a Book
Club. Sign-up sheet is available
at CRC Library’s front desk. For
more information, c all 732-6723.
For a complete list of events,
visit Korea.Stripes.com
of Defense or Stars and Stripes. Products or services advertised
in this publication shall be made available for purchase, use, or
patronage without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national
origin, age, marital status, physical handicap, political affiliation,
or any other nonmerit factor of the purchaser, user, or patron.
24 STRIPES KOREA

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