Initially teaching English in Jeju Island, South Korea, I put my journalism degree to use and started freelancing for two different local newspapers. I then continued to expand my “media empire” by co-hosting a radio show and anchoring the news at one of Jeju's TV stations. Growing out of my little island home, I moved to Seoul in my grand Korean finale to work for the national public broadcaster of South Korea. Here are some clips from that wonderfully busy period of hustling, balancing several different jobs and trying to make it as a writer in another country. Can't stop. Won't stop.
The words “hope maker” are written at the top of North Korean defector Kim Hyung-deok’s business card. With his persistency and determination, Kim’s astonishing story of escaping to South Korea would make even the toughest critic believe in a glimmer of hope. Now as the president of the Corea Peace & Prosperity Center, Kim channels his energy towards bringing peace to North Korea and believes a less forceful approach than what has been applied in the past should be used to enact change.
“North Koreans don’t have the opportunity to communicate with other foreign countries,” he says. “They dislike and have fears about foreigners and South Korea because they don’t have a chance to meet them. If we give them this chance, they will change...”
NGO Founder, Making Around-the-world Bike Trip, Arrives on Jeju with ‘All School Project’
Passionate and intriguing, Chris Alexander Gionchetta has been cycling around the world since April 2011. Since starting the journey from his home in Switzerland, Chris has biked through 25 different countries before making his way to South Korea, which initially wasn’t included in his original route. “The green line is what I planned in Switzerland, and the other color is the path I actually took,” he says as he reverently opens up a worn, crinkled map.
However, lines, time and restrictions aren’t seen as barriers by Chris, but rather ways to catapult into new opportunities. His plans are free, his mind open, and he shares this spirit with everyone he encounters along the way...
Jeju Furey Female Beach Volleyball Clinic is a Hit: Former pro beach volleyball athlete Han Ji-yeon attends week's sporting, charity events
No stranger to events on the island, the Jeju Furey Foundation held its first ever Female Beach Volleyball Clinic and its third annual Swing Beach Volleyball Classic tournament at Iho Tewoo Beach, Jeju City, from July 18 to 22. Professional beach volleyball player from Seoul, Han Ji-yeon, led the women’s clinic and played in Sunday’s one-day tournament...
US Cyber Security Firm Raises Doubt over N. Korea's Involvement in Sony Hacking
Raising suspicions that the Sony hacking is an inside job, a U.S. cyber security firm has made the assessment that North Korea is not behind the cyber attack. The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation, however, has not wavered in its investigation that the North is linked to the hacking. The U.S. government has also affirmed that it stands behind the FBI analysis...
When Women Thrive, Families, Communities and Countries Thrive
Freda Miriklis, president of the International Federation of Business & Professional Women, addressed a gymnasium full of grade 10 and 11 students at Shinseong Girls’ High School, Jeju City, on May 28. “You are the leaders of tomorrow,” she said in opening her speech. “And we need to find ways that we can work together and achieve a better future for all...”
Korea's Top 10 Summer Gems and Hidden Beaches
As the rainy season ends, summer escalates full force bringing intense levels of heat and humidity. Patbingsu and frozen choco pies stop offering enough respite, and crowds start sweeping over the major beaches leaving little room to lay down a towel. But all hope in securing cool, quiet relief is not lost. Korea holds an abundance of beaches, rivers, and other summer spots. It’s just a matter of being a little more adventurous and seeking out those hidden treasures. This is a list for those who don’t mind going off the beaten path to find Korea’s summer gems. Here are ten to get started...