Jeonju News Jan-Mar 2009

Written by admin Thursday, 16 April 2009 16:14

Google Map of the Ju
A Fantastic Resource!

{Mar 30, 2009}

"I've been working on a Google map for Jeonju and I thought I'd send the link to you so it could be linked to the Jeonju Hub. Anyone can edit it, if the have a gmail account. Here's a video that shows people how to edit the map. My friend made it to show people how to edit the Daejeon map she created and linked to her expat website. Hope this is helpful! -Audrey "   [Audrey rocks]
GOOGLE MAP OF THE JU
-Video tutiorial
-Daejon's expat site: socius.or.kr
-Daejon's map.

Jeonju Film Festival
Unveils Lineup

{Mar 30, 2009}

Jeonju's International Film Festival promises to be again, a worthwhile watch. Some titles include "Fly Penguin", "The Origin of Water", "Die Bad", "Daytime Drinking", and "Bandhobi" (a romance between a Bangladeshi man and a Korean high school girl). Just a month away.

« from mrk »           Courtesy hollywoodreporter.com

Gunsan Man Fined for Filming Sex
With a High School Student

{Mar 30, 2009}

A Gunsan man filmed sex with a 17-year old girl on his phone last year. He was fined 5 million won.

« from mrk »           Courtesy Korea Times

Gaeksa Crash

{Mar 28, 2009}

On the 26th, at 1:50am, Mr. Lee(21) lost control of his Sonata and bashed into a pillar on the southern exposure of the Gaeksa property (just right of the gate). Nobody was hurt, and Gaeksa house was undamaged.

« from che »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Chung DongYoung Returns
to Jeonju

{Mar 28, 2009}

After an eight month stay in the US, Mr Chung is coming home to Jeonju to run in the April 29 by-elections. He ran for president in 2007, and still holds 55% national approval in the polls.

« from mrk »           Read more from Korea Times

Cleaning Lady Finds Baby

{Mar 27, 2009}

Tragic news from PyongWhaDong, Jeonju. A cleaning lady found a newborn baby girl in the trash can of a PyungWhaDon apartment building complex. It was newly born and the umbillical chord was not removed. Police are working to discover the murderers. It is speculated that this is residual case of female infanticide. The "must have a boy first" attitude is in great decline in Korea. However, it seems as though some still think this way--enough to commit murder.

« from yck »           Courtesy SaeJeonbuk News

 

Original Expat Bar History

{Mar 24, 2009}

"Dear Webmasters, I thoroughly enjoy the site, but I would like to note a correction. There were several watering holes for "foreigners" in Jeonju before Deepin became the "spot." Deok Jin was the expat zone in the late 90s. At the center of the fun was SE Bar that became a Friday night gathering spot in the summer of 96 for all of the expats in Jeonju - we did a census and there were about 120 of in town then. Friday nights would see roughly 100 people in SE and lemon soju was the drink of the day with "Se Woo Gang" the only snack! Long Islands did not exist and the only beer option was Hite - 2,000 won per 500 cc. It was located where Tombstone (used to be?) or is - about 100 metres from the Jihado going towards Jeon Buk Dae on the left (2F). It was popular until about '98 when the police started getting wise to the "open all night" sessions until 9 AM Saturday morning. The height of the fun and the subsequent downfall came when the Universiade came (the arenas on Paek Jae Ro were built for that) and on one night there were roughly 200 people including the Canadian hockey team and the furniture was destroyed from people sitting on the arms and backs of them. Urban and ToBeOne became the reluctant new spots. Only after that my good friend John Scott told me about Deepin and we started going there in mid to late '98. It is not to brag, but we started that place. Our pictures are on the wall - ask Min! Just a little history from the elders and keep up the great work - this site is great to see!
Jeff Foot
-TOP (Deok Jin and Hyo Ja 96 -98)
-Byuk Sung College, Kimje (98-00)"
[Jeff is Canadian (NS), and is currently Director of International Affairs and ESL at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville, MO.]

Why V-Day?

{Mar 20, 2009}

There are several battered wife centres hidden in the hills around the area. I have just spoken with a new resident who said she "finally feels safe." She went there right out of the hospital. Her residence currently houses about 10 women, with children. They are all from Vietnam, the Philippines... the "lesser Asian races." Theme: Their Korean husbands are displeased that they are not sufficiently Korean. Please say a prayer for the hundreds in Jeollabukdo who are too afraid to cry out for help. -dvm

More on Jeonbuk's
Education Issue

{Mar 20, 2009}

In this picture, members of the North Jeolla Province Network for Strengthening Public Education urge the Education Ministry to nullify the results of the nationwide scholastic achievement assessment test (ilje gosa) in front of the North Jeolla Province Education Office in Jeonju on February 19. The whole test was bogus, from start to finish, the article suggests.

« from mrk »           Read More

Ticket? I'll Pass.

{Mar 19, 2009}

The lengths that people will go to to park illegally! The original Korean article lists various ways drivers are avoiding photo-tickets, including putting garbage on their plates, parking right up with plate against a pole, or this little move (pictured). It's very difficult to know where you can and can't park legally in Jeonju.

« from che »           Courtesy SaeJeonbuk News

Call for Articles

{Mar 16, 2009}

When you are not bilingual, it's quite a challenge to coax friends and students to give you a regular supply of LOCAL (Jeollabukdo) news. Perhaps you have a student who is willing to try it. What's involved? Send a point-form summary of a local news story with a link to credit the original news source (which will be in Korean, because there is nothing else in English for Jeollabukdo but this site.) Write a feature, an op/ed, or get a little local news from a Jeonju news site. This site is built on the contributions of it's readers. Thank you.

« from dvm »           Courtesy of the people of Jeonju

Red-Light District
On Chopping Block?

{Mar 11, 2009}

Jeonju's downtown "SonMiChon" (which, translated means "butt village" :D ) or red-light district, could be seeing it's end. Jeonju City Council is talking about buying it all up (the land, that is), and putting something nice there. There are several such neighborhoods in town, but the SonMiChon right against City Hall is the biggest, and most well-known. The council has already tried to to this in 2004, but somehow, they didn't have sufficient staying power.

« from dvm »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Upcoming Erection
for National Assemblyman

{Mar 11, 2009}

What are all the flyers about? There are 18 men running for the Jeollabukdo Provincial "Premiership." Campaign flyers litter the streets and the buildings are adorned with enthusiastic, pastoral and trustworthy faces.
The erections will go off on April 29.

« from yck »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Reports of unpaid wages soar

{Mar 11, 2009}

Jeolla Labor Boards conducted a survey (esp. Jeonju, Iksan, Gunsan) and found that reported unpaid wages are up to 43 billion KW, a sharp rise of over 11 billion KW from last year. [43 billion reported won at the current rates are 29M USD, 37M CDN, 45M AUD, 21M GBP. How many of these reported unpaid back-wages are yours?] As the resession worsens, this trend tends to worsen exponentially.

« from che »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

4-month-old dies
in a Gunsan daycare

{Mar 11, 2009}

Bitter tragedy struck at a little nursery center in NaunDong, Gunsan. The child had slept after feeding and apparently drowned in her own vomit. The coroner found formula in her throat. Investigation continues; but foul play or even negligence seems very unlikely.

« from che »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Another Kick at the Can

{Mar 10, 2009}

Introducing Jeonju's newest attempt at facing it's embarassing and disgraceful garbage situation: the household wet-trash bin. This handy little unit is imprinted with a serial number which links it to your address, so you are not to worry of it's theft. You will also be held responsible for any unlawful use of it. Wet (compostable) trash is placed in the strainer basket on the inside, and there is a drain on the bottom, so you can let the kimchi-and-rot juices flow down the sink. Fun! This will replace the orange-topped wet-bins now in use. This likely applies to homes and not apartments. Door-to-door, weekly collection will begin in mid-April.

« from dvm »      

Media Strike On Hold

{Mar 3, 2009}

The Korean Government formed an ad hoc committee to study the issue and produce a new proposal in 100 days' time. The sentiment of many media staff is that 100 years would be better. Skeptical of an agreeable outcome, the union agreed to return to work and give the comittee 100 days to try to spin straw into gold. Local TV programmers are beginning to despair the momentum of the big-business advertising axe.

« from gak»

Media Strike

{Mar 1, 2009}

All members of Korea's Broadcaster's Union have been on strike since Thurday. The TV and radio stations (incl. Jeonju MBC, KBS) have been operating on (non-union) skeleton crews. The issue...More Information »

« from gak »           More from YonHap

Cheating on Test

{Feb 28, 2009}

It is not the students who cheated, but education ministers! Some officials charged with administering October's national test (Soc,Studies; English; Math; Science; Korean.) have been caught adjusting test scores to make their school or region look better. In particular, Imshil, famous for cheese--and lately, corrupt public officials--caused a stink.

More... »

Smashed-Up Derby

{Feb 26, 2009}

John Stephens (Derby) was in a motorcycle accident Tuesday, and is in good condition in the hospital nearest McDonalds, in SeoShinDong(4F,rm,06). He has a fractured femur and a damaged spleen. He is in good humor and owes his life to his helmet. Thanks to a host of friends who have already been to visit.
[UPDATE (2.27) Derby has had surgery to set his femur and is recovering well.]

« from dvm »          

Thinner Coverage

{Feb 17, 2009}

A 54-year-old Gochang man tried to collect money from his car insurance provider for back pain. The insurance rep, a 31-year-old woman, visited him. She told him that this was not covered in his policy. He grabbed her, poured 2.5L of paint thinner over them both, and tried to light them up. Thankfully, his lighter also let him down. His attempted murder charge will afford him a long period of rest for his back.

« from gak »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Drunken Car Thief Caught

{Feb 17, 2009}

A 24-year-old Gochang man, drunk, with no license, stole his workmate's truck after they had all passed out in a motel. He scraped along a guardrail, then drove the truck to a repair shop, where he left it and fled. He committed an almost identical crime on Dec 24. Police caught him after he had evaded arrest for 2 months, hiding in Gwangju.

« from gak »          

Train Hits Truck in Iksan

{Feb 17, 2009}

A passenger train bound for Yosu struck the rear end of a tractor-trailer which had apparently gotten somehow hung up on the tracks. The engineer braked, but there was not enough room to stop completely. The impact stopped the train dead in its tracks. 4 cases of whiplash were reported by passengers, and a 1h delay angered hundreds.

« from gak »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

The Friendship is Off

{Feb 19, 2009}

Five guys were drinking. Two started arguing. Then there were four. A 46 year-old Gunsan man stabbed his 48 year-old friend in the heat of the argument. He died in hospital 2 hours later. [Makes you wonder, which one was 'right'?]

« from che »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Dam Marathon

{Feb 17, 2009}

The Gunsan-Saemangeum Marathon is slated to take place April 26th. There will be 5K, 10K, 1/2 marathon, and full Marathon. Deadline for entry is March 22nd. (The website is somewhat navigable if you do not undersand Korean, but you'll need a Korean-speaker to call them. You transfer to one of the bank numbers shown on the Join page to book your spot.)

« from gak »           www.smgmara.com

Truck Murdered?

{Feb 16, 2009}

It's more obvious to cyclists and motorbikers, perhaps; but have you ever noticed the white outlines on the roads? They are accident scene markings left by police for legal and insurance data. More often than not, it will be the outline of a pizza-bike, accompanied by a human outline in fetal position--complete with blood-stain. (These markings are very obvious to people who have been outlined themselves.) In this picture is the profile of a truck found on it's side in Samchondong.

« from dvm »          

Man Attacks Cop
Right in the Station

{Feb 12, 2009}

Last week in NamMun police station, Jeonju, just before 2 in the morning, police detained a 39-year-old man for questioning. Two friends came to see him, but were told to stay outside. At this, the inside man knocked over an officer, grabbed him by the collar, and scratched his face repeatedly. The officer went to hospital for two weeks. Scratchy went to jail.

« from che »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Jeonju "Ice-Man" Competitor
Freezes

{Feb 10, 2009}

A 47-year-old Jeonju woman entered Korea's 11th annual "Ice-man" competition, a polar diving event. She was an experienced diver, but there was some problem with her safety equipment. She was pulled from the frigid waters after 40 minutes had passed. She died of hypothermia.

« from che »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Saemangeum Proposes
a Dam Casino

{Feb 12, 2009}

The Saemangeum dam project does not have enough controversy, it seems. Gambling is illegal in Korea, but some have proposed that (like Canada) the government itself would deal the cards. It should pull in a lot of... someone's money.

« from yck »           Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

Jeonju Grandmother Fails Driving Test
771 Times!

{Feb 10, 2009}

At a loss for words on this one.Courtesy Google

« from mrk, and many others »

Funny Like Ha

{Feb 5, 2009}

Mr. Ha has been dubbed "Korea's Jim Carrey." He attends Jeonbuk University here in town, and is a rising star in the comedy business. He says that tough economic times, like all tough times, calls for comedic response. We have to laugh: it's better than medicine; and can help put things in perspective.Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

« from dvm »

Surveillence Schools

{Feb 5, 2009}

Jeollabukdo will set 'a national example' by installing CCTV cameras all around 10 elementary schools. Further, broadacst speakers will also announce recorded messages about traffic safety and 'don't take candy from strangers' kinda messages. The headline translates, "Talking CCTV for childrens' saftey." [ed. Crying "Big Brother is cool for hype, but seriously, if you are not doing anything wrong, who cares if you're on camera? Right?] Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

« from dvm »

A Viewer Responds

Read the response »

Soju Made Me Do It!

{Feb 3, 2009}

A 40-year-old man got drunk and stole a bag of rice last night. At first, the police were tempted to cut him a break: He was stealing food, the poor guy. But he has stolen more than $600 worth of food in the last little while. He just got out of jail 10 months ago, and has more than 10 charges on his record for theft. It's only when he's drunk; it's always just food. He was caught running down the street, drunk, with a 30kg sack of rice on his shoulder.

« from gak and yck »

Man Fined 5 Million Won
For Abuse... and Negligence

{Feb 1, 2009}

A 15-year-old girl stole from her teacher, goaded by some friends. The teacher bawled out her dad. Embarrassed, the father put her in the hospital. She must remain 6wks. The court fined daddy dearest 2 million won for his daughter, and ["while you're here.."] another 3 million won for withholding payment from his 13 employees. The balance of justice? Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

« from yck »

Jeollabukdo Social Welfare
Fundraising Campaign
Surpasses Goal

{Jan 30, 2009}

According to some, the economy is worse this year than during the IMF crisis. However, generosity in Jeolla is increasing. Last year, the campaign acheived 97% of it's goal. This year it passed the 100% mark with a few days to spare. It ends the 31st of January. The target was 3.3 Billion won. (About US3M) Donors are mostly individuals. Proceeds to UNICEF.

« from GAK »

Iksan Excavation
World Heritage Site?

{Jan 30, 2009}

While Iksan's Maitreya Pagoda is being taken down, over 500 ancient artifacts have been discovered. One of them a gold sari urn from the Baekje Dynasty (7th century). A sari urn contains the ashes of a great monk. The province is seeking recognition from UNESCO World Heritage List, and asking the Korean government to promote Maitreya Pagoda Relic Exhibition Center in Iksan to a 'national museum.' Courtesy Korea Times

« from Mark »

Son Kills Own Mother

{Jan 29, 2009}

Namwon, Jan 24: Mrs. Bak came home drunk again. Her 25-year-old son was so angry, he screamed, "Stop drinking!" and hit her on the head with a blunt object. She'll never drink again. He went to another room in the house and drank, while his mom laid down - and died of a brain hemorrage. He called the undertaker the following day, saying that his mom had passed away in her sleep. The undertaker noticed cranial bruising and called police, who arrested the son Jan 28. She had reported him once before, but dropped charges.Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

« from dvm »

Man Stabs Brothel Owner

{Jan 27, 2009}

"We Are Closed" was not what a Mr. Yu wanted to hear in the Sunosongdong red-light district. After a yelling match and a scuffle, he was forcibly shoved away by pimp, Mr.Pak. Mr. Yu returned with a sharp instrument and stabbed him. He is being charged with attempted murder.

« from dvm »

Jeollabukdo Education Office
Scandal

{Jan 22, 2009}

You can beat the kids with a bamboo cane and you'll be back in class the next day, but watch out if you snub your nose at a state-run test! This school principal is in hot water because he chose a field-trip over a state-run test. Read more from Korea Times.

« from Mark »

Happy Solnal!

{Jan 26, 2009}

Today is the Asian New Year, and Korea is shut right down. This is the Year of the Ox. (Article). Take a much-needed rest before shouldering the yoke for the coming year. May it be a fruitful and happy year. Best wishes to all the folks in the Ju! Moo!

« from dvm »

No Parking

{Jan 25, 2009}

This car was discovered right in the center of the river west of Samchondong Sunday morning. [by the time I got my camera and returned, he had lifted it out] It was the work of thieves who put a rock on the gas pedal, said the tow-truck operator.

« from dvm »

Water Use Capped

{Jan 21, 2009}

In rural regions around the province, restrictions are being put on water use to keep local reserviors from drying up. Jeollabukdo has experienced a record draught this fall and winter. Jinan imposed a 2,000L/month per-home limit. Villages in the highlands are especially dry, with no wells, no rain, and small reserviors.Courtesy SaeJeonbuk News

« from GAK »

Man Steals Motel Computer
For His Son

{Jan 19, 2009}

Economic times are tough. A Jeonju man could not afford a computer for his son, so he got a room in a motel and stole the one from the room. It begs the question: How did he know he could do that? Where had he been spending his money? Courtesy Jeonbuk Daily

« from dvm »

Jeonju Gets Failing Grade
On Waste

{Jan 18, 2009}

Jeonju is way behind when it comes to being either green or clean, says Jeonbuk Environmental Union. The need for a new wet trash facility is more than urgent, and the Ju has been lazy, they insist. F is not for fragrant. Courtesy Empas News

« from dvm »

Eastar Airlines Takes Off

{Jan 15, 2009}

Gunsan businessmen began a new venture: a new airline with flights from Gimpo to Jeju for around 30,000KW and specials as low as 19,900KW. As soon as news broke, all January seats were booked, 50% of February's seats, and 20% of March. So many people switched over to Eastar from other carriers at the same time that the reservation system went offline due to overload. As far as technical problems go, this appears to be a promising omen for Eastar. The low-cost carrier plans to expand services over the next few years to all of NEAsia. MORE from Korea Times

« from GAK »

New Crossing Lights

{Jan 15, 2009}

The city of Jeonju plans to install 100 new crosswalk lights, with countdown timers, in major intersections. Further, 20 audible indicators will be installed for visually impaired persons. Perhaps this will enable more people to survive crossing a street in this town. One can dare to dream that some drivers will also better gauge how much green-time remains before pulling into a congested intersection and plugging it solid.

« from GAK »

Kidnapped by Ex-boyfriend, beaten, raped, over 22hours.

{Jan 10, 2009}

A 47-year-old woman called it quits with Mr. Jong (also 47), but he would not take 'no' for an answer. He stripped her, beat her, and raped her outdoors in UngPoMyun (near Iksan) November 20th, then struck again, holding her in a 'love motel' against her will for 22 hours, December 22nd. Mr. Jong remains at large.

Courtesy of SJB News

E-Mart Challenged by
Competition

{Jan 10, 2009}

E-Mart used to enjoy the spoils, charging up to 30% more than local stores, in exchange for the convenience of a single location. Now with stores like HomePlus and Lotte Mart springing up all over town, the heat is on to be more competative. [Remind you of any economic theories?]

Courtesy of SJB News