18 COMMUNITY
News firms of questionable quality abound
By Rob Ouwehand
Not long ago, Yonhap News
published an article titled
“Native speakers of question-
able quality abound” whose con-
tent was summarized by one
commentator with the title,
“Unfit, foulmouthed, drunken
English teachers running ram-
pant.”
It distorted statistics, selec-
tively chose details to cast for-
eign English teachers in the
worst possible light, and then
treated that anecdotal evidence
as if it were typical of all
English teachers.
In the same week, Pressian
used ex-girlfriends’ text mes-
sages as if they were reliable
sources, and published an arti-
cle calling English professors
“vampires.”
These two articles are far
from the first of their kind. In
fact, with growing concern and
frustration, foreign teachers in
Korea have seen a long string of
such articles and TV programs
appear. The Chosun, the
In focus: What is the Seoul Photo Club?
The Photo Challenge is spon-
sored by Hyosung Camera
(English: 010-7203-9599) and
Babo Shirts (www.baboshirts.
com). Winners of the weekly compe-
tition receive a 50,000 won store
credit at Hyosung Camera and a
Babo Shirt. To take part in the
competition, simply upload your
photo at www.flickr.com
/groups/seoulphotoclub — Ed.
By Aaron Raisey
When I am out there with my
camera and get talking to peo-
ple, I always get questions when
people find out I am the admin-
istration guy for the Seoul Photo
Club. This week, I would like to
field a few of those questions
and let you know what is com-
ing up for the club in September.
Q: So, what exactly is the
Seoul Photo Club?
A: The Seoul Photo Club is an
online community for anyone
who is keen on taking, sharing,
thinking and talking about pho-
tos and photography. The club
was set up with the express pur-
pose of facilitating discussion
Country Restaurant
American Sujiís
Gramercy Kitchen
Australian Tony’s Aussie Bar and Bistro
Brazilian Ipanema
Brasilia
Bulgarian Zelen Bulgarian Restaurant
Canadian Rocky Mountain
Chinese Dong Seong Yangkkochi
European 8 Steps
Greek Greek Joy
Santorini
French Le Saint-Ex
Indian Taj
New Delhi
Chakraa
Iranian Persian Land
Irish The Wolfhound
Italian Sortinos
Japanese Sushi so
Latin American Cusco
Mediterranean Shim’s Tapas
Mexican Dos Tacos
On The Border
Joongang, the Hankooki, and
others are also guilty of distort-
ing or ignoring statistics, or us-
ing anecdotes and unverified in-
cidents to portray English
teachers as unqualified, drug
users, HIV carriers, or worse.
Actual statistics show just
how irresponsible these journal-
ists have been. Statistics from
the Korean Institute of
Criminology and Korea’s
Supreme Prosecutor’s Office
show that foreigners from
English speaking countries
have a lower crime rate overall
and a much lower sex-crime
rate than Korea’s general popu-
lation.
Translation: English teachers
are statistically less dangerous
than most other demographics
in Korea.
The rate of drug use for peo-
ple from English-teacher-eligi-
ble countries from 2005-2008
was less than 0.14 percent;
hardly cause for national panic.
Yet these reassuring facts were
ignored by media outlets who
prefer hearsay and rumors, and
write inflammatory headlines
like “Beware the ugly white
English teacher” (Sports
Chosun).
Yellow journalism won over
PHOTO CHALLENGE — winner — Near Cheonggyecheon, central Seoul, street performers take a well-
earned break before the next show.
and communication between ex-
pat photographers here in
Korea. We are always looking
to improve our photography
through giving some considered
comments on other members’
photographs, accepting a few
constructive thoughts, and dis-
cussing anything photo-related.
Q: I want to join, post and
view photos, and get some tips
to improve my photography,
Location
Itaewon
COEX
Sinsa-dong
Itaewon
Seodaemun Station
Gangnam
Samseong
Seolleung Station
Itaewon
Itaewon
Sinchon
Samcheong-dong
Hongdae
Itaewon
Jonggak
Itaewon
Myung-dong
Gangnam
Daehakro
Kyunghee University station
Itaewon
Itaewon
Itaewon
Itaewon
Sommerset Hotel, Insadong
Sommerset Hotel
Hapjong station
Hongdae
Gangnam
Apgujung
Hongdae
Coex
WEDNESDAY JUNE 24, 2009
posted online in English for light, their race-based reporting Millions of dollars of tourism
everyone, from any country, to is being reported in English, promotion cannot cancel out the
read. People searching the in- and casting Korea’s media, and disenchanted ex-English teach-
ternet to learn about Korea eas- indeed all of Korea in a bad ers — thousands per year —
ily find these irresponsible, one- light. This should be a cause for telling anyone who asks how
sided articles. serious concern for members of unpleasant it was to live under
Korea has always been con- the Korean media, and for suspicion of being drug-using
cerned about its international Koreans in general. perverts. The media distorts
image: National rankings and Any expat in Korea knows facts to make us look bad, abus-
Expat Living is a section dedicated to the daily comparative surveys always that Korea is full of global- ing the public trust, and the
living of expatriates. catch the public attention. It re- minded, cosmopolitan Koreans country’s image in the world
It is printed on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. flects poorly on the entire coun- who find racism and anti- suffers.
To share stories about your life abroad, send stories try when Yonhap News, Korea’s English-teacher bias offensive. If Korea’s own people, and
or story ideas to Matthew Lamers at
international news source, pub- Many of Korea’s leaders and Korea’s own media, do not call
mattlamers@heraldm.com lishes stereotyped rumors about lawmakers share that open- outlets like Yonhap News and
Submissions may be edited for length or clarity.
English teachers. minded view: President Lee Pressian to account for their
And where are the articles Myung-bak plans on “Building yellow journalism, it will be the
from other news outlets criticiz- an open society where Koreans international media, or an in-
cold, hard facts. emotionally satisfying, or politi- ing Yonhap? This kind of media and non-Koreans live in harmo- ternational watchdog organiza-
It is easy to pick on foreigners, cally popular, but it is intellec- criticism is common in other ny.” While such lip service tion that does, in a report that
and English teachers in particu- tually lazy and socially irre- countries when a politician or a sounds nice, sensationalist arti- will be much more embarrass-
lar. Because most cannot read sponsible. It increases igno- media outlet makes ignorant or cles about English teachers run- ing for Korea than if Koreans
Korean newspapers, many are rance and fear of outsiders at a irresponsible comments, and it ning wild undermine those take care of this problem do-
unaware we are being attacked. time when Korea is trying to be creates an atmosphere of ac- goals. mestically, and demand more
We are less likely to respond a global power, and when countability, enhancing profes- Many English teachers have responsibility from their media
than unions, civic groups or po- Korea’s declining birthrate has sionalism. had enough. There are about in-house.
litical parties, because we can’t led many Korean leaders to rec- To an interested observer try- 20,000 people in Korea right
speak Korean, either. Our si- ognize that without help from ing to learn about Korea, the now on English-teacher visas,
lence makes it politically conve- outsiders, Korea’s future pros- lack of protest from civic groups, and many are tired of the media Robert Ouwehand occasional-
nient to blame us for all kinds of perity is in danger. It also risks citizens or other media might calling us criminals, drug-users, ly contributes to the community
social ills. national embarrassment in a look like tacit approval of this AIDS-carriers and sexual de- blog koreasparkle.com and his
But those who criticize world of instant communica- kind of race-based reporting. viants. When we go home, this personal blog roboseyo.blogspot.
English teachers unfairly are tion. Koreans are no longer the The result is this: in the same is what some of us report, to our com The opinions expressed here
wrong to think we are a perfect only ones who can read or speak way a few Korean journalists family and our friends, and a are the author’s and do not nec-
target. Korean: biased articles and oth- take isolated incidents and cast negative image of Korea essarily represent those of The
Blaming outsiders might be er media are translated and English teachers in the worst spreads by word of mouth. Korea Herald. — Ed.
though, most people have those
doubts when they first join the
club. I know I did. But we have
some of the best, highly knowl-
edgeable and most helpful expat
photographers in Korea. In the
SPC, we have access to a vast
store of practical knowledge and
experience from people, working
or teaching here, just like you .
From landscape to macro pho-
tography, from raw street pho-
tography to studio lighting, we
have members that cover it all.
You will gain a lot from partici-
pating.
Q: You mentioned September
earlier, what is happening then?
A: Big news. Weekly, a picture
from the club pool, and monthly,
the themed competition winners
get published on the Expat
Living page and receive a couple
of prizes. This fact gets men-
Jerry Sam tioned every week in this col-
umn. But in September, all the
where can I find the SPC? and any picture you post to the winners so far this year take part
A: We are on Flickr at group must have been taken in the fully sponsored Korea
www.flickr.com/groups/seoulpho while you were living in Korea. Herald Seoul Photo Club Photo
toclub. Just visit us and join up. Of course, where you currently Exhibition. If the idea of having
Q: It is called the Seoul reside does not preclude you one of your photos in the paper,
Photo Club, so do I have to live from partaking in any discus- collecting a couple of prizes and
in Seoul? sions. taking part in an exhibition ap-
A: No, we have members from Q: I am a bit shy to post my peals to you, you now know
all over Korea - literally from pictures or comment. I am also where to go.
Paju to Jeju and most points in a little intimidated by all the So get out there, get shooting,
between. You should live in high quality photographs. and we will see you online. PHOTO CHALLENGE — runner-up — Namsan Korean Folk Village,
Korea when you join us though, A: You and me both. Seriously (raisey@hanmail.net) Seoul Cami Beaudry
A selection of international restaurants in Seoul
Phone Website Country Restaurant Location Phone Website
(02) 797-3698 www.sujis.net Shinchon (02) 324-0682
(02) 3467-8508 Tomatillo Gwanghwamoon (02) 734-9225 www.tomatillo.co.kr
(02) 512-1046 www.gramercykitchen.com
Middle Eastern Petra Itaewon (02) 790-4433
02-790-0793 www.tonysitaewon.com 019-840-9630
(02) 779-2756 Moroccan Marrakech Nights Itaewon (02) 795-9441 www.marakechnight.com
(02) 533-6888 website in construction
(02) 565-0607 Nepalese Everest Dongdaemun (02) 766-8850 www.everestfood.com
(02) 563-5570 Yongdompo (02) 3667-8848
Namaste Dongdaemun (02) 3672-1566 www.himalayan.com
(02) 749-0600 http://club.cyworld.com/zelen Shanti Hongdae (02) 6052-3989 www.shantifood.com
Mankamana Shinchon station (02) 338-4343 www.mankamana.com
010-7196-0857 (English) www.rockymountaintavern.com
010-3643-5392 (Korean) North Korean Jin Go Gae Chungmuro Station (02) 2267-0955
(02) 334-2678 Philippine Philipino market Hyewha-dong www.trekkerslodge.com
/filipino-market.aspx
(02) 738-5838
Russian Gostiny Dvor Dongdaemun (02) 2269 7505
(02) 338-2100 www.greekjoy.co.kr
(02) 790-3474 Spanish Albaizyn Hongdae (02) 334-5841 www.cyworld.com/albaizyn
Daehakro (02) 334-5841
(02) 739-4418
(02) 794-3834 Il Madre Apgujong (Main) (02) 3444-8697 http://www.il-mare.co.kr/
Gangnam (02) 2051-8697
(02) 776-3463 www.taj.co.kr Mokdong High parion (02) 2646-1224
(02) 569 6907 www.indianfood.co.kr Yeoido (02) 783-7777
(02) 745-6900 Yonsan Park (02) 796-1233
(02) 957-7955 Hongdae (02) 336-2773
www.chakraa.co.kr
Taiwanese Din Tai Fung Myeong-dong (02) 771-2778
(02) 797-7109 Gangnam (02) 569-2778
010-2955-7109 Bundang- Suhyun station 031-705-2778
011-295-4551 www.wolfhoundpub.com Thai Buddha’s Belly Itaewon (02) 793-2173 www.buddhasbelly.co.kr
Thai Orchid Apgujung (02) 517-1135 www.thaiorchid.co.kr
(02) 797-0488 www.sortinos-seoul.com Itaewon (02) 795-3338
Euljiro 1ga (02) 772-9926
(02) 730-5396 www.somersetpalace.co.kr
(02) 6730-8888 Vegetarian Loving Hut Shinchon (02) 333-8088 www.lovinghut.kr
Ulsan ?Daldong 052-267-7173
(02)-334-6836 www.latinfood.co.kr Busan- Seomyeon 051-808-7718
(02) 3141-2386 Vietnamese Little Saigon Apgujeong (02) 547-9050
(02) 93-5904 www.dostacos.co.kr General websites
(02) 542-3446 www.zenkimchi.com
(02) 322-3677 www.seouleats.com
www.ontheborder.co.kr http://www.seoulstyle.com/city_taj.htm