By Honorary Reporter Laarni Calpo from Philippines

Photos = Laarni Calpo

Main entrance of Penguin Village

I visited Penguin Village, part of Yangnim History and Culture Village in Gwangju, on the morning of Nov. 3 last year. Located in the city's Yangnim-dong neighborhood, the village has no penguins but got its name after a fire broke out in the village in 2013. The residents started clearing the damaged area including Kim Jong-je, who was wearing a prosthetic leg after being in a car accident 40 years ago. The way he walked reminded the villagers of a cute penguin, so their village was affectionately named "Penguin Village."

Murals and art using antiques decorate the walls of the village.

It is also an art village with murals and antique collections that form part of the community's history. I loved how the old telephones, household utensils and books were put together to make art.

These walls are decorated with poems and old appliances.

I also saw residents going about their daily lives like a fruit truck vendor selling fruit with a voice recording, two neighbors having a conversation on either side of their gates, a brave kindergartener crossing the street with her right arm raised, a group of happy high school students wearing their uniforms on their way to the school gym and street vendors selling vintage Korean candy.

These stores are housed in Hanok (traditional architecture) buildings.

On Nov. 7, I visited Penguin Village at night to explore areas with stores housed in Hanok-inspired architecture. Souvenir shops sold woodcarvings and some even allowed visitors to watch artisans crafting their works. One of my favorite places was a spot in which visitors could get a photo taken creating the illusion of standing next to the moon.

This giant moon display is in Yangnim Village.

As I walked through the neighborhood, I also noticed a tall reddish building in the distance: Yangnim Church. Built in 1954, it looked like an old European church complete with church bells. The structure in front is Owen Memorial Hall, which honors Clement C. Owen, one of the first Christian missionaries in Jeollanam-do Province. Inside the church, I felt as if I was back in the 1950s, as the structure and atmosphere felt like they were from those old times.

Yangnim Church.

Around the church were many stores and restaurants, so I ate jjajangmyeon (noodles in black bean sauce). I ordered the dish in Korean to practice my speaking skills. I got a large bowl with the side dishes of kimchi, white onions and pickled radish. When I finished my meal I also thanked the owner by saying "Jal meogeosseumnida" (Thanks for the meal).

kalhong617@korea.kr

*This article is written by a Korea.net Honorary Reporter. Our group of Honorary Reporters are from all around the world, and they share with Korea.net their love and passion for all things Korean.