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Kimchi and its impact on Melbourne Culture: A Critical Perspective by an Inner City ‘Freethinker’ – Assessment

A brief History

Kimchi. Where to begin? For the uninitiated, its cabbage that has been fermented for several months with various spices and upon first inspection, doesn’t look particularly appetizing. For the enthusiasts, Kimchi is a flavour enhancer of the highest order and a delicious feed just on its own. But where did it come from, you ask? “I want some history man!!” And to that I say, chill out. Kim-chi has been a part of Korean culture for a good while. Some ancient texts reference the dish to as far back as 37 BCE. Over time, presumably due to its deliciousness thrown in with all that pizazz, it has become a staple for Korean households, even claiming the revered national dish status.

Prepare

Ferment

Enjoy

A Critical Review

Nowadays, Kimchi is can be found in many places around the world. But unlike many other things that have reached the cultural expanse, it is not hard to find Kimchi with its essence intact. Also, for the most part, it hasn’t been used as selling point to lure tourists, as is common with these sorts of dishes. My prediction is it’ll only be a matter of time before people start capitalising on its selling potential though. They will surely suck the life out of the dish. But who to entrust to deliver on such a promise? Oh, I’ve got it. America. Check out how they are ~~debasing Kimchi~~ innovating here! (Kimchi bacon, perfect…) Or what about this Kimchi burger in the image below! (Kimchi burgers are great, to be fair)

Bacon-and-Kimchi Burgers — Bacon and Kimchi burgers

But I’m not here to persuade you of my radical, off the wall opinions. Whether it is slowly becoming appropriated or being paid a respectful homage by the city of Melbourne and greater western culture is up for you to decide as a smart, well-rounded traveller. It sure is delicious though!

Media from

https://www.chowhound.com/recipes/basic-napa-cabbage-kimchi-kimchee-29505

http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/bacon-and-kimchi-burgers

http://www.platingsandpairings.com/kimchi-kimchee/

https://plateandfork.wordpress.com/2012/04/07/david-changs-napa-cabbage-kimchi/

https://juicing-for-health.com/kimchi-recipe-to-beat-everything-from-anxiety-to-constipation

Video Games in Korea: A (culturally) Shocking insight by the Super Mario Bros. – Assessment

As society matures with technology, gaming is becoming increasingly accepted around the world as a social norm, particularity among adolescence. I remember when my brother and I were growing up, we would spend countless hours sitting in front of screens and playing through all the staples of the time. We would play so much that our parents had to literally pry the controllers from our hands to get us to stop. I was basically this kid. As we were of the first major gaming generation, our parents and others alike could only look on as they’re children became obsessed with things that for all they knew, could have hugely adverse effects on development

Thankfully we know now that games can be a healthy outlet. And while this acceptance of gaming culture is still in its infancy in the western world, it is in full force in South Korea. A large part of social activity, interactions and culture is based around playing video games. Rather than being labelled a nerd or geek, talented gamers are given high status among their peers. Thus, many have clutched for the brass rings not only to gain praise from peers, but celebrity status (believe it or not) and multimillion dollar endorsement deals .

SKT T1 Season 3 LoL World Champs — SK Telecom (League of Legends team) after winning World Championship 2013

For some, this may be a confronting part of Korean culture to indulge. But as a smart traveler, you and I can ease the confusion first and foremost by playing more video games! Understand where your fellow human’s passion is coming from! Maybe it is only a matter of time before the culture confusion of a westerner peering into this paradigm fades. As gaming culture slowly gains traction in the Western World, who knows Maybe things will shift in the direction of our Korean counterparts.

Media from

nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/File:Star_Model_-_Super_Mario_64.png

\https://www.redbull.com/us-en/skt-t1-wins-league-of-legends-world-championshi

Korean Dominance in Esports

http://www.videogameobsession.com/videogame/

http://www.iconarchive.com/show/super-mario-icons-by-ph03nyx/Retro-Coin-icon.html

https://www.roblox.com/library/7851063/8-bit-goomba-walk

Ihwa Mural Village Sleeps with the Fishes: A Wiseguy’s initial impressions – Assessment

A little context

Ok, there is a really interesting story behind this artwork and its eventual demise. Ihwa Mural Village, located in Seoul is a place that has needed a facelift for a good while. Over time the area was slowly deteriorating due to neglect from both locals and the council. Poor living conditions and poor residents have only perpetuated the decline. The place was a wreck and everyone knew it, so the local government set out on a mission (from god )They planned to install artworks from around 70 street artists to give the place some much needed tender lovin’ care and hopefully create some commerce around the area. After a great deal of hard work, what do you know? SUCCESS… The initiative was a hit, and had people coming in by the hundreds to view the newly installed art pieces. Here are some examples

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Representation and perception

The piece that came to define the mural village was known as the ‘Fish Staircase’ that you see above. Why? In oriental culture, Koi fish represent overcoming adversity. This comes from their ability to swim up waterfalls and against currents. The fish in the image are swimming up steps. Similar, hey? As the town its self has transitioned from a dump to a mini cultural hub against adversity, it seems fitting that the painting would become its signifier. Art has mimicked life.

An ‘Unofficial’ attraction

In a very ironic twist of fate though, the image was painted over because the locals were sick of all the crowds, noise, vandalism and general disregard for the local community. Unfortunately, the un-smart travellers, (aka tourists) had to ruin it for everyone. Although the image does not exist anymore, it was expressed as an ‘unofficial’ tourist attraction because of the narrative that it invoked within the community and with visitors alike. Cool story, right? Go give the place a visit, there is nothing in in Melbourne that compares to a mural village. Get some culture in you.