Gwangju International Center

GIC Talk is a weekly English talk program developed for intercultural communication and understanding among local Korean citizens with international residents in Gwangju. The program started in September 2003 with only a few participants. Nowadays, dozens of Koreans and international residents take part in the Talk Program, with focus concentrating on a different topic each week. These include world cultures, social issues, history, lifestyles, political issues, speakers' experience and other areas of interest.

Community Space for Koreans and International Residents

This community space for Koreans and international residents take place on weekends. Most presenters are international residents in Gwangju, but other influential people, such as international ambassadors and representatives of NGOs or NPOs, are also invited to give a talk. Each lecture is followed by a Q&A time where people can ask the presenter questions and exchange their ideas freely. The community space allows those who attend opportunities to be more globally aware.

Program Operation

Despite not having a program budget, GIC Talk is possible thanks to local and international residents sharing their time, knowledge, and experiences. Our appreciation also goes to GIC volunteers who host, document and review the event.

[November 2]

▶Title: What can Toastmasters do for your success?

▶Speaker: DongWan Lim

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. Headquartered in Englewood, Colo., the organization's membership exceeds 358,000 in more than16,800 clubs in 143 countries. Since 1924, Toastmasters International has helped people from diverse backgrounds become more confident speakers, communicators, and leaders.

At my GIC talk on Nov. 2nd, 2019, I will introduce Toastmasters and how it can help you to improve your communication and leadership skills, which are the fundamental elements for your success.

[November 9]

▶Title: 18th Anniversary of September 9/11: 

            Have we ended terrorism and secured peace in the world?

▶Speaker: Shahnawaz

In 2019, the United States commemorates 18th anniversary of the September 9/11 attacks. In New York City and millions around the United States commemorated 9/11 with mournful ceremonies, volunteering, appeals to "never forget," and drawing attention to the terror attacks' continued toll on responders.

Due to terrorist attack around 2,996 died, including the 19 hijackers, 2,606 were killed at the World Trade Centre and the surrounding area. Both towers collapsed following the impact, with debris causing more deaths and injury on the streets below.

In response, the United States president George W. Bush Declared the war on terror and the whole world supported his actions. The NATO and Allied forces attacked two countries Iraq and Afghanistan.

The war on terror is continued against terrorists in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Therefore, let’s critical analysis after the end of 18 years the War on Terror is continued. Let’s together explore that through the war on terror do we have secured and achieved peace in the world.

[November 16]

No Talk

There will be no talk due to inner event.

[November 23]

▶Title: “Be the Change Project: Conflict- Part2”

▶Speaker: Dana Han

Continue from the latest workshop, we will explore our attitudes and behaviors toward conflict. We will also talk about different kinds of approaches to conflict and learn what Restorative Circles are. Hope to see you there!

[November 30]

▶Title: Gwangju and Mr.Goodland: Saving the World Together 

▶Speaker: Julian Warmington

Nearly a year ago Julian Warmington returned to Gwangju and the GIC to present to a packed-full room of attentive and interested audience members. This year he returns to offer this all-new interactive discussion session, this time focused on the secrets of the word “How?!” How Gwangju has already started saving the world in so many ways: how it has contributed by hosting the sustainable cities conference; how its current students and student activism continues to mirror the minds of the smartest students and researchers around the world; and how its shining example of citizens working together on 5:18 continues to be a model so necessary to survive our shared future of increasing instability as a result of the climate crisis.