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www.groovekorea.com / February 2014 18 A selection from our editors MUsT READs mUST reADS Artist’s Journey Page 68 An ode to iherb Page 44 In winter, Gyeongju’s snow museum without walls beckons Page 56 Korea’s black racism epidemic Page 26 seoul shindig, the most eccentric party in town Page 62 With roots in acting and film from North Carolina, Kahlid Elijah Tapia has contin- ued to flourish in South Korea with more than 20 films to his name, five of them being Korean features. His dedication and successes in filmmaking here are testament to his philosophy to “blossom where you’re planted.” “Do you want to share my quinoa? I brought enough for both of us.” Do I … wha? Do want to share your, um … what? She casually passed over a container full of quinoa and Kalamata olives, and I gaped. In that little box was a simple meal shining far brighter than my rice and radishes because, damn, how long had it been since I’d had quinoa? And olives?! Gyeongju is one of Korea’s top tourist destinations, and will be crowded with people in the warmer months. But in the winter, the small city’s ancient sites stand silent and inviting. In Gunpo, Gyeonggi Province, Ashanti Lee, a young African-American man, is hired to substitute at a kindergarten. He speaks to the manager on the phone, and everything seems fine. But when he shows up, the owner opens the door, stutters and then says, “Oh, no, no.” “Why not?” asks Lee. “Black ugly,” the manager replies. “White okay.” Exploring Kuala Lumpur, one restaurant at a time Page 48 Kuala Lumpur is a city of four cultures: Chinese, Malay, Indian and capitalist. Capitalist is the dominant culture, but it’s possible to find vestiges of the other three. The best way to do that is through the city’s restaurants. On certain nights at a little club in Hongdae, you’ll hear and see something different from the norm. Hidden among the rows of loud restaurants and clubs pumping out sugary sweet K-pop and throbbing dance hits, you’ll find a little building with a different kind of atmosphere.