Salsaweb's Korea World Correspondent, JinHyeok
By Edie, The Salsa FREAK

JinHyeok is our Cityguides World Correspondent For Seoul, Korea.  

Several months ago, he asked if he could translate my Salsa FREAK articles to Korean.  Since then, My dance partner and I have scheduled a trip to Korea, to teach, perform, and get to know the people and help the Salsa scene grow there. (Contact Elliot and HyeSun Minor for details and schedule)

I am looking forward to finally meeting JinHyeok in Seoul, at the end of the month!  

Ladies and Gentlemen, Introducing Salsaweb's Korea World Correspondent, JinHyeok!  
JinHyeok, (is that your real name?)
Yes, JinHyeok Yang is my real name.

Where do you live?
I live in Seoul, Korea. My hometown is the Isle of Cheju-Do, though.

Is there a big Salsa scene there? About how many clubs?
There are 4 Internet Salsa mania's clubs, 4 institutes, and 6 night clubs where you can dance Salsa in Seoul, but no other places in Korea.

Who are the instructors in the area? What type(s) of styles do they teach? 
(Cuban, Puerto Rican, LA or NY style?)
BuJung Choi of 'Locos' teaches dancing on "One" and some NY style, James Jung of 'James Latin  Club' does Columbian, Cuban, and Miami Casino Rueda style, Anthony Flores and Sera Kim  of 'Salsa Delight  Dance Company' do "NY Two", Eliot and HyeSun Minor of 'Latin Rhythm Production' do LA style. Besides, Magic Kim and Gabriella of 'Salsa' teach Ballroom dance style Salsa.

How long have you been dancing Salsa?
For a year and 11 months since Feb. 1998. I am not such a good dancer yet, but I WILL be a great dancer in 8 years.

How did you discover Salsa dancing and music?
While I was in Britain in 1996-1997, I saw some Latinos dancing in which way I had never seen before. I didn't know that they danced Salsa at the time. After I was back to Korea, I came across the news about the Salsa  competition in Seoul, hosted by 'Locos', the oldest Korean Salsa mania's club on the Internet. Immediately, I joined 'Locos' and have been dancing Salsa.

Is the scene in Korea growing?
Yes, it's rocketing here.
There were only 100 people enjoying Salsa dancing two years ago here, but now about 1,000 people. Korea Salsa Association was established in Oct. 1998.The preview event of 'Salsa' the film, took place in Seoul on Jan. 7, 2000.
The Salsa dancing team including me was on the stage. I expect the number of Salseros is getting larger and larger in Korea after the film is in the cinema.

Have you been to the United States or anywhere else in the world to
learn different styles? If not, do you plan on it?
I have been to Britain but not for learning Salsa. I am planning to go to New York to learn the proper 'NY Two' step and Cuba to feel Cuban spirit in 2 years.

How often do you go out dancing?
At least three times a week.

Who is your favorite Salsa artist?
Singers: Celia Cruz, Marc Anthony
Dancers: Eddie Torres and Josie Neglia.

Who were/are some of your mentors?
BuJung Choi, Anthony Flores.

What should Salsero "World Travelers" expect when visiting Korea?
From Jan to Feb, it's so cold here that you'd better prepare winter clothes.  You can feel safe in Korea because you are not allowed to have guns in Korea. Some people can speak English, but you may find difficulty in communication. The Salsa clubs in Seoul are usually small. You will find people dancing in diverse styles. However, there are only few great dancers because the history of Salsa in Korea is so short. You can enjoy live Salsa music at Big Apple (+82-2-546-8989) every Sunday 8pm-10pm.