Korea's Future Without Me

The recent Korean Presidential election reminded me that this country's politics and future is going to roll on without me next year. I am surprised and proud of Korea for electing a woman President, but I know that it doesn't necessarily mean more rights for women in this country. However, with the figures for the number of people who voted this election I can see that people care about their country's future and want changes to come.

To be honest I'm not deeply involved in Korea's political scene or know in depth the problems Korea faces. However, I know that it's very expensive to get a house here due to many reasons and that I for one would like to see things change to help people settle down.

Korea has changed so much in the five years I have been here, and mostly in the commercial landscape. Take Itaewon for example, a town that when I first visited felt like an oasis for foreigners. This was because not many Korean people seemed to be there inside the restaurants and bars. I mean there were Korean people there of course, but when I mentioned "Itaewon" to my Korean friends their typical response was, "Is it safe?" Now Itaewon has become the hub of gourmet restaurants and swanky clubs, almost starting to look like Hongdae's outer areas of swankiness. This is all good and fine, but for those who remember Itaewon as it was it's a huge a change. My point I want to make is that I think Koreans have changed in a way of embracing Westernization and accepting Westerners here.

Anyway, I've learned in the past to not talk too much about Korean's and their opinions as some think I was wrong.

If I were to wish for Korea's future I mostly would hope that the country continues to prosper and also find peace with it's neighbor up north. Of course that can't be accomplished if North Korea continues to be as stubborn as it is.

Roboseyo has a good post about the election, which he put up after a slumbering period of no posts. Now Korea will have five years of President Park Geun Hye, and I hope she delivers what the people want.

As for me I'm heading home to my country where a fiscal cliff looms and guns laws need to be tightened. However, I am not afraid to return to my country in the state that it's in. Besides I'm moving to Washington State where they just legalized marijuana and gay marriage!

Mannam International a Cult?

There has been some buzz around the blogs lately about how Mannam International group is associated with a cult. I think for sure when you look at these articles you can see for yourself that this group is kind of sketchy in that they seem to really want to recruit foreigners and things do sound cult like. However, I attended a Mannam Volunteer event a while back and therefore have something to say. I went to their event where they painted the walls for a school for disabled children and I had a good time. I didn't know they were associated with these groups or this controversy at the time. However, I kept a skeptical distance the whole time.

Actually, I was approached by Mannam way earlier in the year. I was walking to my local subway station when someone stopped me in the street. "Excuse me, where are you from?" Every time this happens to me I feel like going back home and asking a random Asian person on the street (hoping they are Korean) and asking them the same question. See if you like it! So I engaged with this person and they ended up giving me a small card with Mannam events on it and the promise of free Korean classes. Since I have been in Korea for some time I know there is nothing as "free Korean classes." It's usually a trap of some sort. So I stuffed it in my pocket and moved on.

Yet, when that MBC video came out and foreigners were being painted yet again as a*holes and such I decided I should give back positively to the community. Also I had met someone earlier at a different group event who told me about Mannam. Nothing shouted "religious frantic" to me and I even asked this person if the group was associated with any religion, and she said no.

During the wall-painting event I didn't really feel like I was being used for publicity. Actually I was one of the few white-gals attending and the folks with the cameras never once asked for my photo-op or interview. Instead they seemed to focus on other members who gladly spilled away how happy they were to be there.

I honestly thought I was doing some good and now feel a bit of relief I didn't stay for their group photo at the end. I also have to say that the group, although friendly, was kind of split up. There were a large amount of Chinese students there who huddled together and didn't talk much with other folks. Did it feel like a cult the whole time? No, not really. But this was just a one time experience and I mostly focused on painting the wall and not really staying around after to talk with members.

So I think Scroozle and other folks are on to something here and I bet it is all somewhat true. So my advice is to maybe get involved but keep a safe distance. Or perhaps get involved just to spy on them! ;p

Whatever the truth is you have to be careful when any stranger approaches you asking to "join" their group. Seriously, would you just hop along if that happened to you in your home country?

Daring Skinship?!

In that MBC video there is a part where they say how daring the couples are for touching each other and kissing. You would think that couples between two Koreans don't show public affection. The reality is that for a long time public displays of affection were shunned here, and they still are to some degree. But I can tell you things seem to have dramatically changed these days.

I was at the Cheongyecheon last night near Gwanghwamun and there were plenty of cuddling couples to be seen. Scandalous!

This is that beautifully redesigned stream in the Jongno area, which has been featured in a lot of dramas. I saw couples kissing (not just a peck on the cheek), I saw row after row of couples on each other's laps kissing by the stream.  I felt a little out of place, as the long time I have been in Korea I have never seen so much romantic hanky-panky in public here. Sure it was dark out, but still things were well lit. Yet, it didn't bother me too much and I was pleased to see young couples not caring and letting passion consume them in public.

So then what's so scandalous about mixed couples being intimate in public if Korean couples do it too? This is basically just another way of me saying to hell with this video. It's rubbish and I hope the out lash against it spawns an organized group of people willing to take on racism and discrimination in this country.

Till then...keep on trucking everyone with your hanky-panky naughtiness!

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Interior shots of the underground Metro station in Washington, D.C. Having rode the subway in several different major cities, I can say this one wasn't too bad. The reality is that the Korean subway system is just so far superior in so many ways, it's hard to beat.

This will be my last post from my recent vacation to America, as the last thing I really did there was visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial with my mother. The day was a lot warmer and sunnier than the one before, which made viewing the monument spectacular.

I studied the artistic aspect of the memorial in one of my art history courses in college and so had that as my primer. But I think one can't really be too prepared to see this monument as it reflects such a dark history in America's past.

Yet what I mostly took away from this visit is seeing how other people reacted to the wall and those sorts of interactions.

Along the path of the wall were volunteers with pamphlets one could use to rub off the names, but also served as an information packet. Lots of folks talked to these guides who provided historical information and explanation of the design of the wall.

As for myself, I was of course moved by the simplicity of the design and the sheer number of names along it's surface. I couldn't help but think how all these people passed away for something that is now history.

My mom commented how she saw the men in her high school classes go off to war, and wondered if any of their names were up here.

My mom took a moment to recognize the sun shining down on all the names and considered that this must have been no coincidence as she remarked, it must be to keep them all warm.

For me this was the last place in D.C. I visited with my mother before I was whisked away to the airport. Before doing so we caught a glimpse of the memorial for women veterans.

I highly recommend this as a "must do" when visiting D.C., even if you think it is just part of the tourist side of the town. One really can't miss this monument as it represents a great turning point in America's history.

My Thoughts on the "Korean Wave"

There has been a lot of chatter around the Kblogosphere about how The Girl's Generation went on David Letterman and possibly spoofed themselves. Some say it is not helping the "Korean Wave" advance itself across the ocean, and others give them props for trying. I for one say that this stunt isn't going to help Americans get to know Korea in the way that I know Korea. To me Korea is a place full of unique pop culture and historical trademarks. The food is amazing and you can't go wrong with a country that eats live octopus.

But Americans don't know much about Korea beyond whatever they have in their mind. Without any scientific background to prove this, I bet most Americans (off the street) will associate S. Korea with North Korea and all that hoopla.

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More often than I can count,  I have seen spoofs of North Korea appear on The Simpsons and other T.V. shows. If South Korea wants to get itself really out there, it needs to start pushing something big enough to outshine their political lime-light with North Korea. 

Most of all South Korea needs to consider how China and Japan made their way into the hearts of good old regular pie-eating Americans. Take for example, Japan and their Anime and Manga genre of culture. When I was starting off in college in 2001, Anime was still taking root. Who would have thought that imagery like the following would have taken Japan to a more iconic level amongst Americans.

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Even shows like Neon Genesis Evengelion, which made no material sense were highly popular. 

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Sure, not everyone was bitten by the Anime bug and many found it outright ridiculous. But it opened up a door to other genres of Japanese pop-culture that allowed Japan to be taken as this place of creativity and wonder. Soon people wanted to learn Japanese and study their culture. Despite that most fans became obsessed this fueled what is now likely a multi-billion dollar industry. 

Besides Samsung gadgets what does Korea have that reaches the minds and hearts of Americans? Maybe it is K-pop, but that show on Letterman isn't going to do it. If anything, Eat Your Kimchi has proven that there is a cult of people around the world willing to learn more and follow videos about K-pop. Because of the diversity to which bands they review and the extent to which fans comment and share ideas, this shows that K-pop is growing amongst the masses. Of course we know that shows for Big Bang and other idol groups sell out across the world.

But what Koreans want is for Korea to be as familiar to Americans as their neighbors have been for so long. They want a piece of the world's heart, and I don't blame them. Korea has worked really hard to become the country it is today, and I am sure they want to be recognized as a place more than just that country "fighting with the North." 

From what I know it is the big old guys at executive positions who push what "culture" they deem the world should taste from Korea. And more often than not this has flopped. But thanks to more pushing by insiders and outsiders, things are starting to change. 

I also feel it is our job as expats and those who repatriate to promote and educate the people in our lives about Korea. I am sure we do that already, but don't let it fade out once you have returned home. 

I do hope Korea's culture catches on in the rest of the world and when I say to people back home, "I have been living in Korea for the past 4 years." They don't ask me, "Which one, North or South?" They ask me, "Hey do you know that Kpop band....?" or "Hey I heard about Old Boy, is it really scary?" 

Girls Generation might not be doing the trick but it might just help someone want to find out more and see that there are slices of Korea worth biting into. At least I hope so. 

Pyongyang Restaurant...in Cambodia

The meal can run up to $100 dollars and the dances elaborate, but if you want a taste of North Korea you might have to go to Cambodia to get it. That is what some South Korean tourists have been doing when they visit the country. In the video and article you get a sense of people getting into the back secret room of some high-society club and seeing something only the privileged would dream of. However, these people stepped off a tourist bus.

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The point of this restaurant, as it has been stated, is to bring in revenue for the North Korean country. This is being done by a pricey menu with attractive dancing. 

North Korean performers, dressed in hanbok, a billowing, traditional Korean dress, wear permanent smiles as they play a Western-style drum set, electric guitars and accordion — and demurely shuffle across the stage.

Even the waitresses (who also double as performers) are from North Korea. So in that sense you are getting the real-deal. But one wonders what this experience must be like for these people, as they evidently see what the rest of the world is like. Yet, inside the restaurant it is more about "business-as-usual" and the politics are left outside.

What one most can take from this is the unsettling reminder that the people of North Korea are still starving while tourists in Cambodia at the Pyongyang restaurant are happily filling their stomachs.

A meal at a Pyongyang restaurant is one of the more expensive in town. In a country where a bowl of noodles costs $1.50, a hungry customer can easily pay $100 for a simple meal of kimchi, beef shoulder, stir-fried squid and a bottle of wine. 

However, I feel this is a unique cultural artifact to be found in the world during these times, and perhaps beneficial to go and take a look. If you were visiting Cambodia, would you head to this restaurant?

One odd part of the article is when a South Korean visitor is quoted as saying, “Back in South Korea, we don’t have any opportunities to meet North Korean people.” 


None at all?! I know folks who tutor North Koreans in English and others who have taken them out to dinner. I'm pretty sure there are opportunities.


Anyways, an interesting article and something to think about as North Korea keeps on tinkering with itself.

I'm Grateful To Have My Job

Today I read an article from The Grand Narrative, "Advice to Women Looking for Work: "Say you like to sing and dance." It reiterates the story of one young lady who has gone through so much in her life just to find herself not getting a job. This story highlights how students these days are filled with ambition and the desire to get a quality job, but come out to a world that doesn't match.

I want to talk about this aspect of Korean society because I think it might help those living here or who are considering it. As for me, I got a dose of this part of Korean life when dating two Korean men. So I also think it is important for the ladies to hear about how dating Korean men will likely mean you come to know this aspect of Korean society very closely. More importantly it can end up shaping your relationship and future with said person.

My first encounter with how the hiring process goes in Korea, came with my first Korean boyfriend. After I moved to Korea for the first time he followed suit from America after he finished his English studies. This was the summer time and we enjoyed a fruitful time together. But then came the Fall season and he prepared himself for interviews, by getting the typical Photoshopped resume picture and then trying on suits. Throughout it all I was supportive, but I didn't know just what he was really in for. After he got his job at a corporation (not a major one but was large enough) he went on field trips with the company which were meant for bonding and also seeing their offsite locations. During this time I didn't see him much, and communication was starting to run dry.

As he began his work at his new office things seemed to go downhill from there. He had to work late and attend after-work dinners. Our lifestyles began to clash. I got off work and was home by 5, had dinner and enjoyed my evening. The weekends were my time to get out and explore. Yet he worked late and started to view the weekend as his time to rest.

At one point the phone calls stopped coming and eventually we broke up. It wasn't a good break up because he found someone who he said, "...could have drinks with after work." It was at this time I realized how separate I was from this aspect of Korean society. Yet I moved on and found my second boyfriend.

Before I continue, I want to comment here a little on that experience. Definitely, for sure he changed after getting a real job and one that was quite typical of Korean work-life society. But our relationship had other issues and that is likely why we broke up. However, the point is that a Korean person doesn't simply just a get a job here and goes to work on a set schedule and la-di-da. They become a part of a team, tooth and nail, and it seems if you start to look like someone on the outside then things can go differently.

My next Korean boyfriend already had a job for some time and so was use to the work life. Plus his job was different. He worked for a small company selling and importing tiles. So he wasn't a slave at some office downtown.

Yet by the end of our time together he was certainly a tired man. Because he is the only employer for his company he handles everything. Clients call and treat him like an unintelligent slave and if they beckon his presence he usually goes there right away. The man lived a daily life of stress from client demands and also having to drive around the country. I was always supportive of him and let him have his time to rest. But in the scheme of things it started to eat away at our relationship.

The thing is, though, people like him work so hard because they know they need to for their future. I know this because we would have reoccurring conversations about our future together and the topic of "work" came up. His vision of the future included us sending our children to hagwons so they can be on a competitive edge with everyone. This would lead me to (in that foreigner arrogant way) talk about how I wish my children would grow up without cram schools so they can learn to be themselves, and that is what is most important in life...not test scores.

Even though he knew what I was talking about he put me back on point by telling me that this was Korea and in the end our children would have to fall in line with everyone else. I would always sit silently after these conversations and contemplate a sad future as he had envisioned.

Again, my break up with him was for personal reasons and thus shouldn't be blamed on Korean society. But I can't help but be honest and say that the troubles of Korean society were weaved into our relationship. It certainly depends on how strong people are attached to what is "right" and "wrong." But you can't escape it.

Thinking about it all I can't help but feel sorry for young Korean people who want to have beautiful rich lives for themselves in the future. But at the end of the day have to make due with what they can get and give over their bleeding heart just to not fall between the cracks. In that same sense I get a bit annoyed that, from the appearance of things, I can't see anyone or persons taking the pitchfork and rebelling. This brings me to something I'm No Picasso said:

When young Koreans start turning their noses up at jobs with bigger salaries, weightier company names and longer working hours, and turning instead to more average jobs that allow them more free time to focus on their own lives and their families, then that's when the ship will start to turn around. In his mind (and mine as well), realistically, you can't have both.

She continues to point out how some Korean people wonder why they need to work so hard in the first place. Korea is doing well economically these days, so it seems slowing things down might not hurt. I would mention this to my ex during one of our conversations, that Korea is up to speed with the rest of the world. He merely laughed and said it was impossible.

I don't really expect Korean people to suddenly change and mimic other nations in their happier work life. Yet I do sense that slowly, the structures that be today, will eventually melt and mold itself into something that functions in a way that serves Korean society for the better.

Personally, what it comes down to is this question. Do I want to marry a Korean man and live with him here forever? Possibly molding me into this troubling aspect of Korean society. That is where I agree with INP and her point of having a big weight on her shoulders. Definitely, as I became close to marrying my ex that weight became heavier and heavier. So it is for future Korean residents and current ones if you plan to stay here longer or involve yourself with a K-man...eventually all this will be yours to really deeply think about.

Finally, I want to say that after reading both those articles I couldn't help but feel grateful for my work status here in Korea. I have a good salary, a free house, pension, severance and health insurance. All was simply obtained because I'm a native speaker and have a few degrees. I suddenly became grateful for what I have, compared to what so many young Korean people are starving themselves to find. I truly do wish Korea transformed itself and let people have a break more often.

Bush Wore a Hanbok

As I was taking my look at the front page of The New York Times, I browsed through a set of photos. Ones of nation leaders wearing the traditional costume of Asian nations. And then I stumbled upon seeing Bush wearing a hanbok in 2005.

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The article commented on the costume by saying, "...pastel “hanboks” in South Korea with bow-like trim that resembled (female) wedding wear; and silk tunics in Vietnam."

Good one!

It's something to think about. Should nation leaders where the costume of the country they are visiting? Or is this just silly?

Jeju Naval Base Controversy

Since I recently spent some time on Jeju the news of a military base being built on the island perked my interest. However, I am not to sure what is happening so I took the time to read up on the issue. From the gist of it I believe that the South Korean Navy has been building a naval base on Jeju within the city of Gangjeong. The function of such a site is summed up clearly in a New York Times article:

Once completed in 2014, it will be home to 20 warships, including submarines, that the navy says will protect shipping lanes for South Korea’s export-driven economy, which is dependent on imported oil. It will also enable South Korea to respond quickly to a brewing territorial dispute with China over Socotra Rock, a submerged reef south of Jeju that the Koreans call Ieodo. Both sides believe it is surrounded by oil and mineral deposits.

What has ended up happening is the people of this "village", about 1,000, are divided over whether it should be there or not. So much so that heated protesting has occurred and people are starting to avoid each other, some not even shopping at the same stores. What impacts me the most is hearing that those against the naval base say it will endanger the natural environment. To me that is very important and most land in Jeju and on the peninsula is constantly being taken up by new cities of concrete.

However, what is most heartening is hearing about the varied protests and arrests occurring. When I turn on my TV the news channel shows people lying on the streets or chained to each other. The newspaper "Jeju Weekly" highlights recent protests with photos and stories. But if you really want to get the full scale ideal of the protestors than the site "Save Jeju" serves up a mouth full.

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Maybe the whole idea is that people just don't want symbols of war on their island, because of such a terrible past. Save Jeju:

Jeju was the site of a 1948 massacre in which more than 30,000 civilians were estimated to have been slaughtered during a democratic uprising

 New York Times:

“I don’t understand why we’re trying so hard to accommodate something people in Okinawa tried so hard to resist,” said Kim Jong-hwan, 55, a tangerine farmer, referring to the Japanese islanders’ struggle against the American military base there. “When I think how the Americans go around the world starting wars, I can only expect the worst.”

Perhaps the other aspect, of this being a China and America thing, that tilts the scales of peace too far.

New York Times:

Song Kang-ho, an activist against the base, disagreed. “With the U.S. economy in a mess, it’s just a matter of time before China dominates Northeast Asia,” Mr. Song said. “We should keep neutral between the rising and declining superpowers.”  

In the end, I just hope people don't get hurt or killed trying to protect the land and that a resolution comes that respects both sides. However, this sentiment encapsulates what just might sway the vote:

"Speaking about the opponents of the base, Koh Jong-pyo, 47, an abalone fisherman, said: “They worry too much. Think what it could do for the local economy whenever an American aircraft carrier arrives with thousands of sailors and their cash.”

Definitely, keep your eye on this news and maybe even discuss it with some Korean people you know. I have yet to talk about it with JH but hope to do so in order to get a better understanding.

"My Name is Khan" A Must See Movie

Now that OBL is dead, whether you care about all the details or not, it might be a good time to think back on the past ten years and how this whole "terrorist" thing has affected your life. I think for most of us it affected the world we live in, but for other people it likely affected everything immediately in front of them.

That is why I recommend you watch the movie, "My Name is Kahn." Because, you get to see a great piece of cinematography that weaves a story about a certain family affected by 9/11, but also sends out a great message of peace.

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A New York Times article summed up quite eloquently what I feel the film was really about:

“Khan” is one of a handful of Hindi films (“New York,” “Kurbaan”) about Indians living in a paranoid, post-9/11 America, and there’s something fascinating about looking at this country through a Bollywood lens, even when the story is a kind of fairy tale.

If you don't care for the political aspects than go for the cultural. I for one also just simply enjoyed seeing San Francisco amidst a beautiful landscape of fog.


In the end, it is a good movie to help you digest our troubling times and think about how you can make a difference in it.

CHECK OUT THE TRAILER! (Couldn't post video as youtube is being a butt)

Battle Hymn of Korean Education

Over here in America there has been a lot of buzz over Amy Chua's book "Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother". For the most part reporters and commentators have been using her book as another way to bring up the stereotypical image of Asians as hard-core studying people who's parents won't even accept an "A-". However, if you read the book and hear Amy's own words you would find that it is more about her becoming a better parent, in that case it is more like a memoir.

In a recent interview on NPR Amy talked about her book and fielded these social questions from listeners. Although I enjoyed the interview and it did clarify some things it felt like Amy didn't attack the social issues clearly enough. She kind of mostly focused on herself and her family.

To me that leaves a lot of room for debate over the issue of East-Asian parenting vs. Western parenting. From my point of view my mom was pretty tough on me but not because of my grades it was mostly due to my attitude or behavior. With that said I know what living in a "tough" household is like, but when I think about Korean households there seems to be nothing I have to compare it to.

The analogy of Chinese moms being "Tigers" makes Korean moms look pretty tame. In the animal kingdom of parenting I would put Korean moms as something more ferocious and obsessed. However, I can't think of an animal for that. Vultures come to mind but I think it is a bit insulting and I don't really want to make that association. Really, Korean parents are just doing what they know how to do and functioning within what their culture calls for.

Whether you agree that the East-Asian model of parenting is best or the Western one, in Korea education is still taken a bit extremely. The following PBS video highlights practically everything you need to know about Korean education and its affects on students.

What I like best about this video is the part at the end where the discussion of change is opened up. Certainly, I feel most people in Korea are self-aware of how obsessed their country is with education and how the end result doesn't work out for everyone. I would like to say that I don't expect Korea to change in a way that will resemble the west. Rather, Korea's education system should change for the better of its people so that suicide rates come down and empathy goes up. 

As much as we expat teachers in Korea like to judge and pass criticism on the Korean education system it is what pays our salary. Currently, you can start to feel changes taking affect especially if you work in the public school sector. I have come to realize that as an outsider it is best to watch as things transform and lend a hand only cautiously. 

How have you seen Korean education change? Has it been for the better or only made things worse?

No More Hitting...But Then What Do We Do?

The Korea Times article that talks about the recent ban on corporal punishment, here in public schools, came into my mind today when I was leaving a 6th grade class with my coteacher.

The situation was that we just walked out of an unruly class that didn't really pay attention or participate. It boiled down to a group of boys who wouldn't stop talking and laughing with each other. At first my coteacher tried to punish them by making them come up to the front of the class and singing the book song in front of everyone. After that they were pretty quiet, but not totally. The reality is 6th grade, at this time of year, have what I call a "disease." This is that they see the "light at the end of the tunnel" and know that most of what they are doing doesn't matter. In February they will move on to Middle School where studying for important tests will start to take over their lives.

So their attitude is that of malaise and "who-cares." I understand and get this and are quite familiar with this at Korean public schools. However, in the past teachers were able to punish them using familiar methods, such as standing for long hours in uncomfortable poses or being hit by a stick. I for one have never seen a student get hit by a stick. But I have seen a lot of students having to hold their arms up in the hallway and stand there for a long time. Lately, though this seems to have disappeared.

The real issue here is the new law that bans corporal punishment and the fact that the government has given very little advice or instruction on what to do instead of using physical force. In fact, it really amazes me that the government didn't ease into this through phases of training and courses for the students. Instead, it feels like the teacher's "sticks" were literally grabbed out of their hands. I for one am in the boat that believes corporal punishment is not truly effective and also cruel. There are other means of punishment that have been developed and used over time that show they are just as effective. Example:

A more effective approach is a positive disciplinary program, incorporating activities that help teachers and administrators assume control and establish order with the cooperation of the students. Students receive rewards for controlling themselves. Examples of positive disciplinary activities are utilization of student input in the disciplinary policy, improvement of lines of communication, development of mutual respect between students and administrators and the modeling and reinforcement of good behavior. 

The bottom line is that there just isn't any proposed "program" to replace corporal punishment here. (As far as I have heard.) Maybe the Seoul Government's recent publication to guide teachers would help. Offering: (From the same Korea Times article above)

The book contains detailed guidelines on how to discipline unruly students without physical punishment. For instance, if a student comes to school wearing a school uniform that is overly modified, the manual suggests that the uniform be seized for a certain period and give the student a spare uniform.

If a student refuses to follow teachers’ instruction during class, it stipulates that teachers should call the student to the staff room instead of scolding him or her in the classroom.

Teachers here need more than just a guide book or pamphlet to help them along. They need support and training in whatever kind of program they deem would work.  I don't expect Korean public schools to adopt and start looking like Western schools (where some still use corporal punishment) but I really feel sorry for these teachers. Students, these days, know that they can't be whacked or physically punished for their bad behavior. They are starting to take the upper hand. Parents too are notorious for telling their kids to not listen to their teachers. The whole system needs a recall, if you ask me.

But for the most part things aren't falling apart and crashing, as it may sound to be. Perhaps in five years Korean teachers will have come up with their own successful methods of punishment and classroom management.

What I find most fascinating is that this begins the first generation of Korean students who do not experience strict corporal punishment at school. What will they be like when they are older? Take for example my good friend's son, who is in the 1st grade here in Korea. She told me how he was slapped on the hand for using his eraser as a little truck and playing with it. Sure he should have been paying attention, but the only lesson (I believe) he really learned was "Play = pain." It is my understanding that a teacher who has been trained in non-corporal punishment methods, would rather see this student as a kid with an imagination, and make a note of it.


One last thing, through my research on this topic, I found an organization called "Global Initiative End All Corporal Punishment of Children" which states in their address to South Korea:

"The Committee notes with great concern that corporal punishment is officially permitted in schools. The Committee is of the opinion that corporal punishment does not comply with the principles and provisions of the Convention, particularly since it constitutes a serious violation of the dignity of the child. [See similar observations of the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, E/C.12/1/Add.79, para 36]. The fact that Ministry of Education guidelines leave the decision on whether to use corporal punishment in schools to the individual school administrators suggests that some forms of corporal punishment are acceptable and therefore undermines educational measures to promote positive and non-violent discipline."

I wonder what they would have to say now in regards to this new law.

Therefore...
Is this new law part of a seed that will, from the inside out, slowly reform Korea? Or not?


**Follow this article for a great perspective on the whole impact.**
Your thoughts ~ comments ~

That "qualified" Thing

This is a response to recent comments on my post "Up Against The Competition." I think, although heated, most of the comments were on point and did a good job of correcting my thoughts.

But still I feel the old debate of what makes a "qualified" teacher is worth some harder thinking. However, I am not really interested in analyzing this aspect right now but rather want to focus on what it is like for those who are, academically speaking, "qualified" to teach in the Korean public school.

It is my assumption that this person would find themselves working with people who have little to no understanding of the tools they have brought with them. Korean public schools, especially Elementary, are still breaking out of the rote-memorization process of teaching. The "English Zone" in the school is likely to be the only place where they experience Western based methods of teaching. Meaning putting the students first and letting them explore in order to find the answer.

That is why I feel it is great for people with experience teaching to come here, because they can pass on what they have learned to their coteachers but also give Korean students a chance to experience learning on different levels. Despite the fact that I have no teaching credentials I have always naturally taught my classes based upon my experience as a student back home.

Of course these are all assumptions and I can only write from my own experience. I just really want to know what our Korean coteachers expect of us in the classroom. Until now all I have been told is that they want us to be "fun and active" like those guys on the "EBS English" channel. In other words, they want us to be clowns. In some aspects, for instance teaching kindy - 3rd grade, I can agree that a lively attitude is all but necessary. But asking us to just be "fun and active" means that anyone could do that. Are they going to hire someone with a Masters in Education and years of experience in the classroom to be just "fun and active." If I came here and heard that, with those qualifications behind me, I would feel insulted.

Again, though I could be wrong and just spitting out a bunch of bias, and that is why I want to be proven wrong. I want to know that Korean coteachers and Principals want their Native Teachers to come up with enriching lesson plans that involve kids using all their skills and learning on all levels. I want to know that they aren't just interested in pleasing the parent's and having someone at their school with "Ooo-ahhh" credentials.

Wherever I will be next year I will be sure not to act all high and mighty just because I have two years experience. Instead, I plan on focusing on my students and designing lessons and materials that will truly engage them. In my execution, I plan to be a lively and active person but within the limits of my own body's ability.

The fact remains that so many of us teachers in the classrooms across this nation have little-to-no qualifications teacher wise. Yes it would be our responsibility to get more credentials, but I also feel it is the Korean government's responsibility to give better and more proper training to us. If you are going to hire "unqualified" folks and not give them enough training then don't act astonished when they quit or don't live up to your expectations.

Finally, no matter what kind of person a school hires, whether it be a "qualified" vs. a "recent-grad-off-the-plane", for goodness sake Korea give these people more training in how to work with a Korean coteacher and in the Korean school environment. Hey, I know! Why not have the Korean coteachers and the native teachers go to training together? Oh that's right...you would rather put your money elsewhere.

All right...your thoughts.

G20 Poll Results

For the past few weeks I ran a poll on here asking whether Seoul was ready for the G20. The thinking was that with world leaders coming here will they see what we expats see on a daily basis? Also did Seoul prepare enough for their visit and how well socially and infra-structurally was the city prepared.

According to my poll 33 people responded, which really isn't going to give out grandstanding statistical data. However, I thought I would share the results and my thoughts on the whole thing.

• Yes - Infrastructural = 16 votes or 48%
• Yes - Socially = 10 votes or 30%
• No - Infrastructural = 6 votes or 18%
• No - Socially = 12  votes or 36%
• Don't know = 6 votes or 18%

As you can see people thought Seoul was infra-structurally ready for the summit, meaning transportation and signs were ready.  What this turned out to be is that the COEX convention center was sealed off behind several gates and fences and had, of course, a large amount of security. This helped our world leaders from being attacked but it left many Seoul citizens without a bus or station to get off of.

But not all citizens were happy about the event as some had to put up with inconveniences. Most mom and pop businesses around the main venue for the summit had to close their shops because of tight security.

At the same time, some office workers had to commute to work on public transportation, leaving their cars at home in order not to cause traffic congestion while delegations were on the move.

 I don't live in that area but my boyfriend works nearby and told me since people were mostly taking the subway that driving was relatively easy.

Socially, people said that Seoul wasn't quite ready. What did I mean by socially? It came down to how foreigners are treated and respected in Seoul and the whole country. Also it brought up how people act in public in extreme cases.

I realized, though, that this concern became moot since it was apparent that the people coming to the G20 were such high officials that they hardly walked around like pedestrians. Whether or not the reporters, spectators and protesters of the event were able to get a sense of Seoul in a social aspect is unknown.

What it also comes down to is that the G20 Summit was another way for the world to get a glimpse of the kimchi-nation. Maybe it sparked interest in some to find out more about Korea. Certainly this video showed some cultural aspects being presented during the summit. Or here...

In my opinion, Seoul was ready for the event and definitely made it safe for the visiting leaders.

Pepero and Lightning

Today is Pepero day! My third to be exact and I think I got more today than ever, and mostly from students. Pepero is a chocolate candy here that is basically a cookie stick that has been dipped in chocolate.

To be honest I like Japan's version (Pocky) a lot better.

(Korean) source

(Japanese) source

Probably because it comes in a lot of different flavors and it was my first encounter of the Asian chocolate-stick candy. I can recall going to Japanese stores back home and picking out a flavor of Pocky that looked both cute and yummy. I don't recall ever seeing Pepero there. 

Nevertheless, Pepero is still fun and...I guess cute. But it made the day a lot sweeter, and of course the kids were extra peppy as well. 

Then came the afternoon and I went to work job hunting and also planning my vacation. Around 3:30 I headed up to the room where a Yoga instructor comes and gives a class for the teachers. But it was dreadfully cold and I closed the windows. Then the other attendees came in and proceeded to open the windows. The heater wouldn't come on and I just walked out. I didn't feel like practicing yoga in a drafty cold room. I felt bad mostly because I know I need the exercise. 

After that I went back to the office and just relaxed before heading home. But outside something was brewing. Before I knew it I heard thunder and saw lightning. Indeed, there was some kind of autumn storm going on. The way home proved to be treacherous as the rain poured down and lighting flashed around me. But I was walking with my other coteacher and when we got to her apartment she offered to give me a ride home. I am so grateful!

On top of all this has been the G20 in Seoul, which I haven't really been paying attention to. Sounds like everything has been going well. I think since they have the attendees so cloistered in, all that fuss over whether Seoul was "ready" or not seems to be moot now. 

The kittens are doing fine, by the way. Having two in the house has made it a lot easier! Well till next year Pepero day...

I wonder if Obama is going home with a gift basket of Pepero...haha

The Next Place

Before I talk about places I have been looking at to work for the next year, I thought I would update you about the "G20 Readiness" issue I raised. Chris did a good job on his blog citing his own answers and just recently Rob took a punch at it. Rob points out that the readiness of Korea should be thinking that goes beyond the bus stop or cleanliness of the restaurant but how expats (of all types) need more rights and protection. Certainly, I couldn't agree more and would hope that as dignitaries visit this country they could get not just a look at the tourist attractions but a briefing on how their citizens are treated in Korea.

We'll see!

Back here at my school I haven't really hit the tracks on my whole "make amends" plans. A little bird told me to not drastically change my behavior. I wouldn't want my co-teachers to feel like saps. So I have been just trying to be in a good mood and take whatever opportunities I can to keep relationships either neutral or positive.

Yet, today we are having an after-school dinner to celebrate the new guy. Personally, I don't enjoy these dinners as they all speak Korean and don't bother to translate. (Come on... 3 Korean English speaking teachers...not a single word to let us know what their saying?) But as I have learned you just got to go with it or if you feel like it pester them for it.

It's October and February is a long way off, but of course I am still thinking about what my next job will be. Places like Universities start their hiring now for the new season and so I am giving those a shot. I applied to one and we will see what happens. Otherwise, I have applied to Gangnam Public Schools, which do their own hiring. Thankfully, I know a few people who have worked for them or went through the process and so have a better look inside.

Applying to Gangnam Public Schools puts you through a process of first sending your information, then sending a lesson sample and (where I am at now) having your references checked. If you make it past that then you get to schedule an interview. We'll see if I get that far, if so I am unsure if I would take the position. They only offer housing money and no deposit (which are both high in Gangnam). But I figured why not get to the point when I really have a choice and could possibly see what school they would give me.

Other than that I got my ticket home from my current school and am excited that I will be home for Christmas. I do plan on coming back in January, possibly with JH who might be coming out for a visit.

For now it's that time of the year where I am getting out my sweaters and transitioning into the colder weather. Ahhh winter is coming...

Is Seoul Ready for the G20 Summit?

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The G20 Summit is coming to Seoul and that means a lot of important people will be sharing the air here. This also means that a lot of foreign visitors to the summit will be arriving as well. Therefore, is Seoul ready to accommodate these Western people?

I have noticed on the Seoul City Blog job opportunities of the sort that reflect this nervousness towards being a host country. I can't say for sure whether these job postings are directly related to the G20, but I have a gut feeling they are. Just what are these specialty jobs, you ask?

What are the most important aspects of making your city accommodating? Apparently, thus far these things include hygienic facilities, efficient and clean buses along with legible and accurate signs in various languages.

COEX Hygiene:

Take for example the hygienic one.

Hygiene inspection of restaurants at Coex , a venue for the upcoming G20 Summit
Job Descriptions :
 -Date & Time:  September 30 (Thursday) 13:00~17:00
 -Seats available: 10 foreigners (first-come first-served)
 -Inspection method: inspecting restaurants with a team of 3 persons (2 Koreans and 1 foreigner)
 -Details: writing a restaurant hygiene inspection report from a  foreigner’s perspective
-Payment: 40,000KRW
- Meeting place: in front of Bandi & Lunis’ Bookstore, Coex mall

For those who don't know, COEX is a large underground complex with shopping, a movie theatre and many restaurants. It also has large exhibition halls adjacent to it along with the Intercontinental hotel. I can't recall how many times I have been to COEX, but I think I can safely vouch my opinion of it's hygiene levels.

COEX Hygiene Report: (from past experience)

• The level of cleanliness inside restaurants is pretty good. Tableware never seemed to be spotty or dirty. Tables were cleaned before sitting down, and floors were acceptable as well. As for food I have eaten I would say that they usually came out without any debris such as hair or other such foreign objects. 
• As for the food court I would say that area is pretty clean, however tables seemed a bit messy and not cleaned up often. That would be an area to consider improving.
• Overall COEX's restaurants are pretty well kept up with and I don't see any need for improvement.

Bus Monitors

That job seemed like a fairly easy one and wouldn't yield too much criticism. But then came the next request for bus "mystery passengers."
 “Mystery Passenger”

· Seat availability: 10 persons (on a first-come and first-served basis)
     · Qualification: Any foreign resident in Seoul
               *prefer those who have Korean proficiency
     · Payment: 70,000KRW per day
     · Working hours: 5 hours anytime during the day
               *One person can work for up to 5 days.
The Seoul city government is seeking foreigners residing in Korea who can monitor the conditions of buses in Seoul (e.g. safety, hygiene, and convenience of the buses)

Ah, public transportation. Is it safe? It is easy to use? Is it fast and efficient? Is it clean? I can tell you this might be the most important factor for the city as far as this is issue is concerned. Why? Because not only is it difficult to adjust to being in a land where you don't know the language but even more challenging to figure out your way around it all. I think being able to use a public transportation system in a foreign country is a great accomplishment.


Having visited New York City and resided in San Francisco I have some background here on judging public transportation (especially buses) in Seoul. The buses in San Francisco would rate poorly on my scale. Typically, they smell bad, difficult to figure out the route and have a plethora of service related problems. I have read articles in the SF Chronicle of people getting stabbed on the bus. The bus drivers tend to ignore unruly behavior, but they take a lot of heat from riders who have angst against the public transportation system.

To sum it up, Seoul's bus system looks very good when compared with San Francisco's.

Here's my breakdown:

• Seoul buses are generally clean and well kept. But there are all different types of buses going around Seoul. There are the village type buses that go short distances, then there are the ones that go from one dong to the next. I can't say whether this makes for different types of hygiene. But in my experience the village buses tend to be a little more dirty, but not too bad.
• Safety on the buses doesn't seem to be a problem. However, there have been reported incidences of foreigners being treated poorly on buses. As for safety in general, whether your ride on the bus will end up causing you to get hurt or not, that is another story. Let's not forget when a Seoul bus blew up recently. I hope they have gotten that under control. 
• Safety in regards to your ride on the bus and whether you feel like it is a death trap, well that is questionable. For one bus drivers make very sharp turns, and they hit the breaks quick and hard. A traveler who has little experience in this might find themselves falling over. Also there is the unsafe feeling of having to head towards the middle-back of the bus to make sure you get out in time. Bus drivers tend to stop for very short periods of time to let passengers on and off. 
• This takes me to my next point, which is the bus passenger system. Having ridden the bus in Japan I can say that if I didn't know to board in the back-middle first I would have been lost. Seoul's riding system might be tricky to the newcomer. They need to know to board in the front. Knowing where to put the money is another thing. Also the use of a T-Card can make it all better. Do people know this right away when they are at a bus stop? Not really. Also do people know that if they use the T-Card they have to "beep-it" on the way out? Are signs at the bus easy to understand? (Not completely)
• This might make you think that Seoul buses are not convenient. However, once you know how to use the bus they become a great form of transportation in your travels around the city. Due to the bus drivers driving fast you can get from one place to the next quickly. Also there are dedicated bus lanes to help them get through heavy traffic. They also go practically everywhere in Seoul. In San Francisco, with recent budget cuts, there are some places that would take hours by bus to get to because there are no direct routes. 

As you can see Seoul already has a really good bus system and doesn't need much room for improvement. However, the only improvement I would see is passenger etiquette towards each other and hopefully that Korean citizens will treat foreigners with respect (same with the other way around).

Street Signs:
Finally, we come to the last request for inspectors that of "Street-sign monitors." These job titles sound more and more fun, and I wish I could do them if I had the free time during the week.

The Seoul city government is seeking foreign residents in Seoul who can monitor the use of the English, Chineses, Japanese languges on signs (e.g. detecting spelling errors on road/traffic signs) on the strees in Seoul.
*Seat Availability: 3 persons (1 native speaker of English, 1 Chinese, 1  Japanese)
         **prefer those who have Korean proficiency
*Working Hours: October 14 (Thursday) starting from 1 p.m for 3 - 3.5 hrs
*Payment: 50,000KRW

Since I am an English speaker I can only judge on the quality of the English on street signs in Seoul. My verdict is that as far as major tourist and directional signs go they have done a good job. Road and traffic signs offer typically both English and Korean, however I have seen here and there Chinese and Japanese too. But mostly it is just English and Korean. Have there been any spelling errors? Well not from what I can remember but I can bet that they are out there.

On the contrary, if one were to inspect any kind of sign in Seoul for it's English usage than that would definitely end up being a full time job.

The conundrum:
Is Seoul ready? Well I think the city as far as these items are concerned are ready. However, when you ask yourself whether Korean citizens themselves are ready for a high influx of foreigners into their land then you can get the jitters. Just reading Scribblings of the Metropolitician's post on Korean's treatment and attitude toward foreigners you will start to see that Korean people are not quite ready to embrace a global society.

American GI's have been stabbed and murdered by Koreans -- never hits the news.
Foreign women raped by Korean men? Hospitals won't even examine them unless they prove they're not a "Russian prostitute." Never gets in the paper.
Beating and stabbings on foreigners?

Yes, it is pretty grim but real. The problem many people are going to have with the G20 coming to Seoul is that the Korean media are going to hype it up to the visitors that their city is a place of "peace" and "globalization." When in fact, yes it is globalized, but in a very asymmetrical kind of way. I would say that Korean people see globalization as a coat they put on to show off to other countries. But they don't really plan on wearing it all day.

What I wish Korean citizens and officials would do is take in for a moment what their behaivor looks like to outsiders. As the Metropolitician exemplifies:

You want to know the REAL problem people in this society? The asshole old man who came up the the table next to me in the coffee shop yesterday, where a girl had been sitting alone, and they all sat in the empty seats around her. Because they didn't want to sit at an inside seat. It was the smoking area. Then the asshole old man started yelling and cursing at her about smoking in front of men. She told them she was there first and why are you cursing at me? He stood up, called her the English equivalent of "crazy bitch" and all kinds of threatening speech. Then he told HER to move. When she spoke back at him more -- in polite honorifics -- he wanted to HIT her. Sound familiar?

The Metropolitician wrote this in discussion about violence against women and the hyped up media in Korea. But it shows an extreme example of some of the behavior that one could witness here. You don't see this stuff everyday, but you can come across more subtle varieties. Of course, all of it has a reason and meaning behind it, but unfortunately the new traveler to this city will just see the ugliness and not really the history behind it. This goes for travelers in my own country who see the kind of behavior on the streets (such as junkies shooting up or people yelling at each other). In other words, we all should reflect on how our social behavior looks to others around us.

My opinion is that as the younger generation grows up it is possible for Korea to look more like what a globalized and "peaceful" city would look like. And as foreigners stay here longer and make roots that our role will look less pedestrian and more meaningful.

So is Seoul ready? Let's ask it again in another 10 years.

Kim Jong Il Rides a Swing

Asia vs. Asia: A New Look

Two years ago when I was fresh to Korea I wrote a post titled "Asia vs. Asia: (Series: Ugly Korean)" and since then it has been one of my top blog hits. Yet I am not proud of this post and fear that people come onto it in search of reaffirmation of their personal beliefs on Korea. It was my intention to share an experience I had with my ex about his world view amongst other Asian countries. I never really went back to that topic and so now would like to revisit it and offer up my insight after living in Korea for two years.

Issue 1: Asian people comparing themselves amongst other Asian nations.
When I first came to Korea I wanted to find out how Korean people compare themselves against other Asian countries, specifically Japan and China. I have come to discover that generally people tend to center themselves towards their country of origin and then go from there. In other words, Koreans treat Korea as the center of the Universe and their point of reference. We all do this, I believe, when comparing ourselves with other nations.

Yet I do feel Korean people take it to a higher level. To put Korea front and center means that Korean people tend to feel that Korea is always better than their Asian neighbors.

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Take for example, when I have talked about my Japan travels with my coteachers. One of my coteachers asked me if I felt Japan was better than Korea. I said yes but explained why with details from my trips. I told her that certainly living in another country is different from just visiting it. She concluded with, "Korea is better." But gave no real explanations as to why.

My coteacher was merely just being Nationalistic. Yet their eccentric Nationalism I feel sometimes overlooks the truth and gets in the way with critical thinking.

South Koreans are nationalistic. Part of the nationalism stems from the compulsory national service required of South Korean men. Part of the nationalism stems from the fact that they are still at war with the north. Part of the nationalism stems from a desire to prove they are different from Japan and China.

Take that last part there, "...desire to prove they are different from Japan and China." I for one feel that is very true and why when talking about Japan or China with Korean people it can become a touchy subject. It isn't random, of course, because it stems from a long history of invasion and hibernation from the world.

Korea has been invaded, annexed, occupied, liberated, and sometimes unwillingly protected, by Japan, China, Russia/The Soviet Union, and the United States over the past few centuries.Koreans tend to see themselves as members of a "race" that has been fighting for it's independence from foreign domination for centuries. This can result in Koreans being overly defensive towards anything they see as a threat to their way of life. This also makes many Koreans easily swayed to any point of view that plays upon nationalism.

The examples of this that come from living in South Korea are that you can have a really hard time talking about Korea in a critical thinking way with other Korean people. As an outsider one wants to understand why Korean people do what they do and also what they are thinking. Therefore one tries to find these answers by talking to their Korean colleagues. Yet in the end the result is usually of more confusion and that you possibly just pissed off the people you work with.

In my opinion, I don't think Korea has to change its Nationalistic attitude or all of sudden become a nation of people that don't see themselves as #1 amongst other nations. All I know is that when I come face to face with Korean pride that I have to take a step back and let this person have their moment.

Issue 2: How Korean people embrace and interact with non-Koreans.
When thinking about this issue I feel I need to try and get into the skin of a Korean person. To look at their world through their eyes.


What I see myself doing is when I walk down the street and see a foreign looking person that I slow down and stare at them. Maybe the child holding my hand will point and tell me that there is a foreigner nearby. We both stare and nod in agreement. Then move on.

Can I, the foreigner, really look at the world from a Korean's perspective? 

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Let's just say that recognizing and gawking at the outsider around you isn't specific to Korea. I believe that in any part of the world where the majority of people surrounding  you are all of the same type of race will lead you to naturally recognize someone who looks different. Small town America is still like this, but I feel most people in America are use to diversity either around them or on their television set. 

For a long time Korea has mostly been full of, yep you guessed it, Koreans. Day-to-day Korean people see dark hair and dark eyes all around them. Then slowly, more and more, people with different color eyes, hair, skin, body shape, speech and so on started to arrive (and stay). 

The reactions of Korean people vary from the subtle staring to shouting and being aggressive either in speech or within an online group that promotes racism. The interaction of Koreans with foreigners and their acceptance of them is at times horrifying and at other times humbling. Take for example this excerpt from the hate group Anti-English Spectrum:

Bothered by this, and gathering our power together, our consciences would not allow us to overlook this tragic story as if we were looking across a river. We are aware that loving your country does not only mean taking up arms and fighting in a war. Against illegal, low-quality English instructors who prevent our land from learning English and against English Spectrum, who debased and degraded the image of Korean women to that of one country's filthy national brand -- this is our strong fight!

hmm...

It goes without saying that I have experienced being treated like an outsider. 

It comes in various ways:

At work:

• There was a recent quarrel where myself and the other foreign worker became fed up of the overly use of Korean in our office. We get it, they are Korean and communicating in Korean is easier than English. But often we hear our names and then laughing or sighing afterward. We wonder what they are talking about and it leads to paranoia, which ends up festering. We tried to make the point that when we hear them use our names while speaking Korean it makes us feel insecure. That they should think about how it makes us feel to speak Korean most of the time in the office with our presence. They didn't get it. They thought we were overreacting and being silly. They told us that they can't help but speak Korean. But they didn't get that they should include us in their group and when they always speak Korean about work or other issues they leave us out. Leaving us out makes us truly feel like the "other". 
• In a nutshell this is an example of how at work you can often feel like the "other" and outsider due to that your Korean collegues don't see you as truly part of their group.

Outside:

• There is the staring. The pointing from children. 
• Parents make their children speak to the foreigner. 
• Whispering about the foreigner. 
• Note that I have never really had a terrible experience outside the house here in Korea. I have gotten use to the staring and forget the reason why. The hardest part seems to be riding the subway when you are in a tight space and anything could happen. I want to note that other foreigners (especially women) have had unsettling experiences.

Media:

• "Talk with Beauties" is a show that puts up beautified foreign women and talks with them in Korean. The conversations are scripted and most of what they talk about is junk. This kind of show takes the foreign woman and makes them exotic. Something that is really not helpful to our street image.
• Contrastingly there are many shows that show the foreign (especially white) man as a sexual predator. Because of this I have come across many Korean women (young and old) that believe foreign men just come to their country to do bad things and be a sexual predator. 

All of these are examples of how Korean people are confronting and dealing with the foreigners around them.

Conclusion and Reflection:

I am curious to know how Koreans embrace others from different cultural backgrounds. For now I believe that I am sure it is of no real big deal over there. That they coexist in a peaceful and sometimes hostile way. But I can't help but think that underneath the surface that some people may still feel some kind of historical and cultural opinion towards an outsider.

Those were my final thoughts from my original post on the subject. I believe I was definitely wearing rose colored glasses. Certainly the Nationalist feeling is strong here and reflects how Korean people see themselves amongst the other Asian nations.

Yet I think it is important to remember that there are millions of Koreans on this peninsula. Young and old I am sure you can find differing opinions than what was presented here.

In the end I keep in mind a philosophy that I use to keep myself sane while living here. That is: It is their stage and if they want to act and present themselves in a certain way in front of me than that is their choice. I am just the observer. And...the critic. 

*I hope you enjoyed this look back on my old post and that I showed how over time one's opinion can develop and change. It has been a while since I brought up politics like this and I hope I wasn't too broad. Thanks!