This is an essay I wrote last semester to introduce Korea to foreign friends/visitors. I revised some errors and uploaded it :)
There are many things that represent Korea; Kimchi, Hanbok, Chuseok etc. It is indeed important to know what the ancestors were like, especially when you are trying to understand a country. However, I want to put aside all the Korean traditions which you might have read from tons of books. Instead, I would like to explain how the Koreans are like these days. Learning the ancestors’ life may help you to grasp a vague idea about our country, Korea, but that’s it wouldn’t be the most effective way to assimilate the overall feelings Korea might bring. Now let me tell you some characteristics that you wouldn’t find trouble in generalizing it to all Koreans.
First of all, Koreans unite well when necessary. ‘The Red Devils’ which became the trademark for Korean Worldcup rooting culture, and nation-wide fundraising and volunteering at Tae-an Peninsula supports this. In 2002, people were surprised not only at the result of the games, but countless of people running out into the streets to cheer for the Korean soccer team. Since then, the street-rooting has grown to be part of Korea’s unique culture which you can experience during the World cup season. They unified the color of their clothes, made their own songs for the soccer players, and set up time and place for rooting without any help from the government or a company. They maintained calmness no matter what. People were spotted cleaning up the streets after the games. There were no accidents or fights, since all the people maintained public orders. Also, in the Tae-an Peninsula’s case, Koreans united all together to help the desperate region recover from oil spills. Tens and thousands of volunteer workers came from all over the world, many anonymous people donated for the peninsula and a campaign which ensure people that shells from that area are safe to eat was directed by citizens. Some people are saying that after modernization, Koreans too became individualists, who didn’t care about other’s benefits. However, we can find out that it’s not actually true by just looking at a few recent events. We can see that Koreans have space to care for other’s in their mind, even though they are having busy lives.
Next, Koreans consider justice to be the most important value. They do their best to protect it, even if it’s the government which is trying to harm it. Few years ago, there was a big candle light protest. People were mad about government’s unclear definition and limitation on which kind of cow would be imported or not. All they demanded was the truth that was hidden under the veil, but the government refused to reveal it. The government tried to settle it down by prosecuting several organization and people. However, all of the Korean citizens gathered together in front of the city hall in each cities. They held out candle lights against police officers and threats by the government. Because of this, our government halted the speedy confirmation of the free trade agreement with US. An event like this is not an anomaly, because this is the way we gained democracy in the modern days. Many people were killed during the protest in the past, but they did their best to defeat government and to bring democracy to our country. Korean’s courageous actions toward justice were one of the pillars which formed the society, and is still supporting my country.
There are limitations in explaining about Korea on a piece of paper, since most of them are things that you need to feel it yourself by heart. I feel that many gorgeous aspects of my country were dropped out because of my lacking experience and knowledge. However, I would be glad if this has helped you to picture how Korea and its citizens are like.
Welcome to Korea:)
댓글 없음:
댓글 쓰기