Those living in a foreign country all know of the benefits and difficulties. Being an optimistic person I like to focus on the benefits and what I can learn from our differences. Apparently this isn't a new idea in Korea.
In the 1700's a scholar, Park Jiwon wrote about what society can learn from the needs of practical or ordinary people, a defamiliarzation.
Park Jiwon is regarded as one of the greatest thinkers of the so-called "Practical Learning" movement.
Just wandering though the streets you see the modern mixed in with the ancient.
S. Korea is going through a renaissance. The change is amazing and overwhelming even to me who has only been here a few months. I only hope that the 'new' emphasis to retain the Korean culture and past continues and the ROK doesn't dissolve into another westernized society.
Because of all the construction of mega apartment buildings and the fact that there are approximately 22 million (yes) people in Seoul alone, space is very limited, but the Korean genius has found a way to include parking realizing the vehicle is not just a convenience anymore. You can imagine the spaces are very small. This is why your side mirrors on your car fold back...so you can get out of your car after you back into your parking space.
Here is a space designated just for women. It is larger and easier to back into. While this may be sexist to some of you I think it's great because I live here. The S. Korean's are very honorable and you would never find a man backing into this space, for numerous reasons. I'm sure eventually they will begin to designate these spaces...bad parker. I'd like to see the sign for that!
On a side note:
From the latest State Department Briefing.
QUESTION: I have a question on – about a recent missile launch talking about North Korea. This is their second in the last week. I want to know if the State Department has a response to their latest provocative action.
MS. PSAKI: Sure. Well just to repeat for those of you who are not focused on this at this moment, let me just give you a little more information. According to U.S. Government information, North Korea launched two Scud class short-range ballistic missiles from its southeast coast Monday morning. Both missiles flew in a northeasterly direction and landed in the sea. We are continuing to closely monitor North Korean activities and intentions, and we’re closely monitoring the situation on the Korean peninsula.
We urge North Korea to refrain from provocative actions that aggravate tensions, and instead focus on fulfilling its international obligations and commitments, including by abiding with the United States – United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, 1874, and 2094. Scud missile launches are a violation of these UN Security Council resolutions. These resolutions require North Korea to abandon its ballistic missile program in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner. So we urge North Korea to exercise restraint and take steps to improve its relations with its neighbors. The onus is on North Korea to refrain from provocations.
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