Comments on Hyung Moon Hwang's 12/10 presentation

[Rob_Hugo@PortNW]

Hello everyone,

What did you think of Professor Kim's take on Korea's history and modern development? I'm personally fascinated by (South and North) Korea's developmental trajectory since the Cold War. There are so many aspects of change in South Korea unique from those in Japan or China, some of which were mentioned in Professor Hwang's talk - the success of Christianity and the predominance of Korean popular culture being just a couple of examples.

Any thoughts?

-Miranda

[Anonymous]

With an infusion of students at PV with a Korean background, Professor Hwang's relevant presentation on North and South Korea is helpful in making teacher-student cultural connections. Even with the comprehensive overview of a nation who prefers to be seen as a 'tiger' rather than a 'rabbit', there is still so much to learn about Korea. Korea's influence on the current consumer market as well as it's tumultuous history is of interest to me.
Thanks Professor Hyung Moon Hwang.

[Anonymous]

The presentation was very interesting and I liked the timeline approach that Professor Hwang used to move us from the past to the present. I also was particularly interested in the explanation of the simplicity of the Korean alphabet.
Here are a few recent articles I came across regarding South Korea:

Train Service Restored Between DPRK, South Korea

South Korean Scientists Clone Cats that Glow Red

[Anonymous]

I found Prof. Kim's presentation to be very informative. It was easy to follow and added to my understanding of the whole area, which in turn will help me connect more with the parents of my Korean students.

I'm interested in a movie he mentioned, Beyond the DMZ. Does anyone know how to get a copy? I did an internet search and wasn't successful. I'd like to know more about the era from 1945- 1950.

Has anyone watched any Korean dramas on t.v.? Is it possible to see them with subtitles?

Thanks.

[Anonymous]

I also like Professor Hwang's timeline of Korean history because I can match what were the dynesty in Korea equivalent to the dynesty Chinese. I knew Korean history was influenced by Chinese history. Professor Hwang did a wonderful PowerPoint presentation. He motivated me to want to find out more about the relationships between Chinese and Korea in the history. I printed out some Korean history in Chinese. It will help me to understand better about Korean history. I was surprised that Korean's last names were also influenced by Chinese. I learned Hwang in Chinese. Thanks Professor Hwang.

[Anonymous]

I am also very interested in Korea due to its global influences, especially in the United States right now. It seems as if Americans have lost sight of U.S./Korean foreign relations tensions due to the conflicts in the Middle East. It seems to me that we need to really focus on this relationship and learning the history of Korea is the first step. Hyung Moon Hwang enlightened me on many aspects of pertinent historical events that have led up to our current situation. I enjoyed his delivery and felt he was very thorough in his presentation.

Learning about Korea also helps understand some of the Asian cultural tensions at the high school. Unfortunately the tension lives on, and teachers studying and understanding the history and culture is the first step.

[Anonymous]

This session was very eye opening to me. I am glad that this class is focusing more on recent history in the East Asian countries, but I am now realizing why so much time is spent discussing the lengthy early histories of these countries. I liked the timeline format in Professor Hwang's presentation and found it a very comprehensive way to put everything into perspective. I also liked the way he introduced the themes of Koreas history: Remembering, Survival, Premodern Era, and Modern. It was an effective way to summarize and conceptualize the bigger picture of Korea's history and it's impact on the culture of the Korean people.

[Anonymous]

Great session- Hyung Moon Hwang's presentation was so interesting. The one thing that struck me as so important was seeing Korea from space with one side in the dark and the other filled with light. I think I learned more from that picture than anything.

[Anonymous]

Professor Hwang's summary of Korean history was interesting since this is my first study of Korea. It was interesting to hear that Pyongong has been the capital for 1400 years and that is has been unified and distinct from China for many years. Hearing the alphabet was invented and easy to use is a fun fact. I also found it encouraging that the Koreans hope for unification someday and that the US is on a wait-and-see policy with the current leader of North Korea. The nighttime photo of the disparity of light/power between North and South Korea would be good for our students to see.

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed learning how Korea is closes to joining back together. Seeing the areal views of North Korea was interesting, I used them and having no lights as an example of how without help and friends a country can be left in the dark. I will watch this years Olympics and hopefully see Korea spelled with a C

[Anonymous]

Can we get a copy of that photo it will be of grats assistance for my classroom next year.

[Anonymous]

I agree. The lecture was fascinating and very thorough. I really liked the timeline format. And the photo was indeed impressive. A picture truly is worth 1000 words!

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed learning so much about Korea and it's history. I too felt the night photo of "dark" North Korea really spoke multitudes about how terrible the conditions must be in that part of the country.

[Anonymous]

Hwang's emphasis on the timeline of Korean history was fascinating. Having traveled extensively in South Korea, and having lived with a family in Seoul, the importance of the following points cannot be highlighted enough. Cultural mythology, the allure of the three kingdoms, and a pride in the Korean writing system continue to shape the lives of contemporary Koreans.

Hwang's emphasis on the mythology of Korean culture is an important cross-cultural tool. Stories and myths shape culture, and Korean culture is approximately 4,400 years old, dating back to a time in history when a half god half bear creature came down to earth, was born on a mountain, and became progenitor of Korean race, founding the first Korean state. From him all Koreans have descended.

After this mixture of myth and reality, comes the era of three kingdoms, leaving behind much art from cave paintings in the north. Three kingdoms unified in seventh century, a time when most of Europe had not coalesced into what we know today. This dynasty lasted—a political rule by single family through which kingdom passed down--

Also of emphasis is the development of the Korean alphabet and writing system—hangul—the perfect writing system for the language. The Koreans even have a national holiday devoted to this particular writing system.

[Anonymous]

What still boggles my mind is the disconnect between North Korean's leader and the rest of the world. How can the international community not recognize the brinkmanship demeanor of Kim Jong-il? The economic revolution going on in the South must gall the North and their leadership cadre. Why do they accept the current policies? When will the economic incentive break down the artificial barriers raised by the "Dear leader"?

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