Session 6b: Korea: Past, Present and Historical Understanding

[Anonymous]

My strongest impression of the Korean culture is that they feel “lost.” Metaphorically, the country is an extinct tiger, never again to be seen in the wild. North Korea itself disappears into the black hole of night and sealed borders, literally and linguistically invisible. Their leader is an “alien” with little legitimate claim to authority. Forced to change their names from Korean to Japanese and conscripted into the Japanese army, the conquering allies decree the same fate for Korea as for Germany – division and occupation, ripping from the denizens both their progenitors and their unity as a nation. Even after relentless killing during the Korean War, the line of demarcation remains essentially unchanged. Because the modern world entered Korea so quickly, they had no time to reconcile their folk customs, so their traditions stand as curiosities without the basic understanding to give them substance. Althouogh the root of their social and political structure was agriculture, crops, their apartments now lift them twenty-stories above the earth, and from outside the walls blot out the sky, and the asphalt seals off the earth. Their popular humor seems to mock the pain of such a rapid transformation, and films such as The Way Home explore the rending of their culture. I wonder how Korea will reconcile all these forces and create a new identity?

[Anonymous]

Korea's history really came to live with Prof. Hwang's lecture yesterday. His expertise with the power-point really inspired me to do a better job of compiling useful presentations. I'll be extremely excited to get a hold of the presentations we've had so far and put them to use.

Now, the information was dealt out so quickly that I was left a bit unclear about Korea's national identity. If I were to use the lecture's info I would say that Korea sees itself as a tiger not a bunny, it is divided because of Russian and the US, they have the perfect written language (for Korean), have fought to remain Korean throughout time, and it has also followed a similar developmental history to that of China and other countries.

Although I could name those few important facts I still feel at a bit of a loss when it comes to understanding Prof. Hwang's opening statement:

How Koreans view their history influences how they view their identity.

Can anyone add my limited knowledge?

[Anonymous]

I'm certainly not fully enlightened on the West's meddling through out the globe, but what I have learned over the years certainly seems to point out that some things are better left alone. It seems to me that it would not have been too hard at the time for the Russians and the USA to figure out that Korea was an occupied country, they liberated it, pat themselves on the back, and get the hell out. Look at what the West's meddling early on in the Middle East has caused, not to mention other places. Getting back to thinking critically, we always need to evaluate the current and past reasons why we and others put our National noses, and wonder, is this in the best long term interest for us or them? Maybe its only in the interest of a few? It would be nice to see in our life time Korea once again unite as one, But maybe meddling will not see this accomplished.

[Anonymous]

hey lculp, are you referring to my post on what has now become the Great Discussion on Eunuchs? I don't allow my students to use Wikipedia as a source, mainly out of respect for Sinbad. If you don't know about Sinbad, ask me, it's a great story. However, I DO tell them to follow the citations that Wikipedia supplies (at the bottom) & if that's a credible source, cite that source (not Wiki), which I did, so I win. 😛

[Anonymous]

I too found it somewhat enlightening that South Korea views North Korea as pitiful in opposition to the horrific view that is typically used to describe the country. Looking at things from that perspective changes the vibe that I now feel as I think of North Korea. They are portrayed in "outside" society as an evil entity that chooses to be evil that chooses to persecute and oppress its people because that power and control is more important than the happiness and well being of the subjects it governs. But the background behind how the country of Korea came to be split in the first place in never taught or discussed. Yet, knowing this background is essential in truly understanding the dynamics of what is going on in North Korea.
I’m also very interested in knowing, or better yet, seeing how the regime will change when the new dictator comes into power. Do the people want change? Or they content with things being the way they are? Could there be an uprising? Will outside forces see this as an opportunity to step in in an attempt to accomplish their own agendas? It will be interesting to watch the present unfold, especially being empowered with the knowledge we received today.

[Anonymous]

Very cool photo, now I see the tiger. Thanks for sharing!

[Anonymous]

Matt in one of my numerous economic classes (not sure which one) we learned that what affects one country affects all of us, because we are a global economy. I thought you might like to mull over that thought for awhile. The thing I hadn't realized about Korea is they feel closer relations between North and South than with others. I think the American propaganda is such that we believe the South Koreans thank us for liberating them from communism. There's that egocentric thinking again??????? [Edit by="mlgibbon on Aug 6, 10:12:48 PM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Many colleagues have expressed the idea that our Korean speakers tended to glorify Korea and not mention anything negative, be it true or not. I’d like to share my perspective on the matter. I don’t think that our distinguished guests/speakers were attempting to hide anything, or pull the wool over anyone’s eyes. Before our speakers enlightenment bestowed upon us, what did we (what do many) really know about Korea? The ideas that are spread or spoken or typically taught about Korea are pretty much negative. Being Korean people, or teachers of Korean culture, why wouldn’t the presenting speakers want to present something different, something contrary to popular belief, some other more gentle and positive truths? Our speakers, our teachers came to us to enlighten us, to teach us presumably things we did not already know, hence why we are hear in the first place. In that perspective, they did exactly what they were supposed to do. They truly enlightened us on things we previously did not know, or even think imaginable. What representative of a country would not want to do the same? Who would not want to present some positive truths to counteract the negative that is typically presented? I appreciated their perspective. I am always happy to learn new things, especially when they are positive. Those are the facts and the perspective I want to present to my students. It is how I want to build on the interconnectivity that I aim to share with my students, to enlighten them on the people and places that they tend to know little or nothing of and hence tend to be intolerant of.

[Anonymous]

I was impressed by the numbers of people that seemed to be in attendance at the different rallies/protests. Demonstrations were never small, but there appeared to be millions of people standing side by side fighting for the cause. I wonder how this impacts the results. What is the success rate on the protesters achieving their goal, ultimately getting what they want? Are those who are being protested against more apt to give in? Is there a sense of power and control in their numbers? Or are they disregarded nonetheless? I would love to know the answer to these questions. It could spearhead great conversations with my students about the power of numbers. I could have them compare the act of the Korean masses with the acts of the civil rights leaders and their followers, something that is discussed in the American literature we study.

[Anonymous]

The Big Mama insert brought up the question of how society wants to perceive or accept women…a norm in Korea that exists here in America as well. If you recall, it showed that the group of girls with the beautiful voices, with the true talent, were being hidden behind the curtain. The girls that were being presented on the stage, the ones being given the credit for the performance were the ones considered “beautiful.” They were the ones the men in the audience wanted to see. They thus received the glory and the prestige. Their position so elevated even in their own mind, that they completed disregarded the true talent that stood outside. The true talent couldn’t even receive recognition from those who stole the glory. It is sad to see that this idea of “beauty” is so universal. It is sad to see that performers don’t need to have talent, just societies opinion of “beauty.” This is the idea that is prevalent in our society. We talk about having a society where anyone can do anything if they have the talent to achieve it. How that is so not the case. How many pop culture singers, how many famous actors/actresses have a look that is outside of the “accepted norm,” the accepted idea of “beauty?”

[Anonymous]

Korea: Past Present and Historical Understanding

First of all, I liked Dr. Hwang. Very personable guy. Easy to follow and willing to allow us to interact with him.

Impressions:

1.I am sickened, as usual, by the way the U.S. and superpowers conduct themselves. It’s the old Spoils of War mentality. Korea was not the aggressor, but must suffer anyway.
2.Korea kept its identity even when the surrounding powers invaded. Impressive.
3.The U.S. caused the starvation of 3.4 million people? We bombed and destroyed North Korea in the Korean War and that hatred of the U.S. now fuels the regime in power. We called it a “Police Action.” Get real!
4.North Korea is an Orwellian state. See the documentary The Mass Games if you don’t believe this.
5.Imagine being in such a war. The next guy to take control of your hometown will kill you if you supported the last regime. No way to stay alive in a game like that.
6.I read in a book called God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything by Christopher Hichens that his Christian friend who helped some folks escape from North Korea had a hard time selling the idea that an all powerful Savior who was the son of God could help them. Smacked too much of Kim Jong-Il and his deified dad, Kim Il-Sung.
7.The young South Koreans are not so anti-South Korea. What will this mean for the future of Korea?

[Anonymous]

I was truly struck by the economic and industrial development of South Korea. It was only in 1945, that they were relieved from the colonial bondage. In 63 years they are ahead of the game. Amazingly, they are the hub of Informational Technology, along with India, and also the center of producing the high tech devices. The computerized refrigerator, advanced technology used in cell phones etc. My question was why and how did this happen? Is it family values that encourage higher education or the nation wide drive for power. Is it that economic power in the 21st century is the key to getting ahead? Well, whatever it is, I am truly impressed, and for that reason I would like to visit this technologically advanced country some day.[Edit by="amohammed on Aug 10, 11:56:07 AM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Besides being struck by the intense modernization of South Korea, the economic infrastructure, the fastest trains etc. I was curious to look up the population growth of Seoul. Truly, it is about 11 million, out of which 200,000 are foreigners. This explains the high rise apartments. In addition there are some awesome tourists sights like museums, gardens, palaces and parks.

[Anonymous]

Prof. Hwang presented his lecture by dividing it into 4 themes: (1) remembering historical consciousness and national identity (2) survival: development of distinctiveness (3) pre-modern era: stability and shifts (4) modernity: changes and perceptions.
Both South Korea and North Korea suffered from internal and external oppression: the absence of the spirit of national independence caused internal oppression, and the relations with countries surround Korea (like Japan, Russia, China, and U.S.A.) caused external oppression.

The Japanese colonial rule over Korea was cruel and inhuman oppression by military and civilian policemen with brutal tempers. The issue of the "comfort women" is still unsettled in many countries and areas occupied by Japan during WWII. I saw many Korean, Korean-Japanese, and the Japanese who support Korean in Japan protesting Japanese government. I really hope that Japanese government apologizes for what they have done to the Korean people, and find the way to heal the wounds.

The political situatiion of South Korea and North Korea reminds me of East and West Gernmany. The two Germanys reunited into one nation. I hope that someday Korea will become one strong nation, too.

During the session, Prof. Hwang used many images of related subjects on the screen. They were very interesting. I will try to use the culturally related images more often in my class.[Edit by="kirion on Aug 11, 12:26:28 AM"][/Edit]

[Anonymous]

Prof. Kyung Moon Hwang's commentary on how Koreans view their own history/identity through their important relics and attachment to North “Korea is like a black hole” - in his words - our view not theirs, was enlightening and his slide of Korea from a satellite with no mention of a division being stated on the map. N. Korea is mainly dark because they do not have the money for electricty. Also that Americans had a major part in dividing the country in the 1st place (Even prior to the Korean Conflict).

Like others the geology and mythology of Korea is impressive. Korea's East coast is milder and the feelings over the East Sea vs. the Sea of Japan. How mountains play(ed) a role in isolating the people and keeping the culture separate which has helped in protecting Koreans against invasion.

Learning how Koreans view(ed) Spiritual energy running north to south down the mountainous Tibet Chain. Also how some said it looked like a rabbit but rabbits were meek - So, the tiger that used to be in Korea is what they like to think that the pennisula looks like. The information that the Last Korean tiger cubs were spotted in 1965 - now thought to be extinct was of fun interest and a topic that my students could respond to.

Oh yes, the Heavenly Pond in N. Korea being the spot where in Myth the first Korean was born about 3,500 years ago.

Fun stuff for kids to learn and myself.

[Author]

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