Published by the Gwangju International Center since 2001
The difference between our enforcement agencies are the result of our cultures’ different values. American values, in particular our legalism and moralism, are responsible for producing the police we have: men and women who see themselves as moral crusaders defending their communities, punishing the guilty.
“Follow the money,” it is said, if you want to understand a country’s politics. Far fewer say to study the money, but more should. Learn about the faces on a country’s currency and you learn a lot more about the people who put them there – their self-image, their ambitions.
This series of articles sheds light on some Korean myths, folklore, traditions and superstitions. Every country has their own share of beliefs, fact or fiction, and many foreigners living in Korea have not yet heard or learned the basis for various Korean beliefs.
On October 9th it was once again time to honor one of Korea’s most famous inventions, the Korean native alphabet Hangeul (한글). Hangeul Day is the annual recognition and celebration of the written Korean language, which consists of 24 characters – 14 consonants and 10 vowels.
Han is far more than a mere label of an ethnic group.
Most people love their country. You’ll hear many reasons why people think their country is the best in the world. Maybe it’s the delicious food. It could be the beautiful landscape and architecture. Perhaps it’s the friendly, good-looking people. Korea possesses such beliefs about its country as well.
As with so much else, the swastika, or man (Hangul: 만, from 만자) is said to have arrived in Korea with the Buddha, who supposedly bore the sigil upon both his heart and his feet.
As most know, all Korean men are obligated to serve in the military, be it in the Army, Navy, or Air Force. Korean society believes this is the duty of a male Korean citizen, so long as he is physically and mentally sound.