The students in one of my upper level class just finished a section on Myths. While studying creation myths, we studied what is called the Dangun Myth.

The Dangun Myth
This Korean legend maintains that Hwanin, a heavenly king, sent his son Hwanung to earth. Hwanung so desired to live on the earth that Hwanin sent him and 3,000 other followers. Hwanung ruled the earth through his three advisors the wind-general, the rain-governor, and the cloud teacher. They lived harmoniously and happily as they set laws, moral codes, and taught humans essentials such as the arts, agriculture, and government.
During this time, a bear and tiger desired to become human. They prayed to Hwanung to allow them to become human. Hwanung instructed them that it would be an arduous task to become human. They replied with eager willingness to prove their patience. Hwanung instructed them to live in a cave and eat twenty garlic cloves and a bundle of mugwort. Eventually, the tiger became restless and disobeyed Hwanung’s instructions and came out of the cave. Yet, the bear, following Hwanung’s instructions, was granted his desire to become human. The bear became a woman. In gratitude, the woman, gave offerings to Hwanung. Yet, she soon became sad because she lacked a husband. Hwanung eventually took her as his wife and impregnated her. Out came, Dangun.
Dangun is credited as being the founder of Korea. His life is the beginning of Korean history.

References:
"Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: Korea," Sonja Vegdahl and Ben Seunghwa Hur. Marshall Cavendish Editions (Singapore, 2005)
"Beginning of Korea," [website] http://www.bergen.org/AAST/projects/Korea/culture/begin.html (Last edited October, 20, 2006)

Thanks to:
Aim High Freshman 2 Class (Jenny, Maria, Sally, and George)

The air is crisp.
The leaves are changing colors.
The mornings are colored with fog.
The mosquitos are dying.
I'm beat.

This was a journal entry that I intended to post earlier.

September 20, 2006

I've had a conversation partner for a couple of weeks now. I've been learning quite a bit. I've learned much about the language and the culture. I don't think Rachel or I thought we would have such great insight into each others' cultures while spending time with each other.

Tonight she said something that didn't really surprise me but helped me realize and reinvigorate my passion (one that has been so easily tossed aside and forgotten about in the midst of everyday hysteria).

We were discussing the word for "organization" and I meagerly tried to say that I wanted to work for an organization that focuses on international development. And I went further by saying that I might want to work for a government sector that dealt with humanitarian work and developed economies of developing nations. Rachel had the hardest time understading how the government and humanitarian work could correspond. She mentioned that here, many don't believe that the government has any role with humanitarian work. I think many (even outside of Korea) would have the same mindset.

I have been reading writings of Solomon the past few weeks and tonight I came across what wisdom encompasses - of course that's pretty much all of what Solomon writes of but I thought what he said was interesting/ironic in light of the earlier conversation: (this is wisdom speaking) "counsel and judgment are mine; I have understanding and power. By me kings reign and rulers make laws that are just; by me princes govern, and all nobles who rule on earth."

Sometimes its hard to believe that politicians and government officials are just. But, something I learned while I was in Washington this Spring was that there's hope. Of course not all people in government can be classified as having wisdom according to Solomon. But there are the few that seek justice and govern with genuine care for their people and humanity in general. And, their placement in the middle of scams, schemes, and scandals make all the difference.

It is my long hope that my own placement in the middle of scams, schemes, and scandals will eventually make some difference in the way many view justice and hope.

Runaway Taxi!

Homeplus (i.e. Korean Target) abounds with most of the necessary items for daily living. Knowing this, Karen and I took a trip on a Friday night a couple weeks ago (I wanted to post the picture thus the reason for not writing earlier). As a note, understand that neither of us have a car so we walk everywhere, take buses, or taxis on occasion.

We bought an array of cleaning products and food at Homeplus. We boxed up all of our things. Figuring a taxi would suffice, we waited on a lit and busy street. Taxis drive left and right in Korea so we didn't worry about the wait.

We hailed a cab. The cab driver had his window down and asked us where we were going. We named our apartment and he drove away. We thought that he wanted us to cross the street and he would turn around to take us in the opposite direction. He turned, but didn't come back.

After about half an hour of waiting for another cab, someone finally felt sympathy for the two foreigners with big boxes.

Note: Taxi drivers on Friday nights + 2 foreigners who want to go a mile away = no go.

Here are some of the long awaited pictures.

Kindergarteners during our Chusok celebration


Latte's Birthday - Octopus (낙지) Restaurant (Latte, Me, Rachel)


Nanta (Mike, Me, Karen, Rachel, Sandy)

8 Legs and Shrimp

The tentacles stuck to the walls of the woman's throat as she swallowed the octopus whole. After watching the episode on CSI where a reknowned cook kills someone with delicacies such as live octopus, I vowed I would never risk my life by consuming this dangerous animal while was in Korea.

A nice little trip to Oido and the Ocean turned into a Chusok I will never forget. After spending the day stuffing my face, my uncles and aunts decided to take Karen and I to the Ocean. The sun was shining, the water sparkled and the mountains projected their majesty in the distance. On this Korean holiday, the roads were too crowded to go all the way across the bridge to the island. So we decided to turn around - then we stopped in Oido.

With the ocean nearby, this city is known for its seafood. We walked through the fish markets looking at the interesting array of sea animals. Live jumping fish, eel, and lobster were just a few of what was available to take home (so I thought).

My aunts picked out a few things to buy. They bought some live fish, shrimp, and had some octopus cut up and put on a plate - I thought the lady was taking it somewhere to have it cooked and packed. We ended up following her up stairs and into a restaurant. The plate of squirming tentacles was placed on the table where we sat.

Everyone began eating - eating the squirming tentacles of course - even the kids. So, in a moment of spontenaity I picked up my metal chopsticks and went in. I tried to reach a piece that wasn't squirming. To my dismay, anytime they were touched, they would move. So I pinched the smallest piece I could find with my chopsticks and it went into my mouth - until the tentacles stuck to the chopsticks and I had to pull it off with my teeth. Then it stuck to my front tooth. So I chewed as best I could. It wasn't too bad - it was actually really good. So ate some more.

The shrimp was impossible! It was alive, the legs were moving, the head cut off, and then it was handed to me. I ate live octopus, I can definitely eat live shrimp right? Yeah, that's what I thought. I dipped it into some pepper paste and tried to bite. Then it moved. Couldn't do it.

Even though I couldn't do the shrimp, I'll definitely go back for live octopus again.

Nanta!

Drums, Knives, and Food - who could resist! I went to this show with my friends last night and saw an amazing narrative knife/drum show (somewhat like Sticks).
Foreign-fest - there weren't very many Koreans interestingly, it's known for its attraction to foreigners.

Fun. Pictures, again to come.