The Korean People - Part III (The 50 Year Standoff between the North and the South)

In Part II of this series, I briefly mentioned the relationship between the North and the South. As a result of Korea's (as a whole) Confucian way of life, the country has been loyal and hopeful of their severed family's return (regardless of the North's misconception).

In Part III, I'll be discussing the peculiarities of the North-South standoff.

I recently made a trip to the border between North Korea and South. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) really is peculiar. While thousands of visitors to the South file into the depths of the tunnels hollowed out by North Korean emissaries, another thousand North Korean and South Korean soldiers stand with grave solemnity and military rifles pointed at each other.

After Korea was divided in two (The North with the Communists and the South with the Capitalists), the 38th parallel became one of the most heavily armed areas in the world - and has been so for over fifty years now. In those fifty years, the South (Republic of Korea - ROK) has discovered a number of tunnels that have reached unbelievably close to Seoul. In these tunnels, ROK soldiers found dynamite lodged into the walls. When confronted about this breach in agreement, the North replied that these tunnels were rich in coal - they were simply mining for natural resources. Later, ROK soldiers found that the stone in these tunnels were painted black. Now, tourists from all over the world can see the holes where dynamite was placed, see the paint on stone, and even drink fresh DMZ spring water in the tunnels.

Above these tunnels, a large "camoflauged" military lookout was built - mainly for tourists. On a clear day, it's possible to see "the largest flag pole in the world" with a North Korean flag on top. It's also possible to see a propoganda village where there are normal houses, soccer fields, and people riding on their bicycles - much of which was probably paid for by the South Korean government.

Amidst this severance between the two countries, there is a significant and hopeful point of unification along the border - Dorasan Station. This subway station was disconnected after the Korean War. It was recently reconnected in hopes of better relations between the North and the South.

Not only is the opening of this station a sign of peaceful relations between the two countries, Korean companies are investing more in North Korea.

While these might be signs that North Korea will open its borders, there are still doubts that the two countries will be unified any time in the near future.

Minsu, Minsu, Minsu!

It's Thursday . . . and I'm posting.

As the South Korean sun is warmed up the winter streets of our little Gimpo, the new school year blossomed. With the new school year, the 3 little sources of bacteria that could infest my immune system have left me (i.e. Beth, Gloria and Lisa). Now, there are 10 little sources of infestation - with more strength, energy and restlessness than ever!

In this series, we'll take an indepth look at my students, what I teach them, and more importantly, what they teach me.

Here's our first examinee: Minsu.

Sleeping on the bus after a field trip.

Easter. Minsu stuffed his mouth with yoke.

Posing for the camera.
Grabbing the camera out of my hands and taking a picture of himself.

Minsu is hyper, has a lack of concentration, has a tendency to puke, and always has fluid flowing from his nose. But, this little guy has a soft spot in my heart.


Every morning, he comes into the office and says "Tania Teacher! _____ spoke Korean!" I always reply with the same answer "Good morning Minsu. Ok, thank you Minsu. I will talk to them in class." Even though I say the same thing every morning, he continues to inform me that someone has broken a rule.

In class, we sing songs every morning. Sometimes we dance. When we dance and sing at the same time, he gets a little wild. So wild, that he feels he has to walk over to his desk partner and hug them as tight as possible - then try to lift them up.



During playtime, Minsu likes to chase girls - which inevitably leads to hugging them as tight as possible - thus likely injuring them. Even though Minsu always gets in trouble, he still does it.

Maybe it's that Minsu doesn't hear me, or that Minsu doesn't understand me when I say his name - but there are times when I need to say his name 3 or 4 times before he listens to me. This is when I say "Minsu . . . . Minsu! Minsu! Minsu, Minsu, Minsu!"

Sometimes, he just bursts out laughing during the middle of class. Other times, he laughs at me when I do something that I would consider mundane. His laugh is so infecting. He opens his mouth as wide as he can, throws his head back, and he emits such a forceful "ha ha ha." That I can't help but laugh at him - even if he's in trouble. I can't help from laughing right now as I think about it! His little eyes squint and become even smaller!

Minsu laughs. He laughs at little things. Someone (Julie) once told me to laugh really hard when one of my children does something silly. Let me tell you, I laugh. Then he laughs at me for laughing at him. This causes endorphines to rush to my brain.

Minsu makes me want to teach for life. Like I said earlier, Minsu has a difficult time concentrating in class. As a result, I try to spend some time with just him to help him concentrate on the work. When he finally understands something and can do it on his own, he gets so excited! So excited! He smiles so big it's unbelievable.

This is why I love Minsu.

Introducing . . . Mi familia

I haven't said much about my family since I've been here. So now, here's an opportunity to learn all about these wonderful people.

The phrase "blood is thicker than water" has never been more real than in the past few months. My family has been so supportive, helpful and sacrificing since (and before) my arrival. Regardless of how uncomfortable and awkward our conversations (or lack thereof) might be, my family has continually been patient and willing to do for me above and beyond anything I would even ask for.

Here are they are:

One of my aunts and uncles. In the middle is my cousin and his new bride. This is a traditional wedding ceremony.
Uncles and aunts, mom and grandma looking at tulips.
Cousin, wife and one of three kids.
Cousin, wife and two of three kids.

Oi. Sorry.

It's been a little while since I've last published, hasn't it?

Well, I will definitely try harder as of now.

I'll try to keep my usual Thursday night updates.

Tania