Today is holiday because of Korean Independence Day. The day when Korea was freed from Japan that's why today, most of the programs on TV are related to the Independence. There are documentaries about Japan and Korea, Concerts for Peace, and movies related to war.
If you go out, you'll see lots of Korean flags hanging on the trees, swaying on the windows' apartments and houses, etc. to show the love for the country. I even saw an ad posted at the bus stop yesterday while waiting for the bus on my way home saying that there's an event in downtown to celebrate Independence Day. I live near downtown, it's just a few blocks away but I have no plan to watch or join the event because I'm meeting a friend tomorrow.
I'm just so happy that there's no work today and I hope that at least once a month, there will be a red mark in the calendar. I just wish!
Showing posts with label korean government. Show all posts
Showing posts with label korean government. Show all posts
Thursday, August 15, 2013
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Imjingak Tourist Site
Except from Unification Observatory, we also visited Imjingak. Another worth-seeing in Gyeonggido which is also related to unification and freedom. At the Imjingak Toursit Site, you can see the Bridge of Freedom, Peace Bell and Unification Fond. It is free of admission and open throughout the year.
The Peace Bell which is 2.23m in diameter, 3.8m high and weighs 21 tons is made of bronze and tin in the korean traditional style. The bell pavilion which is made of wood with a four-sided arched roof, sits on an area of 70.5m² and is 12.18m high.
Those who are interested in ringing the Peace Bell, in the name of peace, unification and hope may purchase tickets which cost 10,000 won or around $10. The ringing time is 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The method of ringing is seven strikes by individual or a group.
Standing behind Mangbaedan Memorial Altar at Imjingak Square, Freedom Bridge takes its name from the return of 12,773 prisoners of war in 1953 in the first exchange of prisoners after the signing of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War.
Two railrooad bridges on the Gyeongui Line originally spanned the Imjingang River side-by-side. Both were destroyed by bombing and only the piers remained. To enable exchange of prisoners of war, the west was rebuilt as a temporary structure over the original piers. The repatriates were taken to Freedom Bridge by trucks and they crossed the bridge on foot.
Freedom Bridge is 83m long, 44.5m wide, and 8m high. It is a wooden structure reinforced by steel. Freedom Bridge has little architectural value but hold tremendous symbolic importance of "Return to Freedom".
See that railway train to North Korea? Everything is all set and we're just waiting for the two countries to be united.
The remained of the train that was used by the people of North and South Koreans is still seen at the site. This steam locomotive is a symbol of the tragic history of the division into North and South Korea, having been left in the DMZ since it got derailed by bombs by the Korean war. It says that there are more than 1,020 bullet holes at the locomotive which shows how cruel situation had happened at that time.
There are also some pictures of what happened during the war.
There's also an observatory or lookout to see some sites of North Korea.
For more information, contact 031-953-4744.
The Peace Bell which is 2.23m in diameter, 3.8m high and weighs 21 tons is made of bronze and tin in the korean traditional style. The bell pavilion which is made of wood with a four-sided arched roof, sits on an area of 70.5m² and is 12.18m high.
Those who are interested in ringing the Peace Bell, in the name of peace, unification and hope may purchase tickets which cost 10,000 won or around $10. The ringing time is 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The method of ringing is seven strikes by individual or a group.
Standing behind Mangbaedan Memorial Altar at Imjingak Square, Freedom Bridge takes its name from the return of 12,773 prisoners of war in 1953 in the first exchange of prisoners after the signing of the armistice agreement that ended the Korean War.
Two railrooad bridges on the Gyeongui Line originally spanned the Imjingang River side-by-side. Both were destroyed by bombing and only the piers remained. To enable exchange of prisoners of war, the west was rebuilt as a temporary structure over the original piers. The repatriates were taken to Freedom Bridge by trucks and they crossed the bridge on foot.
Freedom Bridge is 83m long, 44.5m wide, and 8m high. It is a wooden structure reinforced by steel. Freedom Bridge has little architectural value but hold tremendous symbolic importance of "Return to Freedom".
See that railway train to North Korea? Everything is all set and we're just waiting for the two countries to be united.
The remained of the train that was used by the people of North and South Koreans is still seen at the site. This steam locomotive is a symbol of the tragic history of the division into North and South Korea, having been left in the DMZ since it got derailed by bombs by the Korean war. It says that there are more than 1,020 bullet holes at the locomotive which shows how cruel situation had happened at that time.
There are also some pictures of what happened during the war.
There's also an observatory or lookout to see some sites of North Korea.
For more information, contact 031-953-4744.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
Presidential Election in Korea
Today, December 19th, 2012 is the 18th Presidential Election here in Korea. Most companies including mine and my hubby are closed so everyone can vote. I usually sleep late at night so last night we decided to not sleep and vote early but we felt asleep at 4a.m. The election time was 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Because we slept late so we also woke up late. I woke up at noon had lunch and went out to vote. It's so easy to vote here in Korea because everyone has its own Identification Card. Just show your I.D. and voila, you're ready to vote. Here's how to vote. First, show your I.D. and they will give you your voting number. Then proceed to the next line and they will find your name and number and you will be asked to sign. Next, go to the next line and you will be given the paper where the candidates are listed. Then go to the booth and put stamp to the one that you want to vote. It doesn't matter even when you can't read. Just remember the candidates number and put stamp on it. Lastly, insert your paper in the ballot box.
We voted at 2:00p.m. and waited for the countdown on TV. After less than 4 hours, Park Geun Hye confirmed to be the President of South Korea. It's another Korean history because Park Geun Hye is 60 years old and the first woman Korean President.
Goodbye President Lee Myung Bak! Hello to the new Korean President Park Geun Hye! Goodluck!
Picture Source: yonhap news
Because we slept late so we also woke up late. I woke up at noon had lunch and went out to vote. It's so easy to vote here in Korea because everyone has its own Identification Card. Just show your I.D. and voila, you're ready to vote. Here's how to vote. First, show your I.D. and they will give you your voting number. Then proceed to the next line and they will find your name and number and you will be asked to sign. Next, go to the next line and you will be given the paper where the candidates are listed. Then go to the booth and put stamp to the one that you want to vote. It doesn't matter even when you can't read. Just remember the candidates number and put stamp on it. Lastly, insert your paper in the ballot box.
We voted at 2:00p.m. and waited for the countdown on TV. After less than 4 hours, Park Geun Hye confirmed to be the President of South Korea. It's another Korean history because Park Geun Hye is 60 years old and the first woman Korean President.
Goodbye President Lee Myung Bak! Hello to the new Korean President Park Geun Hye! Goodluck!
Picture Source: yonhap news
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Sam il jeol
Today is Sam Il Jeol which literally translates Three-One-Movement. Three stands for March and One for 1st so it means March 1st Movement or known as Independence Movement Day. It is called Samil-jeol in Korean. It's a national holiday. It commemorates the Declaration of Independence proclaimed on March 1, 1919.
On this day, lots of taegukki or Korean flags are hanging on the trees specially on the roads and buildings. There are also flags in some houses and apartments. Others buy and some get from the government office for free.
Wow~ look at this Korean flag tree. I don't know how Koreans celebrate the Independence Movement Day except the flags hanging on trees or buildings. So, if you see flags hanging, you know it's Sam il jeol.
Picture source here.
On this day, lots of taegukki or Korean flags are hanging on the trees specially on the roads and buildings. There are also flags in some houses and apartments. Others buy and some get from the government office for free.
Wow~ look at this Korean flag tree. I don't know how Koreans celebrate the Independence Movement Day except the flags hanging on trees or buildings. So, if you see flags hanging, you know it's Sam il jeol.
Picture source here.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Why is it difficult to unify North and South Korea?
A few years ago, I heard that North Korea and South Korea will be unified but recently, people are worried of war between the two countries. I'm puzzled if the countries will unite or remain divided forever. I thought that it's easy for the two countries to unify but after reading this book about Korea by Won-bok Rhie, I learned a lot about Korea specially the reason why North and South Korea can't unify easily.
Koreans' wish would be the unification of South and North Korea. The divided countries in the world like East Germany and South Germany, North Yemen and South Yemen, North Vietnam and South Vietnam unified but Korea remains a divided country to this day. Of course no one can guess when unification will occur.
Why is it difficult to unify North and South Korea? According to Monnara book, there are three principles that are conditions precedent to the implementation of this unification plan. They are Autonomy, Peace and Democracy.
Autonomy: Since unification is a matter to be resolved by the Koreans, any decisions regarding the matter must be made by the Koreans themselves without the intervention of outside forces.
Peace: Having suffered unspeakable horrors during the Korean war, it is imperative that the two Koreas reject any attempts to resort to force and violence in the unification process so that unification may be achieved through peaceful means.
Democracy: All processes for unification must be undertaken in accordance with democratic principles and procedures.
But North and South Korea have different propositions. South Korea is Coalition and North Korea is Federal System. And South Korea can't accept the federal system plan because of the three pre conditions insisted upon by North Korea. First condition is to withdraw the U.S. forces from South Korea. Second, repeal National Security Law. Third, legalize the activities of the Communist Party in Korea.
But there are three reasons why South Korea can't accept these three preconditions. First, the withdrawal of the US military. If the US military leave the country, North Korea maintains a much larger military force than South Korea and it would break the power on the Korean peninsula. Second, the National Security Law was enacted in order to promote national security and to restrict antigovernment activities. Third, if North Korea adamantly adheres to its position to communize South Korea, the Korean peninsula could remain divided indefinitely.
The Koreans are one people in name only. They are no different from two different nations. Their ways of thinking and lifestyles and languages have drifted apart. Anyway, I hope one day the two countries will unify.
Koreans' wish would be the unification of South and North Korea. The divided countries in the world like East Germany and South Germany, North Yemen and South Yemen, North Vietnam and South Vietnam unified but Korea remains a divided country to this day. Of course no one can guess when unification will occur.
Why is it difficult to unify North and South Korea? According to Monnara book, there are three principles that are conditions precedent to the implementation of this unification plan. They are Autonomy, Peace and Democracy.
Autonomy: Since unification is a matter to be resolved by the Koreans, any decisions regarding the matter must be made by the Koreans themselves without the intervention of outside forces.
Peace: Having suffered unspeakable horrors during the Korean war, it is imperative that the two Koreas reject any attempts to resort to force and violence in the unification process so that unification may be achieved through peaceful means.
Democracy: All processes for unification must be undertaken in accordance with democratic principles and procedures.
But North and South Korea have different propositions. South Korea is Coalition and North Korea is Federal System. And South Korea can't accept the federal system plan because of the three pre conditions insisted upon by North Korea. First condition is to withdraw the U.S. forces from South Korea. Second, repeal National Security Law. Third, legalize the activities of the Communist Party in Korea.
But there are three reasons why South Korea can't accept these three preconditions. First, the withdrawal of the US military. If the US military leave the country, North Korea maintains a much larger military force than South Korea and it would break the power on the Korean peninsula. Second, the National Security Law was enacted in order to promote national security and to restrict antigovernment activities. Third, if North Korea adamantly adheres to its position to communize South Korea, the Korean peninsula could remain divided indefinitely.
The Koreans are one people in name only. They are no different from two different nations. Their ways of thinking and lifestyles and languages have drifted apart. Anyway, I hope one day the two countries will unify.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Korean Hospitals, Clinics and Pharmacies
If you want to purchase regular non-prescription drugs for things like colds, digestion problems, or fevers, you still need to go to a pharmacy as pharmaceutical products are not sold in stores. Pharmacies sell mostly only pharmaceuticals but sometimes also sell cosmetic products as well. Also, since pharmacists cannot fill prescriptions without a prescription from a doctor, you should first go to a doctor if you think your cold or other sickness is serious enough to need more than a drug sold over the counter.
There are also many individual clinics (for internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, gynecology, otolaryngology, dermatology, urology, etc.), as well as many hospitals and clinics specializing in oriental medicine.
Most medical examinations and prescription pharmaceuticals are covered by medical insurance. Getting either is far more expensive if you do not have insurance, so a foreigner intending to stay in Korea for a long period of time should get medical insurance. Foreign citizens are not required to have medical insurance, but can apply for it if so desired by submitting to National Health Insurance Corporation the documents such as a copy of their alien registration card and documentaion on their purpose of stay in the country.
There are also many individual clinics (for internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, gynecology, otolaryngology, dermatology, urology, etc.), as well as many hospitals and clinics specializing in oriental medicine.
Most medical examinations and prescription pharmaceuticals are covered by medical insurance. Getting either is far more expensive if you do not have insurance, so a foreigner intending to stay in Korea for a long period of time should get medical insurance. Foreign citizens are not required to have medical insurance, but can apply for it if so desired by submitting to National Health Insurance Corporation the documents such as a copy of their alien registration card and documentaion on their purpose of stay in the country.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Forms of Identification in Korea
Resident Registration Cards (Jumin deungnokjeung), drivers licenses (Unjon Myeonheojeung) and passports (Yogwon) are considered legal identification for Korean citizens in Korea, but Resident Registration Cards are the most common, since they are issued to every Korean national who is at least 17 years old. Resident Registration Cards include a person's name, Resident Registration Number, address and photo.
Resident Registration Numbers are issued to all Korean citizens upon the registration of birth. Each is 13 numbers in length, with the first six being a person's date of birth. A person born on 30 April 1962, therefore would have a Resident Registration Number that begins with 620430. The seven numbers that follow are particular to that individual. The first of these seven numbers indicates gender. For persons born in the 20th century, the first number of these seven is 1 for males and 2 for females. This means you can tell a person's age and gender just by looking at his or her Resident Registration Number.
Foreigners residing in Korea do not have Resident Registration Cards, so use passports or Alien Registration Cards. Since it proves that you are a legal resident, you will need your Alien Registration Card for many common everyday needs while living in Korea, for example when you open a bank account, apply for health insurance or a Korean driver's license, find employment, sign a housing contract or in various other situations.
Resident Registration Numbers are issued to all Korean citizens upon the registration of birth. Each is 13 numbers in length, with the first six being a person's date of birth. A person born on 30 April 1962, therefore would have a Resident Registration Number that begins with 620430. The seven numbers that follow are particular to that individual. The first of these seven numbers indicates gender. For persons born in the 20th century, the first number of these seven is 1 for males and 2 for females. This means you can tell a person's age and gender just by looking at his or her Resident Registration Number.
Foreigners residing in Korea do not have Resident Registration Cards, so use passports or Alien Registration Cards. Since it proves that you are a legal resident, you will need your Alien Registration Card for many common everyday needs while living in Korea, for example when you open a bank account, apply for health insurance or a Korean driver's license, find employment, sign a housing contract or in various other situations.
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Korean Driver's Licenses
What must a foreigner do to obtain a Korean driver's license? If you are licensed to drive from other countries, you may "exchange" it for a Korean. The process is different depending on the country in which the foreign license was issued, but generally you will need to have the foreign driver's license, your passport, ID pictures and written confirmation of driver's license from your embassy. Korean driver's licenses issued based on foreign licenses are the "Class 2" category, allowing you to drive vehicles under 9 passengers and trucks less than 4 tons.
Licenses from countries that Korea does not have an exchange agreement with require separate process for being recognized for a Korean one. Citizens of Australia, China, Laos, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States are required to take a simple test. The test is composed of 20 questions and can be taken in English, Chinese, Japanese, German and French.
What do you have to do to get a new license issued to you on Korea? First you have to take a test of 50 multiple choice questions with four possible answers each. This test can be taken in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German and Vietnamese. Thai and Indonesian are also being considered. If you pass the test, you're then allowed to proceed to an "ability test" that is simple test of your driving ability and is taken at the test site. If you past this ability test you then take ten hours or more of actual driving training, after which you must past a test of actual driving. Korea has driving schools all over the country, so you can easily obtain a Korean driver's license from one of these schools.
Licenses from countries that Korea does not have an exchange agreement with require separate process for being recognized for a Korean one. Citizens of Australia, China, Laos, New Zealand, Singapore and the United States are required to take a simple test. The test is composed of 20 questions and can be taken in English, Chinese, Japanese, German and French.
What do you have to do to get a new license issued to you on Korea? First you have to take a test of 50 multiple choice questions with four possible answers each. This test can be taken in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German and Vietnamese. Thai and Indonesian are also being considered. If you pass the test, you're then allowed to proceed to an "ability test" that is simple test of your driving ability and is taken at the test site. If you past this ability test you then take ten hours or more of actual driving training, after which you must past a test of actual driving. Korea has driving schools all over the country, so you can easily obtain a Korean driver's license from one of these schools.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Post Office in Korea
Korea's post offices are operated by the national government. There are more than 3,700 spread about the country, so you can find one easily no matter where you go. And yet, there's one just across my apartment building. Post offices have good services. They deliver so fast and it's very reliable. It delivers faster than what you think. When my mother in law sends some kimchi or other products to my sister in law, she goes to the post office in the morning. She said they deliver some goods in the morning so if she goes there in the morning, the goods that she wants to send will reach the destination earlier because they can bring her package on that same day.
There are different types of services if you want to send letters or package within Korea. You can send by "registered mail" (deunggi) where you can trace the route of delivery and it is given directly recipient. There's also the "next day service" (igilteukgeup), a service when you want to have something delivered the next day in most places throughout Korea. And the "door to door" (taekbae) service where you can call the post office and have the item picked up from your home or company. It is a good idea to use "Express Mail Office" (EMS) when sending a letter or package from Korea to another country which is quick and reliable. You can also use EMS to send kimchi, tea, marine products, and other products offered by the postal office.
In recent years, Koreas post offices have begun offering financial and other services like opening an account, get insurance and pay taxes and fees. Post Offices in Korea have good service but beware of the voice phishing where they use the named post office and telling you to pay something that you don't know.
Post offices are open from Monday-Friday but in large areas or cities, they are also open on Saturdays.
There are different types of services if you want to send letters or package within Korea. You can send by "registered mail" (deunggi) where you can trace the route of delivery and it is given directly recipient. There's also the "next day service" (igilteukgeup), a service when you want to have something delivered the next day in most places throughout Korea. And the "door to door" (taekbae) service where you can call the post office and have the item picked up from your home or company. It is a good idea to use "Express Mail Office" (EMS) when sending a letter or package from Korea to another country which is quick and reliable. You can also use EMS to send kimchi, tea, marine products, and other products offered by the postal office.
In recent years, Koreas post offices have begun offering financial and other services like opening an account, get insurance and pay taxes and fees. Post Offices in Korea have good service but beware of the voice phishing where they use the named post office and telling you to pay something that you don't know.
Post offices are open from Monday-Friday but in large areas or cities, they are also open on Saturdays.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Konglish
Konglish is a combination of Korean and English. The English language is creeping quirkily into Korean slang. When Korea industrialized and English words flooded in, people couldn't find- or bother to find- proper translations. They chopped, patched or twisted English words to create wacky terms. Sometimes they adopted English words but gave them different uses and meanings.
In Korea, a comedian is called "gagman" and people say "eye-shopping" instead of window shopping. They also say "autobi," for motorbike. "Villa" is called to an apartment building of just few stories and "Apart" for an apartment building. People shout "One shot!" when they propose a toast. Actors or actresses are called a "talent" even when they are not talented.
It's very confusing when you stay in Korea for a long time because you think those Konglish words are the right words for English and you often use them when you're in an English country.
The study of English is mandatory in schools from third grade. But the stress has always been on reading and rote memorization of English grammar and vocabulary, rather than conversation so most of them are afraid of foreigners.
Before they invented their own alphabet in the mid-15th century, Koreans borrowed Chinese characters. Chinese influence on Korean remains deep, and most old generation can read and write Hanja. Korean names have Hanja ang it's included in their ID.
In Korea, a comedian is called "gagman" and people say "eye-shopping" instead of window shopping. They also say "autobi," for motorbike. "Villa" is called to an apartment building of just few stories and "Apart" for an apartment building. People shout "One shot!" when they propose a toast. Actors or actresses are called a "talent" even when they are not talented.
It's very confusing when you stay in Korea for a long time because you think those Konglish words are the right words for English and you often use them when you're in an English country.
The study of English is mandatory in schools from third grade. But the stress has always been on reading and rote memorization of English grammar and vocabulary, rather than conversation so most of them are afraid of foreigners.
Before they invented their own alphabet in the mid-15th century, Koreans borrowed Chinese characters. Chinese influence on Korean remains deep, and most old generation can read and write Hanja. Korean names have Hanja ang it's included in their ID.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Memorial Day
Today is Memorial Day. On this day, the nation pays tribute to the war dead, and memorial services are held at the National Cemetery in Seoul. It is a holiday but I went to work. Do I deserve an award? kek..kek..kek...
There are lots of Taegukki (Korean National Flag) raised in most people's houses or apartments and in the streets. You can get a flag for free at the city hall according to my mother in law. But we never bothered ourselves to get one. Is that mean we aren't good citizen just because we don't put flag on our windows? Of course not! As long as we don't break the law, isn't it?
There are lots of Taegukki (Korean National Flag) raised in most people's houses or apartments and in the streets. You can get a flag for free at the city hall according to my mother in law. But we never bothered ourselves to get one. Is that mean we aren't good citizen just because we don't put flag on our windows? Of course not! As long as we don't break the law, isn't it?
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Stupid Roh Moo Hyun
Stupid Roh Moo Hyun (Babo Roh Moo Hyun) is what they called him even when he was still a South Korean President. It's because he's very kind and now he committed suicide, I guess. Since he passed away, he's always the heart of the news. I usually feel like crying and sometimes cry when I see him on tv specially the program this evening where they show a lot about him. They show about the good things that he did for his country. They interviewed the people who was closed to him and showed the people who feel sorrow because of his lost.
I just can't explain how I feel for him. What I know is I like him since the first time that I saw him on tv while he was running as a President. At that time, I felt that he was the right man to lead the country. He made me cry when I knew that he won as a President on Presidential Election. I felt nervous when he was in trouble on his presidency but felt relieved and made me cry again because everything went well and had to continue his job as a South Korean President.
Me and hubby was watching his life on tv and we were both crying. Then hubby said, he couldn't watch it anymore so he changed the channel.
To Mr. Former President, wherever you are, you'll always be in our heart. We love you!
I just can't explain how I feel for him. What I know is I like him since the first time that I saw him on tv while he was running as a President. At that time, I felt that he was the right man to lead the country. He made me cry when I knew that he won as a President on Presidential Election. I felt nervous when he was in trouble on his presidency but felt relieved and made me cry again because everything went well and had to continue his job as a South Korean President.
Me and hubby was watching his life on tv and we were both crying. Then hubby said, he couldn't watch it anymore so he changed the channel.
To Mr. Former President, wherever you are, you'll always be in our heart. We love you!
Saturday, May 23, 2009
South Korean Former President Roh Mu Hyon commits suicide
South Korea Former President Roh Mu Hyun committed suicide this morning. This shocking news woke me up this morning. I was still in bed when my hubby said that Roh Mu Hyun died so I got up and turned on the tv while hubby was reading the news on the internet. The SOuth Korean Former President went out at 5:45 to climb up the mountain in his hometown and around 6:40 he fell down (jumped down) on the rock. He was brought to the nearest hospital to get an urgent treatment then moved because his head was injured and arrived at Pusan University Hospital at 8:13 a.m. At 9:30 a.m., he was confirmed dead.
Roh Mu Hyun (Noh Moo Hyeon), South Korea President 2003-2008 loved and trusted by most Koreans. After serving his country, he moved to Bongha Village a small town in Gimhae which is near the mountain. The village became famous and lots of people visited there to see him or his house. He also helped the people improved and developed the village.
But later last month (April 30th), he was investigated in bribery scandal that surprised the whole country. He was still under investigation and don't know yet if he would be put into prison.
It wasn't confirmed if he really committed suicide but reporters, police officers and most people said that he did because of his present condition. And his words "I'm very tired", "I made people tired", "I can't read a book", etc. can tell that he really did. Besides, he also went out hiking without telling his family and he went out with his bodyguard only.
Roh Mu Hyun (Noh Moo Hyeon), South Korea President 2003-2008 loved and trusted by most Koreans. After serving his country, he moved to Bongha Village a small town in Gimhae which is near the mountain. The village became famous and lots of people visited there to see him or his house. He also helped the people improved and developed the village.
But later last month (April 30th), he was investigated in bribery scandal that surprised the whole country. He was still under investigation and don't know yet if he would be put into prison.
It wasn't confirmed if he really committed suicide but reporters, police officers and most people said that he did because of his present condition. And his words "I'm very tired", "I made people tired", "I can't read a book", etc. can tell that he really did. Besides, he also went out hiking without telling his family and he went out with his bodyguard only.
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Korean government service
Yesterday, I've got a letter from the government office telling that all children from 2-6 years old or those who were born from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2007 can receive small amount of money every month to use for their education. One of the reasons why most Koreans are afraid of having a big family is because of the highest education fee. It was also started years ago that the government gives some amount of money for a new delivered baby. I guess the government is finding a new way on how to increase the Korean population. If you asked kids now a days, most of them if they aren't the only child, they have a brother or a sister. For them, having three kids is too much! They think of it as a big family according to my High School student.
Last Seollal, my sister in law mentioned that in her son's school, there were only 6 new students which surprised my father in law because he said when he was young, there were always more than 30 new students in the class every year. Well, the government must be worried that someday there will be a shortage of Korean workers to work for Korean companies.
Last Seollal, my sister in law mentioned that in her son's school, there were only 6 new students which surprised my father in law because he said when he was young, there were always more than 30 new students in the class every year. Well, the government must be worried that someday there will be a shortage of Korean workers to work for Korean companies.
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