Korean Job Discussion Forums

[laogaiguk]

I saw the 4 seasons thing and thought of this. First, I would like to point out that in the past few decades, Korea has really come out of nothing and is starting to make some real influence (it does have one of the world's largest steel making and ship building industries) after two nasty wars (though so had Germany).

But then, there is this 5000 year thing (everywhere). If I was a Korean, I would not advertise the 5000 year old thing at all. Seriously, what did they do or accomplish in all of those 5000 years? Hell, they had to be bailed out by Western military might twice and economically once (not to mention the money that has poured in). And listing 5 or 6 things like the printing press or hangeul will not help an argument. I would be ashamed that my country was around for 5000 years and had done pretty much nothing except require help.

Having said that, they should focus on what they have accomplished in the last few decades. This is where they are shining (they went from a basic agricultural country to what it is today). Even if they had had help, it's still pretty good, and this country is getting better. Anyway, just my thought on the 5000 year thing.

[Miles Rationis]

[exit86]

This number is equally flawed due to the fact that they are dating
from the supposed time of the mythic Korean founder "Tangun" at 2333 B.C.E. The funny thing is is that this date was decided upon in 1946 (see
Breen's "The Koreans" for more details). The only other reliable account of the Tangun myth comes from Ilryeon in his "삼국유사" in the 1200's
in hopes of awakening some type of nationalism due to the Mongol invasions. He did not give an exact date for the birth of Tangun, nor could he because they were using a different calendar and dating system.
What I don't understand is: if Koreans want to truly be blindly nationalistic, why not just date Korea's founding to the Neolithic era?
Hell, let's go further back!!! We can make all those late Paleolithic
people flag-waving, "대한민국"-shouting, 김치-eating Korean patriots.

Similarly, China set the example for Koreans regarding boasting about 5000 years of history. This somehow was perceived as the "proper" thing for nations to do. The Chinese still do it today.

Finally, I thought Koreans were better at math.
2007 + (roughly) 33 (because we are using the Gregorian solar calendar) + 2333 = 5000???????

[Miles Rationis]

[eamo]

I'd agree that it's imprudent to brag of a 5000 year civilisation when there is so little to show for it. A method of writing, Kimchi and a printing press........

.............................It seems far too easy to embarrass Korean civilisation if you compare it to the truly great civilisations of the world. Greek, Roman, Chinese...........And what was Korea doing during the European renaissance? The period which saw the flowering of modern arts, science and political thinking. Where are the Korean contributions? Was anyone ever taught in school about an invention or philosophy coming from Korea? Me neither.

I think it's important to remember that this nationalistic bragging trait of Koreans only came about during the Park Chung Hee reign. He was the one who instilled all this nationalistic pride. "Korea no.1" and so on. So it became patriotic to find ways to praise Korea. Some, sorry, most, of this self-praise seems pretty pathetic to outsiders.

[Miles Rationis]

[komerican]

[GoldMember]

5000 years later, and people here still don't know how to say excuse me.
Slow learners.

[Miles Rationis]

[komerican]

[reactionary]

there's this thing called progress, komerican. "you folks" heard of it?

[samd]

All you people getting worked up about Korean claims about 4 distinct seasons and 5000 year history, why does it bother you so much.

The four seasons thing especially is harmless stuff. Let them be proud of their country.

Let Koreans feel good about themselves without correcting them every five seconds.

Are you so insecure about Koreans that you can't stand to let them get away with a little bit of self-congratulation?

[komerican]

[eamo]

[komerican]