Korean Job Discussion Forums

stevemcgarrett · Joined: 24 Mar 2006

What does Korea need to be truly developed?

You'd think all the churches would bring about a little more brotherly love, or at least more benevolent associations and charities, if not a bonafide civic culture, but it hasn't.

You'd think that after Russia and then China bowed out, the North Koreans would rush to reunite with their Southern brethren, but they haven't (look how fast East Germany dissolved after the Warsaw Pact was shredded for comparison's sake).

Will it take social measures to ameliorate the fiercely competitive--some would say cutthroat--atmosphere here, or a reformed educational system?

So what will it take? And what defines "developed" in this particular socio-economic and cultural context?

renzobenzo1 · Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Location: Suji, Yongin

drinkable tap water
rubbish bins
laws that are adherred to

JAWINSEOUL · Joined: 19 Nov 2005

They need to value life more. There are many examples of how Korea places little value on human life.

- lack of segregating construction zones.
- running red lights and hoping they make it
- driving on the sidewalk and daring people not to move
- not adhering to safety procedures in genera

There was a good article in the Korea Times regarding their cavalier attitude towards laws.

eamo · Joined: 08 Mar 2003 Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.

More parks.
More recreation facilities (how many swimming pools in Seoul? about 2!!!).
Less hours spent at work.
Reasonably priced and available foreign goods (not just for us foreigners.....Koreans might enjoy wine and good cheese more if it wasn't so expensive here).
Severe traffic violation penalties. Starting with motorcycles on the sidewalk.

nautilus · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!

When they actually create nature reserves.
or pass laws to protect their natural environment.

its definitely a feature of the most advanced societies that they allow for selected areas to preserve the natural heritage, rather than simply concreting everything for short term profit.

or even laws protecting animals. Cruelty to animals is a massive sign of an inferior country.

If the 2 koreas united tomorrow the DMZ would be a construction zone and some ajosshi would gleefully shoot the last tiger and deer.

Maybe 30 years from now it will be different.

CeleryMan · Joined: 12 Apr 2007 Location: Seoul

blueatjustc · Joined: 17 Jul 2006

I would say Korea just needs time, true development doesn't happen in 10-20yrs but over a couple of generations. I think if you look at Korea 10 yrs ago then big changes have happened. Economical Korea is pretty well developed it has big companies, good infrastructure but socially is still has big strides to make.
As people start to live a more comfortable life then they will start demanding to work fewer hours, have more holidays. I can't give any stats but pretty sure more koreans go abroad on holiday than they did 10-20 yrs ago. Corruption still needs to be dealt with but it is becoming more highlighted. I think in our lifetimes Korea will continue to make strides in the right direction (things are far from perfect maybe but i think we compare korea to our homes when we make judgement).

TheDude · Guest

This thread has been reviewed and the useless exchange of insults and flaming was removed.

Stay on topic and avoid the stupidity please.

WoBW · Joined: 07 Dec 2007 Location: HBC

Laws that are enforced and that are applied to EVERYBODY, not just those without money/power/influence.

More public education about equality. In other words, "Who gives a *beep* who your father is/what family you belong to. You broke a law and you will be punished the the same as anyone else."

Acceptance of their accountability by business leaders for their errors in judgement.

Education system that encourages creativity, critical thinking and questioning of authority. Not learning how to memorize materials in order to pass the next test.

Willingness to accept that some social problems, such as STDs, teenage pregnancy, drug addiction etc. are not entirely the fault of the west. Therefore every Korean teenager should be educated about these things, and not simply told "They don't exist here."

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 5:44 am Post subject:

World-class developed transportation (highways, subways, cars)
World class developed technology (phones, connectivity, computers, electronics, appliances)
World-class developed industry (international corporations, shipbuilding, engineering)
World-class developed education (math, science, literacy)
World-class developed democracy (open protest rallies, union strikes, multiparty politics, fair and competitive elections)
World-class developed healthcare (hospitals, infany mortality rates, accessibility)

South Korea IS a truly developed nation.

Yet Koreans are still Korean, a civilized and relatively peaceful people with their own attitudes and behaviours which can be criticized on a number of fronts (I can list many concerns), but not in terms of "development" per se unless you want to load the term with value judgements that is contrary to the times.

Ilsanman · Joined: 15 Aug 2003 Location: Bucheon, Korea

I sort of agree with your post. Basically you're saying Korea has developed physically and technologically. But they clearly haven't developed mentally.

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Adequately covered sewers, rule of law, public hygiene, learning to value substance over appearance, awareness of and acceptance of the realities beyond Korea's borders.

VanIslander · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007 6:33 am Post subject:

ella · Joined: 17 Apr 2006

Public hygiene in terms of covering your mouth and nose when coughing/sneezing; in addition to hand-washing.

Oh, and they have to get a handle on the smoking. It's way, way out of control.

Intrepid · Joined: 13 May 2004 Location: Yongin