Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Subdued_Genius]

I'm looking for research material for a paper that I'm writing in my spare time for fun. (Yes, there are some people that actually enjoy academia.) I was wondering if there were any English libraries here in South Korea, particularly near Incheon or Seoul, or at the very least large libraries that have a large English section. I'm essentially writing the paper for myself as something that keeps my brain stimulated and productive, however just because of my nature, I don't want to half-ass this.

So, I need a lot of research material to wade through and figure out so I can write the paper. Just judging from the outline of the paper and how focused it will be, it should be around 20-30 pages, I'd guess. It will be covering a lot of different topics of regarding the Korean education system and the economy, so I need sources and research material on statistics, trends, growth and decay on the economy, as well as per captia spending, nation branding, wage gains, percentage gains, market shares in comparable countries (primarily and preferably a comparison of corporations in US, Japan, China, and South Korea), etc.

Any help on where I could find research material would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

For those that want to criticize, feel free. I will hear you, but more than likely the sheer amount of stupidity that is held in this forum sometimes makes it a cesspool of retardation on multiple levels, that I probably won't listen to anything you have to say.

[Chambertin]

Well after about 15 seconds checking the list on Google and cross referencing the books to English language printers, I discovered most have a decent selection of books.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_public_libraries_of_Seoul

Now if you are serious about "academia" it may be beneficial for you to do some of the simple research yourself. Just some of it.

I get the fact you are looking for specific information, but:
My question is why do you need a library in Korea? There should be plenty of online sources that are credible and accessible through the university you graduated from.
If you do find English printings of books in Korea wouldn�t they be out of date or biased toward Korean expectations?

I honestly dont think you are taking the matter seriously.
My own opinion though.

[eperdue4ad]

All those issues in 30 pages????

This isn't going to be a very expansive or thorough work. But it's cool that you're considering doing some academic writing.

Sorry I have nothing constructive to offer. Narrow the focus and maybe you can look for someone on here who shares that interest. They can then direct you towards those who research and publish in that field.

[Subdued_Genius]

Problem is that I'm currently residing in Korea. Thank you for your idea on accessing my university library online. I completely forgot I had that resource, however I tried accessing the online material and ebooks from my school and I do not have access to it after becoming an alumini it seems. lol. As for the reason why I want hardcopies/xeroxes of my sources is because this is probably going to a long time, and I can research and read at my leisure. I could order books from abroad more tailored to the research, but then it would probably end up costing a lot of money probably about (100 bucks or so simply for shipping). This isn't something that I'm expecting to get published or a thesis, just simply something I'm writing in my spare time for myself as I research and learn some causal relationships about topics that have some relevance to me as I am here. The level of commitment and involvement I would like to expend for the finished product is more than likely this would be the very first stages of brainstorming and research for a thesis paper. Something that has a good idea, a simple, solid foundation, and would probably use a lot more research, drafting, and reviewing in the future.

I agree, that if I were to get the books in Korea, they'd probably have a biased spin on things, however, given the nature of the paper and the limited opportunities I have it's pretty weak at the moment.

[Goku]

I don't actually have pertinent information but I just like to say I share your enthusasim for writing research papers.

It's woefully underconsidered as an art. Writing a good research paper takes hard work, dedication, a clear mind, good sense of logic, and focus. The ability to argue and impact with a good clear paper is underappreciated and I like how you are going out there to do something academic.

Some of my most memorable and best times was having 17 books sprawled on my bed, jammed inside were index cards scrawled with peterinent examples, proofs, information, quotes... ahh god it was messy but at the same time a sight to behold.

And when you want to write a good solid premise... and you know just what book to pick up, at exactly what page, it's like heaven. The ectasy of knowing is uncomparable to anything one can feel...

*dances*

So have you found a thesis yet?

[Chambertin]

Well it sounds like you are serious about the subject, and have put some thought into it.

My advice would be to start posting on the university forums, or other tailored sites for MA- PHD students or even faculty researchers. You are in Korea and could provide them with a wealth of materiel not available to them domestically and they can do the same for you.

I highly doubt any English language library in a foreign country will live up to your needs for specifics. Yet there is a wealth of information as well as inspiration you can trade with those who have similar goals back in the homeland.

Long story short, if you are serious get off Dave�s. Sure it�s a neat place to check in every once in a while, but the general poster is more interested in bashing someone to feel good about them self or complaining about Koreans. I doubt that they would make a positive impact on a paper for the purposes of publishing. (although some will, so don�t give up completely)

Sucks about the kick off the access for alumni, that�s why I didn�t register ^_^

EDIT: As a former Law student, I'll give what I feel is a solid piece of advice:
Read your own work at least 2 times more than your source materiel. Everything sounds good out of your head, may not be so on the page.

[kimchikowboy]

Try Google Scholar

[Rory_Calhoun27]

This motivation reminds me of when I decided I wanted to write THE definitive research paper on Tyranasaurus Rex, the king of the dinosaurs!


But then i cracked open the encyclopedia, and I got distracted by something or other.... I think it was terrorism at the Olympics or something.....

but hey, give me a break! I was about 3 or 4 years old..... It coulda been Bugs Bunny cartoon for all I know!

But, hey, good luck with that. I think Alice Cooper put it best.... "School's out for the summer." Truer words were never spoken.... unless ya got dreaded F in trig!!!

[Yu_Bum_suk]

[sojukettle]

An article in the kHerald recently goes through the main libraries in Korea.
May be of some help.

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/NEWKHSITE/data/html_dir/2009/06/17/200906170053.asp

sk

[nate2008]

Use JSTOR dude, it's a great database filled with papers from hundreds of academic journals on like 3 dozen subjects. I don't think it's free (many universities give you free access while enrolled as a student, not sure if this applies to you) but I'm sure it's not expensive. Also, for the economic data, use websites like the IMF website or the World Bank website. These are all MUCH better resources for your topic of study that going to a random library in Korea.

Some links for you:

http://www.jstor.org/?cookieSet=1 (Apparently you need an account, subscriptions aren't available for independent scholars at this time. The site says many libraries have access to JSTOR, so that might be a good reason to try a Korean library.)

http://www.imf.org/external/index.htm

http://www.worldbank.org/

http://academic.lexisnexis.com/college-university-libraries.aspx (not sure if this will be of any use to you but hey, here it is.)

Cheers