Korean Job Discussion Forums

[peppermint]

I just saw the article in the Times.

I've heard there are lots of endagered species there and things, but is this really a good idea when :
a) the countries are technically still at war
b) the area is still mined


??????/

[rapier]

The DMZ couldn't be any better than it is now; totally untouched. After possible reunification, I'm encouraged to see that environmental preservation figures in their plans- but of course inevitably there will be progressively more and more disturbance.
The red _Crowned Crane is The national bird of Korea and japan, and emblem of the orient.. The DMZ is one of it's last safe haunts on earth.

[coolsage]

A splendid idea. When most of this peninsula has been essentially raped for human purposes, there remains a largely untouched strip (except for the land mines). An ecological perserve makes great sense. I'm told that there are still a few Siberian tigers roaming around in there.

[Manner of Speaking]

Took the Panmunjom tour two weeks ago. As the bus drove out of the DMZ area we saw two deer browsing in an empty rice field, not afraid of the bus at all. Just stared at us as we drove past.

[peppermint]

Of course it should be treated as some sort of a nature reserve. The part I was questioning was the part where it becomes a tourist attraction.

I'm not really convinced that the North Koreans would like hordes of South Korean people that close to the border, could be good cover for an invasion after all. I think it's a case of Sunshine Policy induced naivete.

The other part of the problem is: how long will it stay pristine and "peaceful" once hordes of curious ajumas and ajosshis invade? Do you really think it's possible to have an eco friendly tourist site in this country?

[rapier]

[coolsage]

Good point, Rapier. From the experience that others have had with Korean 'Zoos', I seriously doubt whether this land should be entrusted to a people who treat animals so badly. Perhaps the UN should step in and create an International Wildlife Park, or whatever the current nomenclature is for a site set aside for all the inhabitants of this planet.

[rapier]

You only have to look at Korea's current status as an environmental pariah. Having signed up to the RAMSAR convention's protocols for preservation of threatened species and wise sustainable use of wetlands, they then totally ignored their obligations.
Korea currently has plans to reclaim every area of tidal estuary on its coast: environmental sacriledge and ruination of the highest order.
The most important issue at the moment now is the development of saemangeum, an area of international importance. It is the last remaining stopover/ feeding area for thousands upon thousands of migrating birds, an essential link in the chain sustaining the existence of several bird species. They're pushing ahead with damming it to create extra land for, nobody actually knows yet. Just to give the construction industry more jobs and money.
If you're interested, do check out this website:

http://wbkenglish.com/saemref.asp

[coolsage]

It's tempting to suggest that augmenting the water supply with some LSD might play fast and loose with some attitudes here. Oh, sorry, that was the plot of a novel written about a place very different from this one: uptight, populated with born-again racist Christians, in need of a good spiritual reaming. No, it couldn't be the Land of the Mourning Clam.

[just because]

I doubt the DMZ will be preserved. The North Koreans will be in such a hurry to get to the south that some will be trampled. Then the Southerners will have granduer reunification plans(in other words unregulated develoment) which will cement over a lot more leaving onlt basically Gangwondo left.
Sorry to sound like a cynic but good intentions are usually pushed away when it comes to an opportunity for development and money making in this country.

[Alias]

Wow. Siberian Tigers?

[rapier]