Korean Job Discussion Forums

[toomuchtime]

Other than to say I think it's a hoot and a half, I'll leave the comments to others:

""Voices of far-right wingers are loud in Japan, but they do not represent the whole Japanese population. On the other hand, Korean nationalism is quiet and not provocative, but is supported by a thick layer of Korea historians," said Lee Gil-sang, a professor of the state-funded Academy of Korean Studies.
"

http://www.koreaherald.co.kr/SITE/data/html_dir/2005/05/07/200505070009.asp

[dogbert]

Pope Catholic?

[rapier]

Is this a troll? Nationalism is the root explanation, the basis of all Korean behavior.

[Saxiif]

[Smee]

Just speculation: but ethnocentrism maybe a better word than nationalism? I haven't met too many people who identify themselves as South Korean: only Korean.

[stat]

Good point Smee, it's difficult to say whether it's ethnocentrism or nationalism especially because of the ethnic homogeneity of the country and because the North/South distinction is often seen as almost temporary (the national anthem's first line: from the East Sea to Baek-Du mountain).

Everyone's heard some drunken Korean leaning over and explaining why "u-ri na-ra" ("our country") is so special and distinct though. I'd be tempted to call it nationalism, because it's not just about the qualities of the people ("we are ___, ___ etc") but about the Korean land. Unique amongst other countries because of the 4 seasons, the importance of the land in producing Korea pear, the special qualities of Korean ginseng etc etc.

Ethnocentrism focuses on the characteristics of people eg Americans love freedom, the French are suave and good cooks (crap examples :-p), but nationalism focuses on the land. I think modern nationalism is often attributed to the French revolution, which claimed France was sanctified by its natural borders.

[weatherman]

Nice article, good to see another side of an issue being printed. I think the article was pretty fair.

[just because]

[jajdude]

I have come to believe all people are nationalistic. But I haven't met anyone who outranks a Korean in this. Maybe it's the one people (one language) thing. Though many countries have this too, I have not met anyone who was as high on themselves and their country as most Koreans, even when they criticize Korea. It's like, "I can joke about me, but you better not." Actually, maybe Thais are similar, but they are cooler about it. Just don't joke about their Royal leaders!

I would, however, imagine NK to surpass all in this ideation.

[AJRimmer]

[andrew]

.....

[weatherman]

So it is the west's fault for pushing its values, and not Korea's fault for not learning about the outside world and being able to meet new values with confidence? Ignorance is what makes Korea good? Why always the one way street with Korea?

[jajdude]

[Swiss James]

If Koreans are so sure they're the "centre of the universe", then why have they paid for all your flight tickets over here to teach them english?

I thought the article was pretty fair, interesting, and encouraging since it was written by a korean. Koreans do see their own faults.