Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ilsanman]

I notice people have seen their lack of infrastructure to be the hub, and lack of a mature culture. Which one is more damaging?

I would have to say the culture. I agree with most of what was posted here, and 100% disagree with Gord, just because he's Gord.

Koreans have to learn their place in the world, and get a few tips on how to run their country. Then maybe.

I can think of 3-4 cities in Japan alone that would make better hubs than Seoul.

[jaebea]

There was an article I read, probably in some high brow magazine that was addressing another issue, but applies in this situation quite well. It went along the lines of :

[weatherman]

Korea doesn't need special development areas. Development areas are for developing counties. Korea as the 12th biggest economy going, depending on global markets for about 40% of its wealth is developed. It is a sign of desperation that they need special districts where things work as they should or ought to in their country. Why do they need special laws for special areas? Why can't these laws be applied to the rest of the country? Honestly opening only some areas only shows how unopen the other areas are. This goes to the heart of my belief about the 'hub'. That on a grassroots level the cross cultural understanding isn't there. Until this changes, and the only way to change it would be to radically change the nature of the educational system in Korea away from nationalist dogma to one teaching about acceptance of other ideas and cultures. When Korean citizens are comfortable dealing with foreigners in a honest and manly way, then the world will use Korea as a hub.

[dogbert]

Various localities in the U.S. have "incentive zones", or whatever you want to call them. The practice has nothing to do with a nation's development status/stage.

[weatherman]

These are a lot more than incentive zones.

[Butterfly]

Funny, some are going off in a tangent about Korea in the wrong direction again, on the wrong premise.

I don't think Korea / Seoul is claiming to be the hub of Asia, it is setting that goal for itself. Not a bad goal, and if they don't achieve it, they will at least have put certain infrastructure in place so as to generate a more globalized section of the business community. Surely not a bad thing, to aim to be more competitive and to have more influence.

Most Koreans I know, and even the Korean media are well aware of the many shortcomings Korea has in being part of the global business community, despite the size of their economy, they don't have much influence. They are trying to change these faults, deal with them, become a better, more international country. What are they supposed to do? Sit back, do nothing, and watch their economy erode?

We'd soon be criticizing them if they were doing nothing to change their culture. Poor Korea, can't win on this board.

They have noted what they need to do, set a high bar, and now that is what they are aiming for by setting new initiatives in education, training, urban planning, convention planning etc. Why the hell not?

I don't see why expats seem to find it so annoying, it's what anyone in Korea's position would do.

[dogbert]

[iiicalypso]