Korean Job Discussion Forums

endo · Joined: 14 Mar 2004 Location: Seoul...my home

Unfortunatley, I wasn't in Korea during the last World Cup, so I wasn't able to witness the mass crowds that others told me about.

So when I went to City Hall this evening, it was a really special experience. The energy was electric and you couldn't help but get caught up in the festivities.

I will remember this night for the rest of my life.

To be honest, I felt that this game was more a representation of national pride than a soccer match. While I do have some concerns with Korean nationalism from time to time, I was so glad to see Korean succeed tonight.

The joy on the peoples faces brought a smile to mine.

A lot of foreigners I believe are unaware of the struggles this nation has gone through. Sure many of us have read up on its history, but i'm not sure how many have really thought it through.

But now I understand a little better as to why the people here feel so much pride for winning a simple soccer match.

This country drives me bananas sometimes, but I also love it and hope it does well in the future.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

I spent tonight in HongDae.. incredible! Its 4am and I wish I were still out.. but already set my alarm for 7am to catch a flight. That sucks.

What a great night out though.

Zyzyfer · Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 12:18 pm Post subject:

You didn't have to go to City Hall to catch the electricity, but it's definitely a good place to feel the buzz.

It's 5:14 and I'm still wearing my silly bandanna. I'll take it off eventually...

Oilers Fan · Joined: 05 Jun 2006

I got caught up in the 2002 energy and felt like sucker when, ta month later, caught a lot of hate becuase I was white (that was during "Summer of Fire" when anti-Americanism was at fever pitch ---- I'm Canadian).

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

The grocery store in my little town of 7,000 cleared out their parking lot and put up a big screen TV. There were about 300 in the crowd watching the game. I sat with 17 of my students, so that added to the fun and excitement. I think, like watching a comedy, it's more fun in a crowd than watching alone on TV. The weather was beautiful, even a bit cool, and the cheering and joy were fun to share. It made a nice memory of my year here.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

canuckistan · Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 3:32 pm Post subject:

matthews_world · Joined: 15 Feb 2003

Ha ha! Talk about pandemonium! Bumper to bumper traffic. Koreans literally pulling up the asphalt sitting on their behinds. Dodging bottle rockets. Trash everywhere. Looked like Tienamen Square on a good day.

Dev · Joined: 18 Apr 2006

adventureman · Joined: 18 Feb 2003

RACETRAITOR · Joined: 24 Oct 2005 Location: Seoul, South Korea

I'm going to Gwanghwamoon for the Korea/Switzerland game. It's on Saturday morning at 4am.

seoulsucker · Posted: Tue Jun 13, 2006 6:18 pm Post subject:

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

princess · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: soul of Asia

I, too, am from a small town, but I could never call getting together with a bunch of strangers at City Hall and screaming over soccer one of the most memorable nights of my life. Seoul and other big cities have so much more to offer. I am a soccer fan, but I consider my most memorable times to be things like the places I have traveled to and some of the wonderful dates I have gone on. I've been watching the games from the comfort of my own home, without droves of screaming, pushing people. But, I guess it's a case of whatever floats your boat. hmmmm...let's see...climbing the Great Wall or standing around screaming at City Hall over a soccer game. Tough choice, huh? I've spent four years in Korea and not once did I go to the Chonggak Pavilion on New Year's Eve to see them ring the bell at midnight. Why fight crowds when I can go sit in a bar and watch that or go to a nice New Year's Eve party like the one I went to this past year?