South Korea-Land of the Morning Calm

Introduction...

South Korea, known as Daehanminguk to its people is one of the oldest continuing civilisation in the world. South Korea has another name Land of the Morning Calm and it is neighboured by China to the west, Japan to the east and borders North Korea to the north. South Korea’s capital and largest city is Seoul, the second largest metropolitan city on the world.

I was lucky to be selected as a GSE member representing D3300, Malaysia to D3620, South Korea to the province of Chungcheongnam-do - Cheonan, Asan, Seosan, Boryeong, Hongseong, Yesan, Taean and Dangjin. I was mesmerised by South Korea by its advancement of science and technology as it is a world leader in information technology such as electronics, semiconductors, LCD displays, computers and mobile phones, led by Samsung and LG.

South Korea is also the home of the world’s third largest steel producer, POSCO and it is the world’s largest ship builder, the world’s fourth largest oil refiner and one of the world’s top five automobile producers, headed by Hyundai and Kia. It is also a leading country in biotechnology, construction, engineering, machinery, petrochemicals, robotics, cosmetics and textiles.

Influence from South Korea of its pop culture in Asia countries has heat up the waves of Korean culture. Korean singers such as Rain is widely recognised and acknowledged in Asia, music bands such as Kara, Super Junior, Wonder Girls is getting the same recognition. Korean movies has also set a place in many Malaysians heart as Winter Sonata makes its debut appearance which introduces South Korea and Korean stars like Lee Young Ae, Kim Tae Hee has captured many hearts of Malaysians.

As there is a language barrier between the two countries, I was required to learn Hangul, as many Koreans do not understand or speak English compared to Malaysians. With TRF’s support, we engaged a Korean teacher living in Malaysia to teach us some basic conversations and enough for us to ‘survive’ as we only attended ten classes of two-hours every week to learn Hangul. I benefited from the class as I could understand and speak little Hangul, which I felt should be sufficient to communicate with them. My assumption however turned to be otherwise, as I could not make up any conversation even though I understand few words but after a week I could easily understand it although my ability to converse was still not good. It is as Korean uses variant of words that have the same meaning, which I am able to pick-up and learn from time to time.

I will share with you my enriching journey in South Korea, what I've experienced and hopefully you will be able to imagine and feel what I've went through in the land of the morning calm.



Photos taken around Incheon Airport...