KOREA Week XXVIII

Thursday, November 12, 2009

I took a two to three hour nap every day this past week. Perhaps it was the change in seasonal temperatures, or my own efforts to defend against the troublesome Swine Flu. Either way, it was marvelous. The exception was last Friday's nap, when I awoke suddenly at 6:20 p.m. and was convinced it was morning, so I quickly jumped into the shower, all the while trying to understand how all my clocks could read p.m. instead of a.m. and wondering how I managed to sleep through my morning alarm. Damn...

Temperatures dropped significantly last week, with lows of 30 degrees Fahrenheit Monday and Tuesday nights. Brrrrr... Despite this, the fall colors remain beautiful and the leaves continue to drop. While there has been no snow or ice in the metropolitan Seoul area, the first snowfall was reported in the Eastern mountains of Gangwon Province. Alas, it's definitely sweater weather and quickly approaching the time for winter jackets, hats, gloves, etc. I am reminded, however, just how similar the temperatures continue to be, when compared daily with temperatures back home in the Midwest.

Most important update; the swine flu epidemic has grown immensely, with reports last week of over 8,000 residents daily testing positive for this. Hygienic masks are extremely popular, and hand wash stations have emerged in public buildings all throughout Korea. It's what all the kids are talking about nowadays, and many schools have actually closed for the week because of outbreaks. In fact, my hagwon canceled my Junior level class for the month of November, which is not necessarily a bad thing to have one less class to teach this month, plus it gives me more time to sleep in the afternoons.

What is most alarming about the swine flu epidemic, from a foreigner's perspective, is how easily many Koreans are influenced by the mass media, and their own personal phobias. As an example, there is a perception that us foreigner's are somehow the root of this evil problem, and it is noticeable, at times. For example, I have seen many Koreans decline to enter the elevator once they see me standing in the car, or quickly pull their children away from my direction and cover their mouths with the hygienic mask when in my presence. Again, not everyone acts this overly-sensitive, but it can, and does happen.

To further exemplify this situation, the Korean National Student Aptitude Test was held today, Thursday, November 12th. This is, perhaps, the most important day for any high school student, as there is only one opportunity to take this examination, and the result, will determine not only college acceptance, but a student's chances for success in any career path and dramatically affect the outcome of their life in Korea. It's amazing to think there is no opportunity for a re-take, and a poor score, sadly, causes many suicides each year. One student described the mentality behind this as being similar to the Olympic games. You have months, even years to prepare for this one day, and it is up to you to perform well, or else.

So, one would think, that with the swine flu epidemic currently in full gear, that the government would allow some form of exception to those students who are infected or suggest an alternative plan to prevent students from spreading the disease. Again, one would think. Instead, infected students continue to attend classes and private tutoring sessions, and study at the library and other public places, for upwards of twenty hours per day, to "cram" for the big day. What's even more amazing, is many parents continue to push their children towards this path of success, despite the obvious side effects. Apparently, the test is that important.

Another example of the negative swine flu reaction, was two weeks ago when my good friend, Gemma, and I visited the Incheon Global Festival. Days prior to our visit, there were reports that many workers at the festival tested positive for influenza, so attendance was destined to be low and sanitary precautions were increased. So, as we approached the entrance gate, and upon realizing I was a foreigner, we were immediately led to a special entrance (apparently, for those high-risk attendees) so the staff could check my temperature and test for other visual signs of influenza. Seriously; no joke. We also had to walk through some type of anti-bacterial spray booth upon entering. I will admit, it was a little unsettling, even for an open-minded and thick-skinned individual such as myself to experience this type of treatment, especially, in a country I have grown to respect and enjoy in so many ways.

On a more positive note, the Incheon Global Festival (http://english.incheonfair.org) was an 80 day event established to help promote the economic and business capabilities of South Korea's third largest city, and encourage, or show off their new growth initiatives. It was cool to see, as there were numerous exhibitions, international cultural events, futuristic and new technology displays, along with a host of other promotions to satisfy a seven hour day. Honestly speaking, I wish we had more time to enjoy the sights.

Six million people attended the festival over an 80 day period, only one million short of the ambitious seven million goal, and officials have recently declared success at increasing Incheon's notoriety as, "one of the most dynamic urban development models." Incheon, located approximately one hour West of Seoul, is currently home to Korea's largest airport, Incheon International Airport, also voted the number one airport in the world according to the International Airports Council. It is also home to Western Korea's largest seaport, and it has rapidly become Korea's most important transport and global business center. Incheon is almost two hours from Sanbon by subway because one must first travel North to Seoul and then West toward Incheon. Incheon can also be reached in only one hour by bus or taxi service for, of course, a slightly higher cost.

Despite my somewhat negative observations concerning the influenza outbreak, life continues to be well in the South of Korea. Obama makes his inaugural visit to Seoul next week, and hopefully, the North Korean Navy will not provoke any additional acts of violence toward their neighbors and sworn-enemies to the South.

Stay healthy.