Dave Mac's Korean Adventure: March 2010

The past few weeks I have managed to go to a few museums, learn about Korea’s history, and find an interesting story about how I got offered a job here. Three weekends ago we made it to the Japanese War Prison that was used to house political prisoners from the early 20^th century till the end of World War 2. I was pretty excited to visit the prison because I had heard it was great piece of Korean history, but my attitude quickly changed from excitement to disgust when I learned how horrible the Japanese were to the Koreans. They had wax sculptures set up to demonstrate all of the tortures the Japanese used. Some of the worst were boxes that had the walls covered with spikes and they would put prisoners in and roll down hills, pulled out fingernails; I could go on, but I won’t. The most gruesome image was they still had the old noose they used for hangings in the gallows. It was pretty chilling reminder of war and the Japanese’s cruelty, and it was also a good thing to see before going to the War Museum the next day.

The War Museum was amazing. I have to say I really did not know anything about the Korean War, or also known as the “Forgotten War,” until I went to this museum. America pretty much saved Korea from becoming a communist country and thus still in poverty (for a really interesting documentary check out this site. These guys actually snuck into and filmed a documentary and didn’t need Clinton to come rescue them). I think America sent about 80% of the 2 million troops stationed in Korea during the war, which really explains why they are so kind to us. They also went into Korea’s older history and had a replica turtle ship that they used against the Japanese in the 16^th century. Korea’s history really reminds me of France during the last 300-400 years, and by that I mean they were constantly under attack by a foreign country. Korea was invaded by the Chinese, Mongols, Russians, Japanese (multiple times), and then North Koreans. In fact, they are still at war with the North Koreans, but if you bring up the subject to a Korean they will quickly change the subject. But I’m not at all worried because that the 38^th parallel is one of the most heavily fortified borders in the world. I’m pretty glad that we helped South Korea because if we hadn’t wouldn’t be here now, which actually wasn’t so random that I got the job.

My co-worker, Joe told me that he had interviewed about ten people before he talked to me on the phone, and the only reason I got the job was I just wanted to travel and have an adventure. People might think that everyone over here is doing just that, but it isn’t really the case. I’ve touched on this a lot: foreigners here are just weird, they are either escaping something, couldn’t fit in, or chasing Korean women. Joe basically said that I was the first person who wasn’t all about the Korean culture or anime cartoons, and he then told the director that I spoke English without a weird accent.

So, before I get into my new beef with work I would like to share a few other pretty cool things we’ve been doing over here. For Christmas Alex bought me a guitar and I’ve been learning a few songs, but the problem is I can’t sing. So, two Sundays ago we happened to go into a bar that had an open mic night. At first, I did not want to play, but after a couple tequila shots Alex got me on stage and we did “Stand by Me.” It was pretty cool being on stage and I’m glad I was talked into it. We also went to the Andy Warhol event at Seoul’s National Art Museum, and I’m not a fan. The art was ok, but I don’t like the fact that he was doing just to be popular. Reminded me of all the reality TV in America, but the translations were hilarious. I tried to take a picture of one of them and this security guard comes running at me from cross the room yelling for me to stop.

At school, we switched over into a new academic year, and instead of keeping the same program that brought all these kids in last year; the director spends probably all of the profit from the winter term and buys a new program. The new program isn’t bad, but of course the idiots decided to start each class at the same point in an effort to save money. We have these kids who can almost have a conversation with you singing nursery rhymes and doing animal flashcards. Thankfully, I got moved down to the 5 and 6 years old because it’s age appropriate. Joe’s students hate it and don’t pay any attention to him. There are two other problems with this program, 1: the students are used to playing games, and 2: it’s all singing and I can’t sing. After a week and a half the teachers told me that the students were bored and I needed to work harder on the songs. Knowing that it wasn’t going matter if I practiced the songs, I just started playing little games with the students. Of course, they love my class now. So, it’ll be interesting to see how many of the older kids will drop out at the end of the month. I’m going to guess close to 20 kids, which is going to infuriate the Director. I normally enjoy seeing her pissed off, but it’s annoying because I know she’s going to say it’s our fault. When in all reality it’s her fault for fixing something that wasn’t broken.

Ok, I touched on the how ridiculous moving into an apartment was here and I finally got some pictures of it and here you go

Absolutetly insane!!! 18th Floor