Identity crisis?

This is a post that I began to write on the 22nd April, 2008, following a lengthy discussion with a then-close friend who happened to be both Korean and gay. There was a lot more that was I wanted to comment on (e.g. religion, economy, prostitution, Western influences), but the post was never completed. I would like to note that having further observed Korean society and culture since these initial thoughts it's difficult to know my current stance on these issues. However in the interests of completion of the blog I post it now - unedited from what I originally wrote - intended as a reminder of the various thoughts I've had over the year.

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Korea: The Land of the Morning Calm. Or at least, that's what it was nicknamed as a loose translation of Joseon - the ancient ruling dynasty of Korea. Nowadays with the influx of a changing economy, fast paced lifestyle and Western influences, such a name is no longer appropriate. The government have thus rejected the old slogan in favour of something more appealing to the generations of people to come: "Dynamic Korea".

But even though Korea has changed drastically in the last century, there appears to be a battle between traditional values and the lives that people attempt to live. Opinions and beliefs about their own country are certainly varied among the people of Korea.

Of course, I'm just a foreigner. I've only lived here for six months; I cannot imagine that I could have any kind of authority on the subject. What are to follow are merely my observations as I live day-to-day in this ever-changing country.

Family values

Traditionally, parents were to look after their children well in exchange for the promise that they would be well looked after in their old age. These days there is such a emphasis on following a career that people are sacrificing family commitments for money. Young people are moving further and further away from their home towns in order to pursue a career, and in the same vein, are marrying later and having less children. Improved healthcare has meant that the older generations are living longer, and with Korea having the lowest birth rate in the world, alarm bells are ringing in the most hazy of minds.

Women’s position in society has moved from a home-making mother to a career hungry beast. She may or may not get married; if she does she may or may not have children; and if she does that, then she may only choose to start her family in her 30s rather than her 20s. This doesn’t seem at all removed from the culture many of us are familiar with at home. But throw in a few social/traditional values and problems begin to arise.

Most parents wish the best for their children. But if that means sacrificing their own beliefs, here they may be willing to sacrifice their children instead. Arranged marriages are still common, even if it is just the merging of two families by ‘introductions’ [incomplete].

Many old people may insist that there are no gay people in Korea. There are no official laws against homosexuals here, but that doesn’t mean to say that it is accepted. Far from it. The fact is that it is such a taboo subject that it is not even considered.

Marriage in South Korea

Economy of South Korea

Korea: Infected, Detected, Rejected. Troubling treatment for foreigners with HIV/AIDS