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The Kimchi-ite: Living And Traveling South Of North Korea
One of the top stories this past week on CNN, BBC, Fox News, Reuters and so many other major news organizations was that of North Korea's plans for a nuclear test. However, in South Korea, no one seems to care. It was certainly not the biggest story for Korean news outlets, sometimes even buried under stories about a coming cold front, the president-elect's cabinet choices and advice on how not to get your cellphone stolen from a sauna. People often worry about whether or not it is safe to travel to less talked about South Korea because of the psychotic neighbor to the north. The truth is that even with today's threats, which are only the most recent in a long string of hostility, South Korea remains one of the safest travel destinations in the world. When traveling throughout the country, rarely will there be an instance of theft or physical abuse. But obviously, travelers are not so much worried about pickpockets and scam artists when curious about the Koreas, but instead are much more worried of World War III breaking out.However, many feel safer in Seoul, roughly 30 miles from the North Korean border, than in the United States. And that is taking into consideration that the Korean War technically has not ended and also that the world's largest artillery force is likely pointed at the capital right this minute. Much of that safety can be attributed to how ill equipped North Korea is and how well allied South Korea is.
I have asked my Korean friends how they feel about the situation and many reply that it is extremely complicated and they are numb to it all. They have grown up with this constant threat of North Korea. Very rarely does a month go by without some sort of threat to South Korea or the world at large. Most feel that these threats are empty and are simply ways for the nation to intimidate other countries into giving them food aide.
There is a feeling of sadness and sympathy for the people of North Korea. Their situation is dire and there is little anyone can do about it. In many ways, South Koreans don't feel as though North Korea is a neighbor. Even though it is the only country South Korea shares a land border with, there is no real communication or travel between the two nations, making ties to nearby Japan and China stronger.
All of this is not to say that any report of danger in a foreign country is false, but it's always important to consider a local perspective. The truth is, there are risky and dangerous aspects to almost all facets of travel. Whether it be the threat of attacks from North Korea while checking out a palace in Seoul, an imminent hurricane while at Miami Beach or having your camera stolen from your hotel room.
Be sure to check out all the other Kimchi-ite posts here.
[Photo credit: U.S. Army Korea Historical Image Archive]
I have asked my Korean friends how they feel about the situation and many reply that it is extremely complicated and they are numb to it all. They have grown up with this constant threat of North Korea. Very rarely does a month go by without some sort of threat to South Korea or the world at large. Most feel that these threats are empty and are simply ways for the nation to intimidate other countries into giving them food aide.
There is a feeling of sadness and sympathy for the people of North Korea. Their situation is dire and there is little anyone can do about it. In many ways, South Koreans don't feel as though North Korea is a neighbor. Even though it is the only country South Korea shares a land border with, there is no real communication or travel between the two nations, making ties to nearby Japan and China stronger.
All of this is not to say that any report of danger in a foreign country is false, but it's always important to consider a local perspective. The truth is, there are risky and dangerous aspects to almost all facets of travel. Whether it be the threat of attacks from North Korea while checking out a palace in Seoul, an imminent hurricane while at Miami Beach or having your camera stolen from your hotel room.
Be sure to check out all the other Kimchi-ite posts here.
[Photo credit: U.S. Army Korea Historical Image Archive]
Filed under: Asia, North Korea, South Korea
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Allison Feb 17th 2013 3:10PM
The "so what?" attitude by South Koreans comes from a combination of factors. The most important factor is that for decades the Korean media made it sound like North Korea was going to invade at any moment. Naturally, South Koreans eventually drowned out all of that noise when, ta da, no large scale invasion has taken place since the end of the korean War in 1953.
Unforetunately, the pendulam has swung too far the other way and now South Koreans are apathetic when they should care and be involved with showing North Korea that they won't be intimidated into giving the North extra aid. You see, for over a decade many Korean politicians stated that if the South gave the North assistance then the North would stop being so warlike and would focus on peace. That was called the "Sunshine" policy and it has been a proven failure.
So, which way to turn when nothing seems to make a difference? That's how South Koreans feel- that nothing they do will make a difference.