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Korean rope-making ceremony
Impressions of Korea and Japan, 1998
In October 1998, I was lucky enough to be invited to stay with two families on the other side of the world. Amanda (my travelling partner) and I were able to dive right into the two countries and their people in a way that few tourists get the chance to. It was an enormously rewarding experience, and we are hugely grateful to the generosity of the Kim family, especially Aisoon, to the Osaka family, and of course to Hitomi & Tsukasa Nishimura. Here are some pictures I took in each of the countries, and a few words about them. Each picture can be viewed at full size by clicking it, including the two above.Contrast
It's impossible to present pictures of Korea and Japan together without drawing some kind of comparison between the two places. In general, Korea is chaotic and colourful whereas Japan has a much more formal, neater way about it. Even the buildings reflect this distinction: you can see a Korean temple to the right (it's
well worth expanding the picture to full size to see all the intricacies). The castle at the top of the page is Japanese.
In Korea: People & Language
We spent our first two weeks in Korea, mostly at the Kim family apartment near the Han river. Actually, that's a pretty meaningless statement, as a large majority of the Korean population has one of the surnames Kim, Lee or Park, and of those Kim is the most common. So there are quite a few Kim residences near the Han river. But there can't be many where a couple of jet-lagged English tourists could have received such a warm welcome and so much delicious food, thanks to Kim Aisoon. We knew Jungwon, Aisoon's daughter, because we had met while she was studying at Edinburgh University. The remaining members of the family are Soyeon, Jungwon's younger sister, Kyuheon, her older brother, and Doohwan, her father. Doohwan owns the oldest pharmacy in Seoul, as well as being a prolific poet who has published several books. Soyeon works as a manager in the fashion industry and is married to Hyunjin, a television journalist. Kyuheon is a PhD who works for a government research centre having returned from England a year or so before our visit.At War
Kim Aisoon and Kim Doohwan You will have gathered that Koreans do not have western names in addition to their native Korean (Chinese-based) names, unlike many people from, say, Taiwan or Hong Kong. In addition, it isn't at all straightforward to transliterate Korean names, as the language distinguishes several sounds that are the same to a western ear, and visa-versa.
For example, many westerners will be familiar with the difficulty Asian people can have with the difference between lot and rot. The 'lo' and 'ro' sounds aren't distinguished in either Japanese or Korean, and in practice people seem to make a sound somewhere inbetween. So if you ask an English-speaking Korean to tell you whether you're saying 'lo' or 'ro', there's a good chance they won't be able to hear any difference at all.
But I (moronically) hadn't realised that it's a perfectly symmetrical situation. There are sounds in Korean that are very different to a Korean speaker but actually sound exactly the same to me. It just sounds like the same thing repeated twice, no matter how hard I listen. For example, there's a letter in the Korean alphabet that sounds the same as an 'S' to me. And there's a letter that really is the same as the 'A' sound, as in "sat". Put them together, and you've got "sa". Easy enough you might think, except that there are two different ways of writing the "S" symbol, and you'll get two different meanings depending on which you choose. But even though they sound identical to me, a Korean-speaker can easily hear the difference between them.
Just a last word on the Korean alphabet. Chinese symbols crop up fairly frequently in Korea, as you might expect, but almost all writing has changed over from Chinese symbols to a Korean alphabet. What's interesting - and completely unique as far as I know - is that the alphabet did not evolve: it was invented. A man called King Sejong decided that it was too hard for people to read and write, and co-ordinated the creation of a new alphabet that would allow people to write the same spoken language, but without the complexity of Chinese symbols. There are only really twenty-four letters in this alphabet, and they're all very straightforward: a linguistically-challenged moron such as myself was able to learn the whole lot in a couple of days.
Today, all writing in Korea is done in Hangul just as it was invented by King Sejong, except for a few circumstances where people want, for example, to refer to a meaning captured well by a particular Chinese symbol. There are very few exceptions to pronunciation, and the result of all this is that the level of illiteracy is lower than many European countries. Another reason - if one were needed - that it would be a shame for the Internet to standardise on English.
JapanSouth Korea is at war with North Korea, and although there has been an armistice for decades, the hostilities still influence the everyday life of every person on the peninsula. At the time of writing, the country is split roughly in two, with American and Korean troops defending South Korea and Korean troops guarding the North. I read somewhere that there are more American soldiers in Korea than there are in America. If there is a nuclear war anywhere on the planet in the next decade, it's likely to be here.
More than a million people - both Koreans and foreign soldiers - died in Korea in the aftermath of the Second World War as the US and Russia tried to carve up the country between a communist-led North and a US-influenced South. At one stage South Korea was almost completely overrun, before UN troops staged a counter-attack, fighting the North Koreans almost all the way back into China. In the process, much of the country was devastated and the loss was incalculable. This followed on from a period of nearly forty years during which Korea was brutally occupied by the Japanese. Koreans were forced to speak Japanese, and the scholarly works of what had been one of the most learned countries in the world were destroyed. The temple you saw above is a reconstruction.
Koreans seem to find it difficult to talk about their history, no doubt because of the lack of any resolution. The echoes of what happened are still part of life: people of Aisoon's age can still remember some Japanese, and many of her parents' generation are simply missing. As the border between the North and South swung wildly across the country in the closing years of the war, families were separated. Since 1953 there has been no possibility of crossing the border, and nearly fifty years later, even the children in those separated families are nearing the end of their lives. It is even said that the cast iron separation between the two countries (rather more severe than Europe's Iron Curtain: for example, freely-tuneable televisions are illegal and unavailable in North Korea) has meant that the language is splitting into two dialects.
It's no exaggeration to say that every beautiful thing I saw or heard in Korea served to emphasise the tragedy of it all having been erased once before, and the real possibility of it being destroyed yet again. I think the hostilities permeate most Korean people's thinking in much the same way. Having met the Kims, walked up the Sorak mountains, and listened to school-children singing together just 40km from the border, I think I understand the reality of the last century rather better than I did.
We spent two weeks in Korea, but only had time for one week in Japan. I didn't understand Japan at all. In some ways, it's more like a western country than Korea is, because it has been stable for longer, the economy is stronger, and the people are perhaps too comfortable to feel too enthusiastic about national politics.But what Japanese-ness is, I have no idea. I read several books about it after returning, and still feel none the wiser. With luck, I'll get the chance to visit again one day.
Japan is just as busy, clean, well-organised and efficient as it is famed to be. The only major exception to this that I came across was the number of homeless people in Osaka. Having said that, they do all keep very tidily within certain areas of the city, and have built the most advanced shelters I have ever seen. One guy had a two-story wooden hut built on the pavement [sidewalk] up against a telephone box.
We were the guests of the Osaka family (in Osaka), as Hitomi had been Amanda's penfriend for many years, during which they had only met once. I stayed in a fantastic automated hotel down the road from the Osakas' flat, which had vending machines to take your payments and electronic doors that let you in only if you'd paid. (Oh, and being in the hotel gave me the chance to sample Japanese television, which it turns out is even dodgier than it's commonly said to be.)
Hitomi introduced us to her boyfriend, Tsukasa, and they were excellent guides. We visited a local town and saw a castle and some fellas playing drums most enthusiastically. We saw the park in Osaka, which is beautifully presented. We visited Tsukasa's flat just outside Osaka, and heard his excellent guitar-playing. We had excellent food, unbelieveably polite service everywhere, and went up the biggest and most impressive tower-block I've ever seen. I just wish I could piece it all together, but I guess visiting London for the first time would be similarly overwhelming. Here are the pictures.
Tsukasa playing the Beatles on his guitar
Skyscrapers from the park in Osaka
Hitomi, Amanda and Tsukasa at the computer
Drums & Castle
Links
"The soldiers who serve at the far northern-most mountain peak against the North Korea." - Documentary photos of South Korean soldiers on military service duty.
"The Other Life" - Unconventional photos of domestic life in Korea.
"One Thousand Chestnut Trees: A Novel of Korea" - Mira Stout's loosely autobiographical novel describes coming-to-terms with her Korean mother's history and the human impact of the Korean War. Stout is American and her outsider's view of Korea provides a powerful insight into Korean history, especially for other Westerners. Highly recommended for those interested in the Korean War from a Korean perspective.
Books
Chang Ugicheon holds a sign asking if anyone has seen her sister (photo: BBC News)June 2000: Reunification update
The political developments in the Koreas this month could be comparable in their significance to the falling of the Berlin Wall. A selection from the coverage at BBC news:
- "Pyongyang, I love you" - The leaders meet in the most significant political development in the Koreas for decades. Yet, Kim Jong-il surprises everyone by showing up at the airport to meet his guest.
- "Korea: No going back" - Kim Jong-il appears to have staked his reputation on an open relationship with the South.
- "Hope for Korea's divided families" - Family reunions are the likely first benefit of the renewed contacts between North and South. 10% of South Koreans are from families split by the 1953 division of the country.
The best book I have ever read with a Korean theme happens also to be on the relationship between Korea and Japan. A Gesture Life, by Chang Rae Lee, is a beautiful and apolitical book that is several levels above most of the debate on this page. Although the author is Korean, the book's narrator (it is written in the first person) is a Japanese war veteran who never recovers from his experiences of the war and those of the Korean comfort women.Messages
I also liked Don Oberdorfer's The Two Koreas. It's a remarkably human modern history of Korea written by a waegookin (foreigner) who's spent lots of time in Seoul.
I believe that your picture "drums and temple" is actually a picture of drums and Osaka-jo castle (jo means castle)
Sheryl, Canada - 22 May 2000
Thanks - careless of me.
Max Christian, UK - 23 May 2000
Great
Lisa, Australia - 19 Jun 2000
Reading this page has made me very eager to want to expierience what you have for myself.
Paige, U.S.A., Maine - 12 Jul 2000
This is an awesome page! The pictures of korea are great...
june, usa - 26 Jul 2000
The page is too simple, we are looking forward to seeing more pictures of what Korea really is.
Osan Cane/ Bink Ceniza, Philippines - 10 Aug 2000
Hey, this isn't TV you know. Everyone's a publisher on the internet, so write up what you think is missing and I'll add a link to it.
Max Christian, UK - 10 Aug 2000
Korea is not part of Japan Korea and Japan are differentOK?
Jaehyuck(Jason) Lee, Korea - 14 Sep 2000
I really loved the pictures of industrialized Japan, how about some nice pictures of industrialized Korea, Japan industrialized in the 1800's, way before Korea. Plus, they had to go through the dilema of the Korean War, so it's no surprise, if Japan is more stable. But remember their "Bubble Economy" is on the verge of collapse. In just about 35 years Korea came back as only a couple of ranks away from the G7.
Robert Goldman, Ny, USA - 27 Sep 2000
yeong keong, south korea - 4 Oct 2000
There are about 50,000 American soldiers in south korea. I think there are much more soldiers in America. bae@linuxlab.co.kr
Bae Churlsu, Korea(ROK) - 7 Nov 2000
The Korean pictures you have taken were great. And of course, in old days, Japanese made things by learning from Koreans. Isn't it obviouse that Korean is better?
Shana, Korean in the U.S - 22 Nov 2000
Hello,I read your impression with visiting Korea and Japan.and thank you for your concern to make this site.but I feel inconvenienced by the lack of our great history, the national character and culture seen by point of view asan alien. in addition, I'd like to know how foreignersthink the relation between Korea and Japan bcause , as you know, we had experienced the humiliated era by Japan somost korean don't like japanese.would you happen to know Kim Dae Jung, our president, got the Nobel peace prize recently?contact pointtelephone : +82-55-260-7618(company)cellular phone : +82-19-503-4717e-mail : vce.sunggee@memo.volvo.se(company) sunggee@orgio.net (personal)
Sung-Gee Kim, Korea - 14 Dec 2000
Sung-Gee, thanks very much for your message. You're right that this page says nothing about Korean history before World War 2, and there certainly is a lot to say about that. But in this context, I'd need to cover Korea and Japan together and unfortunately I don't know much about Japan.
Even though "most Koreans don't like Japanese" might be true in an indirect sense, I do think that most people in both countries can -- and do -- respect each other as individuals, regardless of racial origin.
Max Christian, UK - 15 Dec 2000
This page was very interesting for me. thank you.But , I think the first picture on this page is not temple. Maybe, that is castle.(Maybe Himeji-castle?)
Ken, Japan - 15 Dec 2000
I want give you some additional information.I like korean and I have a lot of korean friend......I believe that a lot of korean people also like Japanese.
ken, Japan - 15 Dec 2000
Ken, sorry about the castle/temple mixup. You're not the first to notice and I think it's fixed now.
It's interesting but disappointing that this page is starting to turn into a Korea vs Japan competition. You're quite right of course that Koreans and Japanese can get on just fine. I too know of several friendships between Korean and Japanese people. Perhaps I need to add something to this page about positive relationships between the two countries.
Max Christian, UK - 15 Dec 2000
If they don't like Japanese.... why they read a lot of Japanese comics? Why they listen Japanese songs? It's true that almost old korean people don't like Japanese so they don't speak Japanese language though they know Japanese, ...but I think korean young people don't hate Japanese.
ken, Japan - 15 Dec 2000
Most koreans don't hate Japense...What they hate is the true history and who denied!!!!!
Lee, Korean in USA - 15 Dec 2000
Sorry for misspelling....Japanese
Lee, Korean in USA - 15 Dec 2000
max,thank you for your answer. and i'm sorry. i' ll be quiet. basically I like this page. I wish you good luck.thank you,ken
ken, Japan - 18 Dec 2000
This sight is good!!
Yun-Soo Jung, Republic Of Korea - 26 Dec 2000
Thanks for a great web site - superb photos and interesting dialogue.
Rob Hardie, UK - 27 Dec 2000
This is gay. japan is gay just like you are. [****] you bictches.
Jason, Korea - 27 Feb 2001
Ya'll shut da [****] up bout Japanese yo.Japan ain't gay u r da 1 whoz gay u stupid ass Jason from Korea! I got friendz which r Koreanz n they r nice unlike dat Jason person[...]!
Kirsten, Japan - 7 Mar 2001
I really like this site but what i was really looking for was a picture of the country Korea. This is GREAT though!
Chelsi Hawkins, USA - 18 Mar 2001
United States rocks! I love the pictures and it really helped me with my report! Thankz always! ~MEGAN~
Megan, USA - 18 Mar 2001
I just wanted to compliment on how great a job you did on this site. The pictures are beautiful, and it was nice to get a fresh perspective from a person outside of the two cultures -- Korea and Japan. I'm glad that your experiences were pleasant.I'm just disappointed at the couple immature and narrow-minded individuals who have posted on this site. I'm myself am Korean-American and I believe this resentment between the two countries mainly lies and should mainly lie in the older generations. It's time we move on with our lives instead of lingering in the past. It's not right to hold hard feelings toward an entire people because of the actions and decisions of a few within that group. I hold so much respect for both Japan and Korea, and I can see relations between the countries mending at a sure pace. I only hope it continues, because stubborn resentment doesn't get anybody anywhere. Okay that was my little speel on the whole issue, and I hope it doesn't come up again. . .-Cathy-p.s.- thank you for this site. =) I'm in the process of exploring my roots, since I know very little about it.
Cathy, USA - 21 Mar 2001
These are beautiful pictures of these countries. This site has really helped me understand the Koreans at war with one another and the beautiful architechtual influence.
USA, Stefany - 27 Mar 2001
Hi. I love the design of this page. Makes me feel very peaceful. I was reading over the comments and it seems like a lot of korean people still suffer from an "inferior complex". I read about it in a journal article (in korea), and it said that many koreans today feel angry at the japanese because of their troubled histories. I agree for the most part and I hope despite recent troubles (s.korea is angry about the textbook issue in japan), korea and japan will continue to open up to each other. many koreans can learn and enjoy japanese culture and i think many japanese can learn and enjoy just as much from korean culture.I hope I can learn more about korea-japan relations and meet more people who love and respect both countries and want to see them get closer.
suji, america - 9 Apr 2001
Sweet, all these pictures helped my report. I was wondering about the history of korea, and japan, i have heard alot from folktales to arguments about hystory of both countries. I was wondering if you have found out more information about hystorys. ~.~ I wish i had talent enough to make a page, GJ, dont listen to the other asshole who dissed yer page..
Entreri Artemis, USA - 12 Apr 2001
this page sucks!
wong duck dong, peru - 30 Apr 2001
I ran across this page while mindlessly surfing the Net, and I must say you did a very good job indeed, especially with the pictures. Are the pictures your work?For those of you who are not clear on uneasy Korean-Japanese relationships, there is still regretably a considerable presence of the bitterness of imperial Japan in the lives of modern Koreans. This makes some Koreans over-sensitive, and the generally fascist nature of Japanese politics do not help that much. However on a person-to-person basis, Koreans and Japanese go along just fine. While things should get better, there is a lot to be done by both nations.It is a pity that Koreans and outsiders alike are able to see only half of Korea - the political situation is too tense. After around 20 years when the two Koreas are reunited, the relations of Korea and Japan will become much more interesting... (think of the UK and France, a friendly rivalry..)Also, due to the huge presence of Korea on the Net, all of you are more likely to meet anti-Japanese Korean twats than anti-Korean Japanese twats. Please do not take this as the whole picture - there are only few such people.When I go back to Korea I'll take some shots of Korea and open a page exclusively for foreigners. It really is a beautiful country, once you get to know it.
Andy Park, Manchester, UK - 30 Apr 2001
Thanks Andy, nice angle. Yes, all the pictures are my work apart from the one at the bottom from BBC News. (You don't know an Ian King by any chance do you?)
Max Christian, UK - 1 May 2001
Hello, I am Korean/Japanese, And I can see there is a misunderstanding between the relations of the korean and japanese people. First, in the U.S. Korean people like Japanese people a lot. In fact the korean people have an affinity for Japanese things, like Japanese animation, comics, cars, electronics, videogames, food ,and culture. In the U.S. Koreans prefer japanese products to their own. The youth of Korea and Japan are friendlier compared to the old stinky farts who are stupid. I just wanted to express what is actual fact and my feelings. So to all you anti-japanese people of Korea and to the anti-korean people of Japan, I hope you know that your hatred will only cause yourselves to be ugly,stupid,and have corrupt minds and spirits.
terry kusanagi, usa - 1 May 2001
I am Japanese and I like Korean food and Korean culture and Korean people. Japanese people like Koreans.
Kasumi, Japan - 1 May 2001
Put some [****]ing Japanese alphabet symbols on what u call a web page this is a discrace. If u dont I'll crash this page [etc, etc]
Unknown, Connecticut, United States of America - 7 May 2001
I have always been fascinated with this part of the world, a wonderful page, many thanks
james , australia - 26 May 2001
With all the hostile comments, I am remined of my two-year old daughter who is mixed Korean/Japanese. This may sound corney, but she is the embodiment of the future, future of Korea and Japan, and this world. Hatred and sterotype will only get you so far.
j, Southern California, USA - 11 Jun 2001
great site :) looking to visit korea this summer and ur pictures greatly helped me convince my wife to go with me !! and by the way, dont mind these immature, stereotyped children... im sure lots of korean and japanese people like each other but then its not like EVERYONE loves each other in this world
William Fangston, GERMANY - 13 Jun 2001
Really? WIlliam, as a Korean immigrant I can tell you that many Korean people still resent the history of violence by Japan. Japan devastated Korea for centuries and most Korean people don't trust Japanese government(another Japanese invasion???). It may sound awkward to you but the hatred between the two nations is blood-deep. The opening of cultures from the two countries is only on economic terms. Mistrust and cautions remain on most Korean people's hearts.
Logan, Australia - 21 Jun 2001
Just an information. One of my grandfather's relatives was arrested by Japanese army during Japanese occupation in 1930~1940s and he got his two ears cut off. Japanese bow and bow and make money, but they are violent people. Sorry about negative comments.... Great site... I recommend the author to include some info on 'Hwasong Fortress' in Suwon. It is registered as an UN World Heritage and was built after the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1600s. Hwasong Fortress' boundary is the boundary of the old Suwon city. Try searching it im Google. Thanks and bye!!!Logan, Australia - 21 Jun 2001
Your pictures are beautiful! What kind of camera did you use to take them? Thanks.
Kurt, USA - 26 Jun 2001
I really appreciated your page, it taught me a lot. I'm really amazed at the comments you have. I'm starting to see the cycle of societies in the world now. Societies will prosper and then something stupid will happen and then they go to war, then the society has to start over when the war is done because all that is left if desolation. All of this because we are all human and have different things in mind for each other, power. Power pretty much rules everyone that's why we have so many wars and bad blood, people are power hungry and the people that aren't power hungry get lost in the middle, families split, businesses die, and all of that education and enlightenment of art and books are lost; just because of a few people wanted to have some power no matter the cost. It happens everyday, all over the world, and its everywhere in history, look at Rome.
Tasha, USA - 28 Jun 2001
Japanese government MUST state that they are sorry for the war atroxities committed by Japan during Second World War, and they MUST compensate the victims!!!Until this happens Japanese will die and goto hell later. Go to hell anyway Japs!!!
Jap, Jap - 28 Jun 2001
The victims of Japanese war crimes are dying away, and Japanese youths have grown up forgetting their forefathers' crimes. This is unjust and justice must be paid before the victims leave this world. Perhaps this is exactly what Japanese government wants. However, blood is stained on our motherland and is shouting for justice to be done. Apologize and compensate the Japanese war crime victims - you senseless lier!!!!!
Jap, Jap - 28 Jun 2001
I must say I really appreciate and amire your work and interest in Korea/Japan. But there was several major errors you have made regarding to a Korea and it's people. The truth is this, most Korean don't have the inferior complex as you have indicated in your work on Korea. In contract the most of Koreans include myself, we have great pride in our racial origin as well as in our great cultural achievents, not to mention to our recent marvlous economical achievement. And we have every reason to be proud of. Those very few Koreans who have inferior complex is really outcome of their own lack of self-esteem, they certaintly don't represent the majority of Koreans in world wide. We Koreans surely have come a long way. And one more thing, I know you can do it better with Korean photos.
Oh! I forgot to add one more thing to my earlier comments. The relationship between North and South Korea have greatly improved in recent years, as result there is still greater hope for these two Koreas reunification in near future; let's hope for the best. And as for the relationship between Korea and Japan, has also greatly improved since within this decade or so,so let's keep that up okay Korean and Japanese! And there are much more things going on in Korea than one might think!
Joseph Yim, U.S.A. - 29 Jun 2001
In present time there are only 37,000 American GI's stationed here in the Korea not 50,000. 50,000 American GI's are stationed in Japan!
Sueki Jung, Korea - 30 Jun 2001
In response to Joseph Yim's comment, I have not indicated that Korean people have an inferiority complex, and I don't believe this is the case.
Max Christian, UK - 27 Jul 2001
Did anyone have visited two Koreas lately? There are lots more things going on in both South and North Korea now then ever before, but ofcourse as one expected more in South Korea. In reality most S.Koreans don't live in the daily fear of unexpect invasion from the North,but actually enjoying more what is going on now that surrounds them.
Jung Soon, Korea - 28 Jul 2001
I have the opportunity to go to Korea to teach conversational English and was just doing a random search on the country. Came across this website and found it provided some great insight into a place about which I know next to nothing. I didn't even know there had been a Japan-Korea connection.
Heather , Canada - 26 Aug 2001
Oh, it is very nice. By seeing these pictures and some information regarding about South Korea and Japaneese, one can get idea about this coutries.
Dr. V. Ranga Reddy, India - 30 Aug 2001
Some of the pictures were really moving and you feel the pain in them
Emma , england - 1 Sep 2001
This is a very informative site. I'm glad you enjoyed your experience with the asian culture.
darlene, California - 5 Sep 2001
Korea rules....
unknown, Canada - 24 Sep 2001
Nice web site, im happy to see that so many people feel so passionate about Korea and Japan, even if there ideas might be a little narrow minded. I think that its great. Your free to feel the way you do. As for me i was raised in Orange County California and i know so little about my history and heritage. My grandparents however were involved in the Korean war, in which my grandmother tells me that see would see dead bodies on the side of the streets. My grandfather has a legendary story in which he played dead, and stuck his tounge out as far as he could so that the north korea soliders would take him for dead and leave him alone. Both my grandparents speack japanese fluently.(a language that they use when there speacking about me, so that i dont understand what there saying). Sadly they were brought up in a time of death and hate, we on the other hand were more lucky. Lets not dwell in the mistakes of the past and instead educate ourselves and change the future. Great site!! I glad that people from england enjoyed korea and japan so much.
Christina Park, USA - 27 Sep 2001
Hi to all the Japanese people out there. im born in korea, living in australia right now. when i was in korea, a story about japan was never a good one. for example, text books would explain in detail how cruel the japanese were to us, koreans. we have a bad taste left in our head cuz of these government-controlled messages being passed to youngsters. all the japanese people i meet here in australia are very nice. so i was wondering if that's the case over there in japan? do korean kids get beaten up at school (as is stated in korean books)? do korean migrants in japan have enormous difficulties finding jobs just because they're korean? i know i should have a warm feeling on the japanese people, but for a variety of reason i cannot do that.(for example, my grandma telling me about how cruel the japanese were when she was a school girl)i would just like to know what the situation is like over there in japan. thanx
Jun, Australia - 1 Oct 2001
Excellent pictures of Korea!
Mark Thomas, Portsmouth, UK - 1 Oct 2001
great job. good to see a personal page of this qualty!
Om, USA - 1 Oct 2001
This page is excellent! and the pictures are beautiful! Good job!
Ashley*, United States - 4 Oct 2001
I thank you, Max for this page. It is full of insightful projections for a report, and also the comments add to it; a lot. I am part Japanese and I have a cousin who is Korean, I don't feel hatred for her or her friends and her feelings are mutual. I think it is very immature for all of you who have made racial comments, this is a page to learn of new things not to express your hatred for other people. Even if there WAS hatred, that was a long time ago during a depressing time of the war and you need to let it go. Have you ever heard of the saying "Forgive and Forget"? I know it would seem hard to forget such things but we can learn many things from the havoc time in the world war and between these two countries.
Marie, USA - 5 Oct 2001
this page rules
Mocha late, korea - 10 Oct 2001
[The following comments were all added by one person claiming to be from various countries:] Hello. Maybe it site make fight korea and japan.And korea isn't part of japan. Japan is japan korea is korea.Somebody doen't knows it? Too stupid. I think japan did bad things to korean peoples and another countries too..china and usa.We have to pardon them. I'm japanese but I don't think japan did good job. And our education was lie and lie. They attaked America. So we have to kill all of them.Hmm..who make this site? For what? It seems wanna make fight japan and korea.. (Americans..)I love korea and japan all of asian..I think usa make so bad.they are sucks.Here are asia plz go back to usa.(army)
Anon, Korea - 23 Oct 2001
cool!!!!!!!!1interesting
Candice Kwon, Korea - 29 Oct 2001
I enjoyed your article and the pictures! They were all the more interesting because I spent 8 months in 1951 in Korea with the army. Also, I will be accompanying my daughter in mid November to pick up a Korean baby they are adopting. W Stoffel Florida USA
Wolmar Stoffel, USA - 2 Nov 2001
I am a Japanese American and I recently applied for a job teaching English in Korea. Before they knew I was Japanese they were actively recruiting me and even commented on my qualifications. Once I told them my origin they immediately we uninterested in hiring me and would no longer even talk to me. I received rude emails from the manager when I would inquire about the job. I even asked him why and he replied, "Your application does not mean much". Whatever that means. I have lived as a minority in the US all my life and this is the first time I have experienced such extreme racism and ignorance. I know all Koreans can't be like this, but I have heard so many stories like this that it is impossible for this to be an isolated incident. Japanese people don't feel this way towards Koreans, why are Koreans so ignorant? Can someone help me understand?Jeff, USA - 7 Jan 2002
A response to Jeff: I don't know what to say. I'm sorry to hear that you were not considered, because of your ethnic background. As a Korean it disguse me. As a fellow American it insults me. I am truly sadden by this racial discrimination. The source of this, as you know, is due to the Japanese occupation early in the 20th century. It has been over 50 yrs. but it's still fresh in the minds of older generation. Not sure how the younger generation feels. To be honest, I don't think the majority really care. One of many things, I think, that caused the strained relationship, is that there has not been a formal apology by Japan to Korea. In my opinion, I don't give a damn. Yes, it's important to remember the past, but if you can't forgive, then the one at fault is you. He who judges by race is a pea wit. You take a person, one at a time. A good person is a good person no matter where they're from. It's true, I've never expericenced what my parents and grandparents went through, but I decided with my life, I'd like to do something that would generally benefit mankind. I guess that Korean you've spoke of just couldn't see that you want to make a difference in someone's life. The lost is his, not yours. It's important that the Koreans remember what happened, but to quote: "he without sin, cast the first stone." We all have faults, history will show you that and that is also important. Strange. I've applied to teach English to Japan this year and I'll find out in Feb. if I get a interview or not. If I do, and get the job, send me the address of the Korean representive and I will protest on behalf of you Jeff. Good luck.David Song Resolute@hotvoice.com, USA - Jan. 11 2002
korea and japan are independant countries right now, but their similarities and history runs much deeper..all the way to the beginnings of those nations. i study both korean and japanese history and found out many interesting facts about eachother. koreans and japanese both have to realize that we are not racially different people. we are biologically the closest people in east asia. our language is also the closest related. if you studied both languages you would know what i mean. i think it is stupid for those that think korea and japan are COMPLETELY different countries and that we have no ties through history. emperor akihito even admitted that he feels a kinship for koreans because emporer kammu's mother was queen muryong from the kingdom of paekche in korea. they also spoke the same imperial dialect long time ago..and both kingdoms imperial families would visit eachoters courts as brothers and sisters. also, there were many were thousands of immigrants that crossed over to japan through centuries. there is no wall seperating korea from japan..it is just a narrow strip of water, from pusan you can see tsushima island..vice versa. well i have too much to explain so ill just end it soon. my grandparents are korean and also speak japanese,watch japanese tv, and eat japanese food. my grandfather was a soldier in the japanese army. both my grandparents feel that japan is not all different from korea and that they feel comfortable being called "japanese" because they believed in the great east asian war. they also have japanese names from the occupation. bottom line: please dont hate and works towards cooperation between these brother countries.j. park, USA - Jan. 14 2002
Reading the comments on this page made me realize that a few individuals are a bit too nervy (tense). Your impressions of Korea/Japan are just that. Impressions (which by the by, many Koreans like myself, can and do appreciate). I believe you've covered the basics on what cultural novices need to know about these two countries. The important thing to understand is that no one country is better than the other, just that they are different and how the history has had an effect on this difference. Keep up the good work, and don't let negative criticisms get in your way. Enjoyed the site very much.Hannah Yu, USA - Jan. 22 2002
nice job with the site. i just have to share my own experience with Japanese people. I am Korean American and live in Boston now. The Japanese people that I've met it's true, sometimes ignore me after finding out I'm Korean. In chat rooms, this is even more so the case... But the ones that do open up and befriend me, well that just goes to show that each INDIVIDUAL is different, though they may be Japanese. or Korean for that matter. I'm currently seeing a Japanese girlfriend who is the cutest individual. AND interesting nonetheless-- She has smoked opium in Thailand, she comes from a family of builders of shinto shrines, and she's going to start architecture grad school next year. Did I mention she's sweet? The point of this letter is that Korea and Japan should really get along better. Diplomatic relations are so funny to watch sometimes. Why must they argue about history? or fishing rights? or visits to shrines or whatever? Look at it this way. Germany and England, well I think they have a similar relationship historically to Korea and Japan. There was definately outflow of culture from the continent to the island in both continents. The respective countries share genetic and linguistic links. But why do Germany and England get along so much better than Korea and Japan? Europe? hell they've got EU there. And what of Asia? is ASEAN of southeast asia going to prove that only southeast asians can band together? It's retarded i tell ya. RETAHDED. Finally, I think this World Cup Kora/Japan 2002 is going to do a world of good for both Korea and Japan relations. Hopefully.
Another response to Jeff: I would also like to add a footnote to my comment. It's in response to Jeff's comments. I agree with him that Koreans tend to be more racist against Japanese than vice versa. At least overtly, this is the case. However, I don't think Jeff understands that he is without a doubt, Korean. See, [Jeff's surname - deleted for privacy reasons] is one of many ways in Japanese to say Kim, which is a Korean last name. Don't take my word for it. go to this site. http://han.org/a/fukuoka96a.html written by Yasunori Fukuoka, a scholar on the history of Koreans in Japan. I like his article, but it tends to emphasize only those millions of Koreans who came to Japan in the past century, disregarding the exodus centuries ago. Mr. Fukuoka will make you understand, Jeff, that in all likelihood, you are a victim of Japan's colonization of Korea. Your ancestors I'm guessing went to Japan for a better life in the early part of the century. They took on the name so as to blend in. You, generations later, have no clue of your Korean roots. It's also probably that you live in America now due to past discrimination in Japan against your family. This is not a come back and I'm definately NOT justifying why you were so mistreated by Koreans when you tried working there. However, it's interesting that you don't realize this fact about yourself. [Yours] is a Japanized Korean name. You, my friend, are Korean in ancestry. Cheers!David R., USA - Feb. 6 2002
Recommended web site: Koreans in Japan, Past & Present "Take, for example, the approximately 700,000 North and South Korean nationals dwelling in the country today. The majority of them were born and have grown up in Japan. In fact, a considerable number of them are the third, and even the fourth generation that have been brought up here. Yet, Japanese nationality is based on lineage, meaning that these Korean descendants are not automatically awarded Japanese citizenship."Max Christian, United Kingdom - Feb. 9 2002
Hola hace 8 a?s que visite Japon y ahora que encuentro esta pagina me trae muy buenos recuerdos, extra? a los amigos que deje y que recuerdo con mucho cari?, vivi por dos meses y medio en una poblacion llamada Shibajuku estube trabajando en HIJ (Harada Industries Japan), me es grato el encontrarme con esta pagina que me hace recordar el poco tiempo que pase ahi. Les felicito y agradesco por esta pagina, tambien quisiera saber si por medio de ustedes podria tener contacto con las personas que conoci en Japon.
Puedo leer el ingles pero mi gramatica y vocabulario en ingles son muy malos por ello no lo escribo, espero que me pudieran contestar... arigato anata.
Poor English translation: Hello, I have been visiting Japan for 8 years and now this encounter with this page brings very good memories to me, stranger to the friends that I left and that memory with much affection, vivi by two months and means in a population called Shibajuku estube working in HIJ (Harada Industries Japan), I am pleased finding me with this page that makes me remember just a short time that passes ahi. I congratulate to them and agradesco by this pagina, also wanted to know how if by means of you podria to have contact with the people who conoci in Japon. I can read English but my grammar and vocabulary in English are very bad for that reason I do not write it, I hope that arigato anata could answer me....alberdon@hotmail.com, Mexico - Mar. 1 2002
Ya know, the koreans and japanese hate each other. period. As and american Even I can see that the two have considered each other sub human for centuries and now Japan must deal with the fact that its former colony, Korea, Is a powerfull nation Backed by all sorts of countries. Korea has endured World War Two, Its own Civil war. And now people who have not seen what both sides have done to each other are saying that the two love each other. This is False.John Doe, USA - Mar. 3 2002
this web site is really awesome. i am studying Japan so the pictures helped a lot.nicole, I live in usa - Mar. 3 2002
Hey, your page is ambitous. Don't feel worried, I found a fragmet of code in the text, see as follows: We were the guests of the Osaka family (in Osaka), as Hitomi had been Amanda's penfriend for many yput index.shtml ears, during which ... Perhaps you will rather remove ... Nevertheless, the site is very informing, as I try to understand foreign cultures for my self. Maxmailto@maxrhahn.com, Germany - Mar. 16 2002
I was really enjoyed reading your impressions about Korea&Japan...I'm a student and i'm going to graduate from the Pedagogical University the faculty of oriental languages.I've been in Korea for 2 times and there i met a lot of friends from Japan that is why may be i have a big dream to visit Japan...And now thanx for your article i have some imaginations about this great country!Thank you....)))Natasha Popova, Russia - Mar. 17 2002
your page sucksmark, USA - Mar. 18 2002
I like this page so much, and im Korean who lives in Japan well, i lived here about whole my life but i borned in korea. Well, most of Korean don't hates Japan, but some of wild? people have kinds of rively. well i like Japan and Korea. They are pretty similer cultural contries. hope they are friendlyKorean in Japan - Mar. 25 2002
i have a korean girlfreind..she is so HOTYokop Hiro, Japan - Mar. 27 2002
where are the famous steam baths ?
, - 3 Apr 2002
There are 35,000 soldiers stationed in korea i would kno since i was born in a military base in seoul great site but you should have more photos
supersayinelite9@aol.com, USA - 4 Apr 2002
Although I find your page a great diary about your experience, I find it too be somewhat misleading from a factual perspective. As a student studying International Relations at SAIS of Johns Hopkins concentrating in East Asia, your comment about Korea having lower literacy compared to European countries is totally bogus. It is probably the most absurd things you can say about Korea. Korea is notorious for stringent academics imposed on the kids. Their kids rank 1st in international exams that test science and math easily beating western European nations. literacy level in Korea is now virtually 100%.
dgilliam80@hotmail.com, USA - 8 Apr 2002
It actually says that the level of illiteracy in Korea is lower, partly as a result of the excellent writing system. Illiteracy, not literacy.
Max, United Kingdom - 8 Apr 2002
Well duh KOreans obviously, had a hatred toward Japan because of what they did and as hard as every Korean girl and bor tries to forget about the happenings of their ancestors its kinda hard...welll would u automatically forgive when the enemy has killed off your whole family practically? were still trying..it takes time...and if your not Korean dont even try to compare it to some other incident...it aint da same
Joey aka Josephine Lee, Korea - 9 Apr 2002
I really enjoyed the pictures and hope to one day visit Japan
Patrice Wright lilbit281@yahoo.com, USA - 10 Apr 2002
Nice site. I retired from the Air Force three years ago. During my career, I was stationed in both countries. My wife is from South Korea. I'm half Japanese(my mother was from Okinawa). Japan also took over Okinawa and made it in it's own image. Reading your impressions and viewing the photos brought back a lot of good memories of having lived in both countries. Both cultures can live in harmony if they work at it. My wife and I have culture differences but get along great. It was amazing reading the messages. History not learned is failed to repeat it's self. I honest believe and my wife agrees on this. Japan must openly admit to the world what it has done in Korea and give some sort of compensation especially to the Korean women used as the Japanese Army's pillow women. They should formally say they are sorry and ask the Korean people to forgive them. This is the only way to fully normalize relations and bury the hatchet.
Anon, USA - 15 Apr 2002
Recommended article: http://www.time.com/time/asia/features/japan_view/neighbor.html
Max Christian, United Kingdom - 16 Apr 2002
esta pagina logro para mi un gran interes logrando resolver preguntas que no tenian solucion, sigan asi y grasias
josiasfuenmayor, venezuela - 18 Apr 2002
I had visited Japan two times and I never felt japan like that it is today. I think it is my fault that i had ignored the things.I am looking to visit japan again after visited these site.I will be soon visiting Korea also and will see its beauty which is ignored by me
sandeep_chawla@hotmail.com, India - 20 Apr 2002
I enjoyed your page. Thanks for writing it!
TJ, USA - 25 Apr 2002
I LIKE YOUR SITE SO VERY MUCH.I WOULD LIKE TO COME DOWN TO KOREA/JAPAN TO LEARN MORE ABOUT YOUR CULTURE.I JUST ENJOYED WHAT I JUST READ.IT IS REALLY EXITING TO KNOW THAT A WHOLE LOT OF PEOPLE REALLY CONTRIBUTED TO MAKING THAT PART OF THE WORLD A WONDERFUL PLACE FOR ALL.JUST KEEP THE GOOD WORK GOING OK.I WOULD LIKE TO COME DOWN AND GET TO SEE A WHOLE LOT OF ARTISTRY THAT I JUST SAW.PLS MAIL ME AND DO GIVE ME THIS OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT AND KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR CULTURE.I LOVE KOREAN/JAPANESE CULTURE.I HAVE GREAT AND KEEN INTEREST FOR CULTURE.I AWAIT YOUR RESPONSE SOONEST.HYACINTH
VIGOZINITORY@YAHOO.COM, NIGERIA - 27 Apr 2002
In response to someone's comment: It is not so much that Koreans have an inferiority complex to the Japanese - any person who knows a Korean can attest to that - but ratherit is the Japanese who have a superiority complex, and it is not just toward Koreans(Read about WWII atrocities). Newsflash Japan, you're not all that! My suggestion is if you want to learn more about the two nation's history do real research for yourself, and do not take the generalities found at this one site to be "truth". Do some more digging, I think many things will surprise you. I am a fan of both nations!Lastly, about this site, it is a nice travel diary-like page, but a bit threadbare on actual facts and interesting pictures.
Jerry, USA - 3 May 2002
I think its great that Korea and Japan are cohosting the World Cup. Korea and Japan are both great countries and could cooperate even further to become greater force in Pacific Rim. Let's face it, the cooperation can only lead to better economic force in world market as well as bringing two coutries closer. I can't wait until the World Cup starts!
Joe, USA - 3 May 2002
I think this writing is very good. I will go to Japan for 3 months to study in OSAKA. I hope to visit a lot of places there.See you later
JUAN SUAREZ, suarezjc@hotmail.com, COLOMBIA - 7 May 2002
thanks this was very helpful for my 6th grade project i got an a +
samwarman@fuse.net, USA - 14 May 2002
Korean culture and development had been much more higher than Japan's before Meiji. And Japanese had borrowed many things from Korea up to that time(~1860), including the method of producing 'traditional Japanese' paper. Few Western people know the fact that Koreans invented printing 200 years before Gutenberg.Then Japan opened to the World, and Korea couldn't do that, because of the fears of a foreign invasion. Japan and China had always been military stronger and could invade Korea. Japan opened, and began its economic development, showing the World 'its own' culture. Then, on Korean turn many Western people began to think that Korea is 'copying a Japanese model'. But that's not true! In fact, Japanese culture is a daughter culture derived from Korean roots. And Japanese were worse than Nazies, because they wanted to erase their own cultural roots, trying to erase Korean nationality, and absorb Koreans much more in a way as they did with Ainus. Yes, some youngsters in Korea like Japanese comics and songs, but why Japanese tourists want to visit Cholla-do (province) and see the ancient stone statues?
Igor, Russia - 16 May 2002
To igor from Russia
>Korean culture and development had been much more higher than Japan's before Meiji
These are pictures of Nandaemon in 1880 and 1897 only 100 years ago.Korean life was really poor.
http://foreign.korail.go.kr/japan/centennial/photo/img/photo-100/p-1-1.jpg
http://www2.nhcc.go.kr/photo/img/bmp/S1434.JPG
http://www2.nhcc.go.kr/photo/img/bmp/S1435.JPG
http://www2.nhcc.go.kr/photo/img/bmp/S1437.JPG
You may search the older than 100years pics of Japan. And you will know the truth.
btw Are you really from Russia?
bishio, Nippon - 19 May 2002
Bishio, Igor's post came from an IP address registered to the a bureau in Zelenograd, Moscow, Russia. So he probably is as Russian as you are Japanese (Miyazaki?)
Max Christian, UK - 19 May 2002
i'd like to say the pics are great.i think that japan and korea are both beautiful countries.I can see that even on this wep page there is still some tension from some people.But its the 21 century.and sorry if i offend anyone,but don't you think japan already payed the price for what they did.remember!a-bomb.i know a little bit about how koreans feel.after all japan invaded china also.my parents tried to put that in my head."why you friend with japs, they slaughter our people". but that happened in a time when some of us weren't even born yet.We can't hate each other over something that happened in the past.i hope that someday korea can be united again so all those families seperated for so long can see they're family again.To be without family is very painful.ne ways!cool page max
tse ming you, canada - 20 May 2002
This site is funny
123@aol.com, Bolivia - 20 May 2002
Thanx Max for confirming that I am from Russia. I'm 100% Slavic Russian and without Far Eastern ancestors. Thanx Bishio for a very interesting site about Korean history (www2.nhcc.go.kr.). The pics you picked up show the extreme poverty in Korea. There are many other pics which are better. You may also pick up some pics of homeless people, drug addicts on high, taken in today's US, show them to someone in 100 years from now and say that was America 100 years ago. Besides, Nam Dae Moon (the Southern Gates) was the entrance to Seoul, it was not the downtown Seoul as it is now. However, my point was that Japan adopted many things and innovations from Korea prior to the economic development of Japan, which began in the 19th century. Before that Japan was more poor than Korea. Do you remember Kurosawa's movie where seven samurais saved the village from gangsters? The life in the Japanese village was very poor. Japanese just adopted western civil engineering technologies earlier than Koreans. But if you compare traditional Japanese and traditional Korean houses you will see the difference: Korean houses are heated by a sofisticated system located under the floor (on deol), and in a Japanese house people should gather in the middle of the room and cover their legs by a blanket to be heated by the fire located only in the middle of the room. So, western people and Japanese simply underevalue Korean culture because many people outside Korea don't know much about it, and Japanese still ignore Korean achievements and history.btw Max, you site is great!
Igor, Russia - 22 May 2002
thank you so much for hearing my view,is not doubt that asiacity like japan korea have always been has a country that has the highest culture display.Little wonder they were given the right to host all 32 country at this summer game you talk about football and culture two different thing summing up to become indeed only from a country that has the pedigree.well sir for proper recording i think you just have to update this site with some feature real thing because your country is blessed indeed.above all the best place for any tourism to be is to be in the asian part of the japan to precise.thank you GOD BLESSJames Peters
chrisnwa2001@yahoo.com, Nigeria - 24 May 2002
I would like to let bishio know ..the fact that korea have suffering from japanthe fact that japan have forged his own history,culture and even textbook of school.
kamjaism@naver.com, korea - 26 May 2002
in addtion to above comments,I would like to let all people in the world know my comments are really true, so I add provable sites below
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/asia-pacific/newsid_1429000/1429989.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/asia-pacific/newsid_1319000/1319495.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/world/asia-pacific/newsid_1257000/1257835.stm
kamjaism@naver.com, korea - 28 May 2002
This game is too good for the dialoug of civilazations & Soprt meet
Shadmehr63@Hotmail.com, Islamic Republic of IRAN - 1 Jun 2002
This website sucks like hell! Whoever did this is a b*****d!
samuelboy, U.S. - 2 Jun 2002
u suck
skibabe1188@stny.rr.com, U.S.A - 2 Jun 2002
The majority of contributions from the United States are edited out; the previous two are included so that readers can see why. (Comments are never edited out unless they are entirely content-free, even if very critical.)
Max Christian, UK - 2 Jun 2002
I really like this web page its very interesting the way you make the information have his life. if you know a way to learn japanesse or korean please send me information thank you
bernalaguilar284@hotmail.com, guatemala - 4 Jun 2002
Your site is really good and will help me with my project at school. Have you ever thought of taking up photography! Who are you cheering for in the World Cup, England,Japan or Korea?
Charli, U.K - 15 Jun 2002
i did not like the comments you made about japan. what books are you reading? you claim you dont understandnothing about japan. you are problably from korea.you can not handle japan being the best. thank you
martha , united states - 28 Jun 2002
Which comments don't you like? (And I assume you don't like them because you disagree?)
Max Christian, UK - 28 Jun 2002
great site! easy to navigate, nice pictures.. a little thin on the japanese side, but i'm sure you'll keep your promise (when the time comes :)as an outsider, i don't quite understand the fuss about the past - the hostility between koreans and japanese.. true, japanese had done koreans wrong, but that was well over 50 years ago. those friggin brutal japanese soldiers and colonists are already rotten in hell... and i believe few of the victims and their immediate relatives are still alive.. so what more do you want? don't let meaningless pride and patriotism get in the way, and if apology is what it takes for better relationship, the japanese should do it..that being said, i have a feeling that it's not gonna happen any time soon.. from my experience, most japanese are, to put it mildly, discriminatory against other peoples. i have many good japanese friends, and they treat me well as an individual, but they seem to think of their race as better than others. that is bad, and they need to change. i'm hopeful that younger generations won't be like those old farts in the cabinet right now.
Thai in US, Thailand - 29 Jun 2002
korea is a great nation japan is a sick nation
xihu, china - 4 Jul 2002
The previous message came from Heilongjiang province, China
Max, UK - 4 Jul 2002
With Hirohitos kneeling surrender to the democratic world (and the perpetual release of his bogus god-like stature) coming over the radio waves in the city of Seoul, millions of South and North Koreans heard the news and took to the streets in jubilation with a sense that justice had finally prevailed. This historic moment that took place on August 15, 1945, is still being celebrated in Korea as Independence Day ?a solemn national holiday. Ironically, and in the mind of many Westerner, a date that will live in infamy?and the forces of evil?are very short lived. For example, Mitsubishi - the same label that had created the Japanese A6M Zero?fighters that flew over Pearl Harbor ?now sells vehicles in the UK and US next to museums that showcase the Spitfire and Mustang
Harold II, USA - 5 Jul 2002
Max, great site -- I am learning Korean and hope to visitS. K. some time. Seeingthe pics makes me want to go there,and I also hope that more people can recognize thedistinctions between these nations Korea & Japan. I guess that people can become very nationalistic, so the anger thateveryone is inputting is normal. Who took the pictures ofthe temple and castle? ---asta15@juno.com
Derek Urmston, USA - 8 Jul 2002
Max, great site -- I am learning Korean and hope to visitS. K. some time. Seeingthe pics makes me want to go there,and I also hope that more people can recognize thedistinctions between these nations Korea & Japan. I guess that people can become very nationalistic, so the anger that%0
Derek Urmston, USA - 8 Jul 2002
Korea and Vietnam are very similar, except that South Korea is strong and North Korea Communist cannot invade the South!Koreans in someway are more human to each other than VN, we used foreign weapons to kill each other for 30+ years with 5 millions died !!
vinhluu, vietnam - 9 Jul 2002
Five million is an appalling number. I promise to make a page like this about Vietnam's troubles one day, we don't hear enough about it in Europe compared to, say, the Holocaust. (I'm not at all sure Koreans deserve to be called more human than Vietnamese though.)
Max, UK - 9 Jul 2002
I am an American born Korean student hwo lived for a while in Japan. I must say that your website is great. How you came up with such terrific insights on life in both countries in such a short time is remarkable.
, - 10 Jul 2002
Quite nice work! The visual qualities of your site are first-rate; I especially like the clean look and your choice of fonts. Some of your photographs are truly magnificent.Just want to add my personal thoughts on the relations between Japan and Korea. Koreans distrust Japanese. If you study their long history it's understandable, I think. My own impression of the way the two peoples interact with outsiders might offer some insights as well. Koreans tend to be much earthier than Japanese, who often pointlessly maintain facades of propriety. Through my work I've gotten to know both Koreans and Japanese, and I find that I feel a more complete and sincere friendship with the Koreans than the Japanese. A final impression (based only on my experience) is that the average Korean seems to speak English better than the average Japanese. This might explain the Koreans' greater comfort level with someone like me. It might also explain the higher occurence of internet activity from Korea than Japan, this board being one example of this.
Matt, USA - 11 Jul 2002
Great site. Too bad there are so many hatemongers out there. Very ugly. 3 questions for someone more informed than myself. 1) Why is there an immigrant exodus from Korea at present,vice almost none from Japan? What is so bad about circumstances in Korea at present? 2) Christianity has made such inroads into Korea, but has had almost no success in other Confucian based countries(China, Taiwan, Japan, SE Asia) Why? 3)If Korea hates Japan so much,why are they copying their economic model,fashions, tv programming (Korean dramas are almost word for word copies of two month old Japanese dramas)? Lots of "illegal" Japanese culture entering Korea. From an outsider looking in, the relationship isn't hate. It is more ambiguous than that. Japan can be likened to a mean older brother. Respected, a souce of family (Asian) pride, but the younger siblings still hold intense feelings of jealousy and anger.
Terry E, USA - 16 Jul 2002
1) Apart from being a contradiction in terms (I think you mean emmigrant!), the reasons seem to be related to the pressure and lack of meritocracy. However, the most important reason is the education in Korea. It hasn't kept up with the economy, so people can afford to educate their children abroad. I live in St John's Wood, London with a huge number of Japanese people and few Koreans. 2) I'm not sure, they are very pluralistic about religion for some reason, like the UK. Christianity does not dominate. The Koreans I know well are very pragmatic about death and (I hope they don't feel this is patronising) I think this is related to the war. This would explain religious pluralism in my mind. 3) This question is nonsensical. One of your mistakes is that Korea is older, not younger. There is some jealousy and anger, but not of the character you suggest
Max Christian , UK - 16 Jul 2002
Look at this The New Axis, National Socialist Japanese Workers Party, NSJAP
Pierre, France - 17 Jul 2002
The previous message came from Lille, France.
Max Christian, UK - 17 Jul 2002
Reply to Kerry E: U are WAY over ur head. Korea's dramas aren't copies of Japans. They never are! vice versa. The same goes for the shows. Korean dramas have once bin translated into chinese but a japanese drama has NEVER been translated into Korean and watched by Koreans. We are not jealous of Japan. We have no reason to be. Our econimic power is 10th in the world and we've endured a civil war just 50 years ago. Dats sayin alot. And we are only angry at the Japanese for kidnapping thousands of young Korean men and forcing them to do labor like slaves. They also kidnapped 200,000 young Korean women to be forced to SEX SLAVES. half of the women suicided by jumping out of trucks and off of cliffs. ILLEGAL culture coming into Korea? Dats ALL WRONG. We've influenced Japan by givin them knowledge from ANCIENT times. They stole one of our temple BELLS and they still have it, they say dat now its theirs. Us influenced by them...no way my friend. Ur fashion statement is ALL wrong too. Our fashion is influenced by the US and France. PERIOD. Not by Japan, never by Japan
KOREAN, US, NJ - 17 Jul 2002
The problem betwen Corea and Japan has to do with history. Japan is an economic power and due to this fact when they down play or omit certain historical facts no one says anything. Since, they are such an economic power most other countries are very friendly with them. Unfortunately for Japan, they are next to two of the most ancient cultures in the world who take pride in their written history of more than 5000 years. Japan is a young nation comparatively, and due to this fact many ideas/processes were introduced to them by the Coreans and Chinese. Japan will omit or down play these facts and it angers their neighbors. Especially Corea cause so much of Japans culture is derived from Corea. The fact that Japans emperial family has Corean blood, the fact that writing was introduced to them by the Coreans, the sword making process was introduced to them by the Coreans (although, Japan now makes better swords, the Katana). These facts make Japan talk about 1910-1945 at which point they were more powerful than the Coreans. In addition, the Japanese were able to pretty much destroyed the Corean emperial family (or mix with them). But for Coreans, its more than about the last 50 years (of not apologizing for war crimes) its about all of history which angers them more. They want Japan to acknowledge the truth. How ideas like Buddism and certain ancient ship building processes were introduced to them by their neighbors. Japans misrepresented their history for so long that some Japanese don't even realize the truth anymore. In addition, the Coreans are probably upset cause they were not able to introduce asian ideas to the west like Japan did. And since Japan is suppose to be the inferior culture, from their misguided view of history, its difficult to accept the fact that Japan is powerful now. In the past Japan was trying to learn the advance technology from Corea, now this is not true, Japan is more technologicall advanced. These countries should try to work together instead of bickering about history. They are both doing well economically now and they should combine their efforts and try to abolish proverty in the rest of Asia.I spell Corea with a C, cause the name Corea comes from Coryo (an old name for Corea), depending on which country you are from it can be spelled with a C or a K. Portugal and Italy (Marco polo) spell Corea with a C. I guess it's just preference. A long time ago it used to be spelled with a C, eventhough Corea with a K is more popular now. To me it's more aesthetically pleasing to spell it with a C. I've always seen both spellings of it. Recently, though I did hear a rumor (I don't know how valid this is) that when Japan started to become powerful, and started making alliances with european powers they made sure Corea was spelled with a K so that Japan would always come first in the alphabet in front of Corea. Maybe this rumor is making the C spelling of Corea more popular. I don't know where this rumor came from??? but I do know that when the first Europeans came to Asia the "Sea of Japan" was called the East Sea or East Sea of Choson (another old name for Corea, also originally spelled with a C). You could probably find the old name of the East Sea in old European maps. China and Corea never wanted to stop using the name East Sea, but since most of the World now know this Sea, as the Sea of Japan...Corea is trying to get the original name recognized. (Of course this will not make Japan happy)...see the stupid problems these two countries keep running in to. Have you ever heard Japan say the Japanese Imperial Navy....the navy that had never been defeated until WWII. Of course the United States likes to push this idea, cause then the U.S. becomes the first to defeat the mighty Japanese Navy. But when Corea hears this they are left saying, hey the Corean Navy demolished the Japanese Navy in the late 1500's (or what they had as a Navy at the time)....You can see why Coreans get frustrated with Japanese representation of history.....these little details start to add up and then both countries start bickering about everything....even stupid things that aren't related. I really think Asia would be better off, if Japan and Corea started working together instead of always looking down at each other.
Another reply to Terry E: 1) There was an exodus from Corea to Japan (Japan is economically better off, they are the number 2 economy in the world) in the 80's and may have been a little during the economic meltdown in 97 but currently there really isn't that much of a migration. Alot of Coreans also come back from Japan after they realize their myths about Japans bubble economy is not as good as they thought it was. Also, right now, Japans been in a recession for over a decade. 2) Christianity did make inroads in Corea but not to the extend Terry believes only 4 million people are christian/catholic. Christians make more of an impact cause christianity feel you should do on to others...etc, while asian religions believes don't do to others what you don't what done to yourself. Christians try to convert you pro-actively. Also, Christianity became popular cause Corea couldn't believe the inhumanity Japan was committing in Corea during 1910-1945. Christianity was teaching love, this seemed appealing to Coreans when the Japanese were committing war crimes. 3) Terry you must be a very smart man to be able to speak Corean, Japanese and English fluently. To know that dramas are beeing copied word for word. And also to know who came up with the Drama first (Are you sure you weren't watching a Corean re-run, something maybe the Japanese copied) Coreas economic model is actually more based on the U.S. and since Japan copies alot from the U.S. it makes Japan and Coreas economies look similar. And of course when you make something illegal, it seems to attract more attention who knows why.
Mark Ro, US - 17 Jul 2002
Is adoption a real part of Korean History?I mean, how is it seen, what do Korean peoplethink about it? Does anyone know, please?
mia, france - 19 Jul 2002
I live in Hawaii, am of Japanese ancestry, and am sick and tired of hearing Koreans blast people of Japanese ancestry, wherever they are. It don't matter if we live in the USA, Japan, or on Mars....we are the same everywhere aren't we? Well you know what? If you Korean, think that, then you are just as bad as Japanese people were doing the war. C'mon the war is over, get with the times man. And if any of you try to point out that "Japan has never apologized for the sins of war", I really don't give a s**t. Thats because although I have a Japanese last name, I am an American, my ancestors came to Hawaii over a hundred years ago, and, frankly, I could give a f***s ass what Koreans think. Life goes on, and Koreans will never get ahead with so much hatred and aggression in their inner self.
Pepe, Hawaii, USA - 19 Jul 2002
Little Memo to Pepe:If your father were killed without any specific reasons other than that he was a Japanese, if your mom were raped just right in front of you because she was a Japanese and if the people who did those terrible things to your parents keep silent, you still do not care?? If you are, God will never forgive you!
sandra, canada - 1 Aug 2002
Igor came from Russian registered IP then he is probably a Russian? Nonsense. There're so many proxy servers. May I write via Sri Lanka?Igor's way of thinking is typical Korean of orthodox Neo-Confucianism effected. Which is superior? Which is higher ranked? Which culture is more advanced? Korea educated Japan. Japanese have to thank Korean. Korea is the big brother of Japan. They really want to believe that Korea is superior to Japan. But the reality is far different from their fantasy. Igor, you see the photos. Those are the CAPITAL OF KOREA. Don't evade the definite answer by resorting to wiles. CAPITAL OF KOREA was the slum. Then you have to admit your ridiculous fantasy is wrong: "Korean culture and development had been much more higher than Japan's before Meiji". If those are not enough, I can show you more pics of miserable life of old Korean.You told "Japanese were worse than Nazies" ha? If you are a Russian, you don't say that. How many people killed by Communist governments all over the world? And if you are a Korean, remember what did you do at the Vietnam war.All things between Japan and Korea is solved by the Japan-Korea treaty in 1965.Don't complain to today's Japanese about the past things anymore.To MaxThis board is really unpleasant. Why Japan is disparaged without reliable evidence like the story Corea and Korea? It's only because of Germanish or Latin linguistically.Now, they can change to Corea. Who cares? I don't care.
bishio, Nippon - 7 Aug 2002
I would be surprised if an investment bureau was running a proxy server for Koreans, and Ivor did not know when he posted that you would make an issue about his nationality. Did you use a proxy server to fake your location when you posted? No, you did not.You are right that some of the comments on this page are unpleasant, including yours. Why are you trying to establish that one country is superior to another? I have never seen an American arguing angrily that their country is "better" than Britain, even though that would be an easier opinion to justify than yours.
I visited Germany at the weekend and was hugely impressed by the maturity of their attidutes compared with Britain. I don't see that maturity in many Japanese politicians, or public opinion. How long will it be before a Japanese architect can design the Korean parliament building, and vice versa? (A British gentleman designed the renovated German parliament.) Mind you, I hope no Korean architect will be allowed to design anything until they've sorted out Seoul, the ugliest city I have ever seen.
Max, UK - 7 Aug 2002
"...Now, they can change to Corea. Who cares? I don't care."Bishio, you sould like you really care! In future rantings, please use Corea, not Korea. OK? Hope you don't mind if we Coreans refer to your country as Zapan. No more Japan...
kwon, usa - 8 Aug 2002
Max, don't you know there're so many proxy servers whoever can use even if its admin doesn't assume? May I show you an office owned proxy IP whoever can use in the U.S.? Anyway, this is a matter of opinion. Am I trying to say that one country is superior to another? You took wrong. I think my poor English skill misleaded. Who said "Korean culture and development had been much more higher than Japan's before Meiji"? Who said the narrow-minded, academically deniable thing for the first? I just want to correct the one's ignorance and misunderstanding. I think to justify the opinion the US is better than UK is more difficult.Do you know the Petronas twin tower in Malay?http://www.geocities.com/zek_my/twin.htmlThe left is Japan built and the right is Korea. Will you please count the number of lights by each building? The left building is gradually leaning. Tenants selects the left building.And do you know a KB-bridge in palau? A Korean company built.http://www.ketchum.org/bridgecollapsepix/Palau1-526x781.jpghttp://www.ketchum.org/bridgecollapsepix/Palau2-525x781.jpg http://www.ketchum.org/bridgecollapsepix/Palau3-525x782.jpghttp://www.ketchum.org/bridgecollapsepix/Palau4-523x781.jpghttp://www.ketchum.org/bridgecollapsepix/Palau5-524x781.jpgAnd then Japan cleaned out and made up for their mistake by ODA.http://www.tomisho.co.jp/sport/localinfo/palau/images/011102kb_palau.jpghttp://www.tomisho.co.jp/sport/localinfo/palau/images/011102kb_japan.jpg If they can build a respectable and stable architecture. I welcome your daydream.Have you ever visited Taiwan? I!
bishio, Zapan? :-p Nippon - 8 Aug 2002
"If they can build a respectable and stable architecture. I welcome your daydream.."Zapan is funny. It always claims to be more logical and objective than Corea. But some Zapanese can't help but take swips at others to prove how great and superior Zap. is. Why countries that know Zapan best and closest, like Corea, China, and Russia despise Zapan? There are good reasons.The greatest Zap. architectural contribution in China are the factories and laboratories in Manchuria that produced and tested biological and chemical weapons. It still stand today, along with the hidden unused toxic dump it buried in Chinese soil...The greatest Zap. architecture in Seoul or Keijo (Zap. name) was the "Chosen Zingu". huge shrine dedicated to the Zapanses king and Zapan's alleged ancient rule over poor Corea. To make room for it on Namsan mountain, Zapanese architects destroyed old buddist temples dating to early Chosun dynasty. Only foundation stones remain today. Not suprisely, soon after liberation day, hated "Zingu" was totally burned to the ground. Young Coreans do not know it even exisited. For there ever to be peace, young Zapanese need to learn to be more humble and pay respects to many of its victims. And not just from Corea.
kwon, usa - 8 Aug 2002
Hi! I am a person from the U.S. and looking for three american names and need to be transulated into Japaneese :)OK here they are they are David, Scott, and Heather thank you very much :)
Komekazee@yahoo.com, United States of America - 9 Aug 2002
>Cwon ..oops! sorry KwonI think the best contributing architecture that Japan built in China is Pudong airport in Shanghai. If you don't like the articles in Korea built by Japan, you should abondon the Seoul university, 5123 elementary schools, 3872km rail road, old bridge over the HanGan river, barriers to prevent landslides, afforested area of 140,000,000 trees, 20132322000 sq.m farmland, hydroelectric powerstations, Pusan port, and so on. And back to the life in Yi-dynasty era.Korea is derogatory term like Jap, Gook, Chink?I will use Corea after the Korean government officially changed Korea to Corea with the reason that they can't accept J is former than K. What I care is that Korean circulates the rumor that Japan forced to change Korea to Corea without evidence. Why don't you ask Romans to change the alphabet "K,A,B,C,D....X,Y,J" when a time travel machine is invented in the future? You can call Zapan if you like and be satisfied. We call our country Nippon or Nihon like Finlands call their own country as Suomi. btw do you pronounce the "Zero" as "Jero"?
bishio, Nippon - 13 Aug 2002
Bishio, It's stupid and ridiculous. I AM RUSSIAN!!!When Max placed my IP address my first thought was that my boss probably would not see what I'm doing on the job - fortunately he doesn't surf the same sites as I do.I couldn't find black&white historic pics of Japan which would be of the same low quality with scratches as you showed about Korea. But those pics of Japan that I found was not so much better than many Korean pics. Japanese pics however are cleaned (sometimes by computer) with color added. My opinion is that Japanese want their history look better, Koreans just show exact how it was. Look what I found: "Early forms of Japanese architecture shared a close relationship with Korean architecture. Korean influence is evident in various buildings, which were originally created between 57 and 665 BC." It is located: http://library.thinkquest.org/27458/nf/architecture/history.html
Why worse than Nazies? Because 1) Nazies killed many people in Russia.They were not human. However they didn't want Russians to become Germans. They didn't force Russians to study German language, didn't prohibit education in Russian language. But Russian culture and language were both alien for them. Japanese tried to erase Korean people as a nation. That means to erase their own history, and then completely fake it.
2) Neither Nazies nor Communists did make of young girls SEX SLAVES. That is truly Japanese "innovation" in history! If Communist would rape a girl during Stalin dictatorship, he is sentenced by tribunal and could be shot dead no matter of his rank. Of course, there were many crimes commited by Nazies and Communists, but there was no governmentally approved system of making of females sex slaves!!! The girls were promised jobs in factories, some of them kidnapped. Many of them commited suicide.
Bishio, do you have a sister? Than imagine ... in detail ... and shed up and never ask why Japanese were worse than Nazies! 1965 Treaty didn't solve anything. No one of that women is compensated still.
Igor [full name and Russian phone numbers supplied by email], Russia - 13 Aug 2002
"If you don't like the articles in Korea built by Japan, you should abondon the Seoul university, 5123 elementary schools, 3872km rail road, old bridge over the HanGan river, barriers to prevent landslides...blah blah blah.." I knew Zapanese would bring this up! This is typical Zapese response: "Yes, we ruled your country without your consent, yes we forced you to be 4d class subjects of great Zap. empire, yes, we took your men to be slaves, yes we took your women as sex slaves, but we built you railroads and Seoul University! You poor Coreans were fortunate to have been ruled by Great Zapan!"Zapan should provide support for such wild claims. According to intl statistics, Corea was one of the poorest and most undeveloped countries after the war. For example, Economist mag. says in 1960, Corea per. income was $60. Lower than most African countries. American GIs who went to Corea in 1950s always commented on the poverty and lack of development in Corea: no roads, no buildings, no bridges, nothing.
Actually, the economic gap between old Yi-Chosun and the West was less than between 1950 Corea and the West.
I don't think it is fair for Zapan to take credit for Corean development over past 30 years, which is due to hard work and positive spirit. Actually, it is an insult to Coreans.
The truth is Zapan used Corea for its own purposes. It stole Corean rice, coal and forestry so that Zapan could concentrate on industrializing. Yes it built the first 3 or 4 buildings of Seoul U. or Keijo U. (Zap. name), but it was to educate illegal Zap. colonialists, not native Coreans! Yes it built some other stuff, but only to serve Zap. rule (like railroads to move Jap. troops), not to help Corea!
This argument sounds as ridicluous as German saying, "Polish should be grateful to Nazis for the railroads, factories, and showers we built"
kwon, usa - 16 Aug 2002
[One sentence deleted]. It's not a matter.Hey Igor, Don't evade the subject. You wrote "Korean culture and development had been much more higher than Japan's before Meiji". Could you please proof your theory by ways of sociology or cultural history. May I teach you how to proof? First, collect the research material like thisThe population of Edo was larger than Paris in 1800. geography.about.com To keep such a large population, what is essential at that time?
Research the life and development of Edo era in Japan. Transportation network, illiteracy rate, armaments, the crop, arts like Ukiyo-e and so on.You wrote life in Edo is under developed than that of Yi-dynasty's. I demand you to proof your theory. Be responsible what you wrote. Proof your theory or else admit your misconception.
Anti-Japanese passes unfair judgments from today's point of view. They see only negative matters and ignore the positive matters. They never try to research by themselves. And they accuse Japan as if they are the champions of justice. Look and reconsider your own nation's history. You can say your own nation is the spotless integrity? Igor, do you shut your eyes to STALIN and communists' behavior? Many Koreans are forced to move to the undeveloped steppe areas of Kazakhstan or Uzbekistan. Also, Russian communists persecuted Chechen, Kurds, Turk, Ingush, Karachaev, Greek, Abkhazia.
I will admit proper complaints, but I will produce counterevidences against Anti-Japanist's misconceptions one by one.
bishio, Nippon - 26 Aug 2002
Bishio remember it's japan's history text books that are questioned for accuracy by the international community not Russia. cnn.com and China StarBishio you seemed to be obsessed with trying to show that Japan was superior to its neighbors. It's one thing to get population census, but to get data on per capita income and so on would be very difficult. But don't worry that's exactly what the international community is doing and that is why Corea keeps wanting history books updated. Also remember a lot of the data in Corea was destroyed by the Japanese as the Japanese were trying to show the world Japan superiority. The reason why Igor states that pictures of Japan are computer enhanced is cause color photos were not available in 1860. Encarta
The name the East Sea had been used by East Asia for over a millennia. Even Japan used the term East Sea. And although in the 17th or 18th Century the term Sea of Japan appears, its not until 1929 that it gets standardized by the international community. geography.about.com
I don't want to say any one culture is superior to another, all you can do is look at the dates of technological achievements. Like how the Coreans had heated floors when Japan was using blankets over their feet. The time when Corea had Buddhism and Confucianism vs when Japan had it. How long Coreans had writing prior to Japan and so on and so on like how the mainland had double lock canal and used the furnace to mold metal prior to Japan. Just like Bishio can show Japan had better technology in the 1970's and 1980's (Bishio's examples of building's)
Here's something funny.... MartialArts.com....if you go to this site you can find martial art terms....but what's odd is when you look up hwarang...which were warriors with a strict ethics code in Corea that existed in 200 BC you find the definition as similar to Japanese Bushido......But when you look up bushido it tells you Japanese warriors/ethics code in the 1600's....Bushido was around alittle bit before that too, but, this would probably be something Coreans would want to correct....their logic would be Hwarangdo existed more than a thousand year before and if the definition is left this way, it would make people think hwarangdo is a imitation of bushi. It seems stupid to argue about this but this and other similar things are what Corea is systematically changing one at a time. This causes hugh conflict with Japan cause, they just want thing to be left alone. These countries argue about the stupidest things when you really look at it. Corea points out achievements before the 1800's and Japan points out achievements after (Like Bishio). And they just get on each others nerves and start arguing about everything.
A Far East Asian professor once told me, he observed a Japanese and Corean historian argue for over 5 hours. It was about how long after Japan was taught how to write from Corea, did the Corean writing persist in Japan. The Japanese historian was saying until the 4th century, while the Corean historian was saying until the 7th century. 4th or 7th , who cares
Everyone knows the gist of the history.....China is like the Roman empire to Corea. The Coreans adopted many Chinese innovations and later introduced them to Japan. For example the Coreans used Chinese writing and made it fit the Corean language and grammar. And who knows how long the Japanese used this. Information flowed from the mainland out to the islands. Later at some point Japan surpasses not only Corea but also China in advancements (Leaping past China is quite a task remember they were the most technologically advanced nation until the 17th or 18th century that's until the Europeans surpass them). Ok lets make Bishio happy and say Japan surpasses Corea sometime around the meiji period plus or minus 50 years.
Stop arguing over the spelling of Corea.....I did say that was a rumor....Corea and Japan have enough other provable problems without adding to it.
Bishio the reason why Japans neighbors seem to be ganging up on Japan is because everyone else's histories correlate very well and they consult each other when they write about the other nation. Also, compensation for crimes is a concern. For example the story in the Japan times newspaper about unit 731 biological warefare against China. And the way Japan views the past. There was a story in the Asian newsnet.com about how Japanese films portrayed the Japanese military as saviors to Southeast Asia and show an Indonesian woman kissing the feet of a Japanese soldier. These misrepresentations are what causes conflict with your neighbors
Mark Ro, US - 27 Aug 2002
Igor, why don't you mention the FINAL SOLUTION? You know it proves your deception. Some people try to regard the annexation of Korea by Japan in the same light as the FINAL SOLUTION. It is wrong. Today, annexation is not affirmable. However, until before the First World War is ended, annexation was common. The comparable examples are UK and Ireland, France and Basque, Corsica, Brittany. To compare the annexation of Korea with those other examples, Japanese policy toward Korean in those days was mild. Even more, to compare with Western country's colonization of Asia and Africa, Japanese policy in Korea was obviously mild.Do you know the Japanese policy in Korea at that time? For example, Japanese scholars' researched and systematized dying Hangul. And not only for Korean students but also Japanese students in Korea, Hangul was an essential condition from elemntary school. Korean peninsula was the spot of endemic disease and plague like pulmonary tuberculosis, leprosy, dysentery, typhoid. Refer to the medical literature, millions of people died of plagues from 17th to 19th. But plagues were stamped out after Japan built medical facilities. The Srokdo leprosy sanatorium was built in 1916. It was capable of 6,000 leprosy patients. It is very famous in leprosy medical world. Korean peasantry had often suffered famine and they had been imposed heavy tax by Yangban class. Korean peasantry was liberated from Yangban and got ownership of farmland at last after Japan carried agrarian refrom and developed farmland. Also, Japan laid antidiscrimination measure and liberateed the slavery Paekchong class.You may say I'm making conction, then please read these articles.
http://www.ddanzi.com/ddanziilbo/45/45so_3003.html
http://www.ddanzi.com/ddanziilbo/46/46so_3002-1.html
http://www.ddanzi.com/ddanziilbo/46/46so_3002-2.htmDo you like to know the importance of 1965 treaty at the next time?
bishio, Nippon - 29 Aug 2002
I dont want to say any one culture is superior to another, all you can do is look at the dates of technological achievements. Like how the Coreans had heated floors when Japan was using blankets over their feet. The time when Corea had Buddhism and Confucianism vs when Japan had it. How long Coreans had writing prior to Japan and so on and so on like how the mainland had double lock canal and used the furnace to mold metal prior to Japan. Just like Bishio can show Japan had better technology in the 1970s and 1980s (Bishios examples of buildings)
Mark Ro, USA - 29 Aug 2002
A Far East Asian professor once told me, he observed a Japanese and Corean historian argue for over 5 hours. It was about how long after Japan was taught how to write from Corea, did the Corean writing persist in Japan. The Japanese historian was saying until the 4th century, while the Corean historian was saying until the 7th century. 4th or 7th , who caresEveryone knows the gist of the history?.China is like the Roman empire to Corea. The Coreans adopted many Chinese innovations and later introduced them to Japan. For example the Coreans used Chinese writing and made it fit the Corean language and grammar. And who knows how long the Japanese used this. Information flowed from the mainland out to the islands. Later at some point Japan surpasses not only Corea but also China in advancements (Leaping past China is quite a task remember they were the most technologically advanced nation until the 17th or 18th century thats until the Europeans surpass them). Ok lets make Bishio happy and say Japan surpasses Corea sometime around the meiji period plus or minus 50 years.
MARK, USA - 30 Aug 2002
Bishio, you claim that a large population indicates social or technological advancement. But many of today's most populous cities are not well advanced (Bombay, Lagos and Calcutta are all in the top ten), so I don't see the link.
Max Christian, UK - 30 Aug 2002
I think Bishio gets it. Coreans do see Zap. rule as similar to Nazi rule over Poland or France. In Independence Hall in Chonan, there is an exhibit on Zap. colonial policy in Corea. The last room is called "FINAL EXPLOITATION".What was the end result for Corea of Zap. rule? Millions dead or missing. The country divided into two. Then civil war and poverty...Should Coreans say "Thank you Zapan" for crappy Mizubishi train cars they left in Pusan?Btw, why did Allies divide Corea? Corea was innocent. And why was Zapan not divided, like Germany. Maybe Russia should have taken northern is and China taken southern is. Maybe because Zapan was not punished, Zapanese have no reflection. Just a thought
kwon, usa - 30 Aug 2002
They see only negative matters and ignore the positive matters.?Comment made by Bishio. This is a very callus comment, thats like asking the Jews to see the positive matters of the Nazi regime. By saying a lot of what we know about anatomy and physiology came out of concentration camps.
Mark, USA - 31 Aug 2002
Mark, Thank you very much for your respectable lecture about cultures like Levi Strauss's structuralism. I appreciate you. Most of the people see cultures as you wrote, also, I think I know how a culture flows. Do you think Igor wants to exchange instructive opinions about cultures? NEVER. The Cossack just tries to look down Japan by deductive method and biased view. That's why I press the Cossack with sticky way intentionally. You disturbed me to enjoy playing with a matryoshka, thanks.I know Korean Hwarangdo and also they say Korean Saulabi is the origin of Samurai. They often do those kinds of fabrications and try to steal our cultures Bushido, Kendo, Katana and so on. Really, they are in ambivalence. Tragically, Korean suffers from both inferiority and superiority complex to Japan at same time. I think it is caused by Korean government's nationalistic education to get centripetal force. As a result, the easily-controlled masses like Kwon are produced. They blindly obey like Nazi supporters, never think by themselves, repeat another's words like a parrot, and exclude all the objections. Korean nationalists and Japan-haters are very like Nazi. Look at Kwon, the Kimchi believes enormously padded number of dead during 36years and is about to scream g Kill Zap! Kill Zap! Exterminate!h. Ifm so scared.
Bishio, Nippon - 3 Sep 2002
You don't know some of Korean doctors of laws and economist start to admit that the Japanese policy contributed and founded today's South Korean prosperity. They cannot explain their studies without doing that. Still now, old Korean students and their old Japanese teachers visit each other and renew their exchanges. Even the President Kim D.J. willingly visited his old Japanese teacher. Can you see such a situation between German and Jewish? The 36years = FINAL SOLUTION is fallacy of hysteron proteron. Kwon, no need to say thank you, stop telling lies, look by your own eyes, and demand fairly evaluation of Japan like Taiwanese or other Asian people. Talking about the controversial textbook, (We have many kinds of history textbooks and supplementary readers unlike Korea or China. It is one of them), the question is not accuracy but the point of view toward some historical facts. We can know and understand another's point of view. But different nations have each own points of view. It is natural. At any rate, Korean and Chinese claims are interference in Japan domestic affairs and Japan secures freedom of speech and writing. Therefs no reason to accept their absurd claims. Once I talked about the textbook with a Korean guy. He had never read the textbook, just came to know on TV news. He criticizes by anotherfs words. Here again, easily-controlled masses. This time I present a nice old pic. Japanese and Korean at picnic.http://www2.nhcc.go.kr/photo/img/bmp/GF4695.JPG
Bishio, Nippon - 3 Sep 2002
"At any rate, Korean and Chinese claims are interference in Japan domestic affairs and Japan secures freedom of speech and writing." We Chinese and Coreans feel that the annexation of Corea and the invasion and occupation of China was an interfernce in our domestic affairs.
, - 3 Sep 2002
"I know Korean Hwarangdo and also they say Korean Saulabi is the origin of Samurai. They often do those kinds of fabrications and try to steal our cultures Bushido, Kendo, Katana and so on." comment by Bishio. "Coreas economic model is actually more based on the U.S. and since Japan copies alot from the U.S. it makes Japan and Coreas economies look similar. " Comment made by myself previously. We both empathically deny each others influence....This would be kinda funny if you look at it from a third person point of view. (It's weird, no matter how much tempers flare in my experience most travelers/exchange students from Corea and Japan are more likely to become friends than with any other group. I hope people don't believe that Japanese and Coreans only argue when we get together)
, - 4 Sep 2002
"Look at Kwon, the Kimchi believes enormously padded number of dead during 36years and is about to scream g Kill Zap! Kill Zap! Exterminate!h. Ifm so scared. "Why do you make twist my words and make typcial Zapanese racist remarks about Coreans to me? I am not screaming "Kill Zap!" I said Zapanese today have no reflection about the harm they did to Coreans and other Asians and I am wondering why. Ok, maybe I was a bit too sarcastic...But guess who said this a few years back?: "History does not only concern the past, but also things present and things yet to come...How can we make good friends with people who try to forget and ignore the many pains they inflicted on us? How can we deal with them in the future with any degree of trust? Those are questions that we have about the Zapanese."Hint - he is 80 year old man who first hand experienced Zap. rule and who Bishio claims thanks old Zap. teacher for benevolent education during imperial rule.
, - 4 Sep 2002
"President Kim D.J. willingly visited his old Japanese teacher." I just wanted to clarify that President Kim was not educated by the Japanese during 1910-1945. It was much later when he went to school in Japan after he had attended school in Corea. The Coreans from 1910-45 are not visiting the Japanese
, - 4 Sep 2002
Wow! You learned all that in only 3 weeks? I've lived in Korea for almost 2 years and I find wow you stated to be very simple but true. I'm looking to go to Japan next year. If you have any more pictures or info on Japan, Osaka, or Fukuoka, I would be very thankful.Aaron
teachingenglishinkorea@yahoo.ca, Canada - 6 Sep 2002
Here's an interesting story: http://www.time.com/time/asia/magazine/article/0,13673,501020909-346284,00.html Japan has some interesting points of view, they hate to admit Coreas technological superiority prior to meiji. They teach the Japanese that Nanjing was a minor incident and 16 year old girls being raped were willing participants who wanted to have sex with 15 men a day. In Germany, there is also a point of view that the holocaust never happened or was grossly exaggerated, always screaming for proof, prove the holocaust happened, but the german government is secure enough in their history and mature enough about their past not to print these silly points of view in childrens text books. SOME TIMES IT'S OK TO ADMIRE YOUR OWN ACHIEVEMENTS, OTHER TIMES YOU JUST NEED TO SINCERELY BE APOLOGITIC
, - 13 Sep 2002
" President Kim was not educated by the Japanese during 1910-1945" WRONG. He graduated Moppo commercial highschool and his teacher was a Japanese named Mukumoto. Mr.Mukumoto encouraged him to be a politician. Old Korean cannot speak loudly about positive aspects of the 36 years, because the act is regarded as a traitor, called Chin-il-ba in Korea, and they will be coldly treated. Before the democratization of South Korea, they would be arrested. It's a pity that old Koreans can not speak freely with the atmosphere
bishio, nippon - 15 Sep 2002
Oopps, Bishio is right on President Kim growing up in those hard times when many Coreans didn't have a choice. But I was pointing out that being forced by the Japanese and choosing to go to Japan when he was exiled later is more significant
, - 16 Sep 2002
President Kim's studies after exile and the new alliances he made while studying with the Japanese and US are more significant....sorry for the multiple posts, I keep getting interrupted. You have to also realize if Japan did not lose the War, President Kim's humanitarian ideas and Japans brutal policies would have came in to conflict
, - 16 Sep 2002
The 36 years were Hard times? You don't know about the life under Yi-dynasty.SEX SLAVES? The lie has been exposed. coralnet.or.jp. Nanjin massacre? Even Chinese people doesn't believe the communist china's propaganda.President Kim's humanitarian? He say nothing about North Korea's violation of human rights.
bishio, nippon - 16 Sep 2002
Note: I can't continue to allow people to post extremist views on this site because I might be held responsible for publishing them. Denying the existence of widely recognised crimes against humanity falls into this category. Readers who want to debate this topic should find another forum; I recommend alt.culture.korean. Everyone else should bear in mind that what debate that does appear here will be biased because such views will not be published.
Max Christian, UK - 16 Sep 2002
I guess alot of Zapanese are upset about N. Corean admission of kidnapping handful of its nationals. "Crime against humanity", "unforgivable" they say. Chairman Kim Jong Il had to apologize even. I never thought I would see the day Zapanese accuse Coreans of kidnapping of school girls and Coreans have to apologize. Times sure are changing
kwon, usa - 20 Sep 2002
First, I want to say "thank you" to this site's host for the opportunity for everyone to have their two cents (or 200 won). I think modern Corean history is facsinating, but it was an area that was ignored for a long time. Fortunately, there is now a great increase in interest in this area, both in Corea and in the West. Please see a good website about the colonial period prepared by UC Berkeley at Korea's Colonial Period. Peacekwon, usa - 22 Sep 2002
The site is marvellous and very rich of anything one can imagine.
cnde2002@yahoo.com, Cameroon - 23 Sep 2002
Korea and Japan can't have good relationship until Japan come clean about their heritage and culture. Why do the Japanese scholars not recognize the fact that their ancestors were Koreans and ultimately Chinese. Why are they so arrogant about their so called "unique" culture. Why do they require you to take on a Japanese name if one wants to live there and work?
Joe Lee, Korean American - 24 Sep 2002
I found this site by accident and it's been rather interesting reading. I'm an American PhD and I study East Asia and I have a few points to make that'll hopefully get rid of some inaccuracies on this site:1) It's irrelevant which cities in Japan or Korea were more primitive or not. The fact is that before the dispersion of Western technology throughout the world, both Japan and Korea were rather dismal places (but then so was the rest of the world, period, before the industrial revolution in England). It's simply a matter of degree (of poverty) than kind.
2) For Koreans, harping on Japan's past atrocities does no good. Korea's best revenge is to beat Japan at her own game...and Korea seems to be doing a great job these days. I've been to both countries just last year and Korea is rather vibrant and rapidly growing while Japan is pretty much static and dying. Other than some key export sectors, Japan's domestic economy has been in a recession for over a decade. Japanese are so used to taking directives from the MOF (now FSA) that there's no entrepreneurship in the workers. There's no fire anymore. And I've never seen so many homeless people as in Tokyo...even in tony Ginza! Rather shocking...in Ueno I saw men peeing openly as they walked down the street and men drinking beer at 6 in the morning.
3) Despite the rhetoric from Korea, Japanese are very contrite about the atrocities they committed in Korea. It's gets so much news because of the few nutty ultranationalists in Japan (ideological descendants of Yukio Mishima). You will meet many ordinary Japanese who go to Korea and China to pray at the temples and give money in order to apologize for the sins of their fathers. Trust me, they are well aware of the horri!
Steve, usa - 26 Sep 2002
Steve, USA. Thanks for the insight.My critisim of Japan is not with the general-ordinary people of Japan, but rather, the Japanese scholars and government. They should be the ones going to the temples; And how about throwing in a confession and an apology to the the people they've wronged
Joe Lee, Korean American - 26 Sep 2002
Its difficult to trust Japan, cause what the general public may say and what Japan does as a nation are contradictory. For example, Japanese may say they are sorry in front of you but their text-books still have weird points of view. Japan says they want to cooperate with Corea, then the Prime Minister visits and honors internationally recognized war criminals. If you could imagine what the reaction would be in the West if the German head of state decided to honor Hitler and his generals, imagine what the reaction would be from the Jews. Japan has done a wonderful job presenting Asian culture to the West, but they try to show the culture as being unique to Japan. I dont think it would take anything away from Japans dynamic culture by telling the truth and saying this was also practiced in Corea two hundred to 2000 years earlier. People figure it out anyways in the end. The way things are now, it just makes Japan the Vanilla Ice of East Asia. Ice, Ice Baby?made a lot of money too, he just needed to give credit to the song Under Pressure?BR>Mark, USA - 27 Sep 2002
I think that this site is great it really heped me do my homework. THANX !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! luv B
Belinda, England - 8 Oct 2002
I love this site! It is so great to see all the buildings and artistic architecture. I love buildings, all the different types, so you can imagine how much I loved the castle picture and the skyscrapers. Good job!
Lana , USA - 11 Oct 2002
thanks MAX.. I'm really happy to see my country on the web. Most of us(korean) are very proud of our country and love it to death. Whether we, all of us, have the history cutting our heart, or just pieceful one, we all love our own country. Cause It's just like our mother. Isn't it?BUT... ^^; My MoTHER is fully filled by countless BEAUTY and FUN, indeed. You'll never believe If you don't go to Korea by your feet...... lovely korea, lovely earth. xOx.
Inah Lee, Korea - 4 Nov 2002
Thanks for the interesting information. I'm going to Osakain a week. It was great to read about your impressions.Sincerely,Katya Luniova
itl2077@online.kharkov.ua, Ukraine - 9 Nov 2002
i think this page shoul give more information about things....and be more specific
qt_gurl87@hotmail.com, U.S.A - 10 Nov 2002
japanese govt has issued apologies to korea on many ocassions- perhaps koreans were to busy raising a ruckus to hear it? or maybe korean media didnt cover it, probably.by the way, WHEN WILL KOREA APOLOGIZE TO VIETNAM FOR THEIR UNSPEAKABLE ACTS TO VIETNAM?!KOREANS ABUSE VIETNAMESE! APOLOGIZE KOREA!!
Korea is part of Japan, USA - 12 Nov 2002
k yea this site didnt give me s**t on what my ? was!!!!!!! my questions were very easy too...but nooo i didnt get one single answere so this is gay
AnSparky13@aol.com, USA - 23 Nov 2002
To "Korea is a part of Japan":It's not. Never was. Japan did make some weak apologies but they were so understated about the crimes that Japan did to Korea. So in those "apologies", Japan did not take full responsibility for what they did. It's like saying to the family of someone that you killed, "I'm sorry for inconveniencing you." Anyways, apologies are not enough. If Japan wants to make full amends for the past, they need to return the pottery that they stole from Korea as well as the Korean texts. That's why Korean scholars have to go back to Japan in order to study ancient Korean literature. Japan also needs to pay money to the sex slaves as well as punish the military who were involved. Some Japanese can change their attitudes toward Koreans. I know that Beat Takeshi, who is a quarter Korean, said that mothers in Japan would tell their children that they must be half Korean whenever they misbehaved. His own mother would say that to him when he got in trouble. "Of course, you're half Korean." That's why he never revealed his Korean heritage until later in life when he was comfortable. I went to a Japanese restaurant with my family and the waitress was rude to us because we were Korean. We had to wait ten minutes for service and the place wasn't even busy. She was just ignoring us. So that shows that there is still anti Korean sentiment in the Japanese community. Some Japanese see Korea as a colony of Japan. They still have that colonial mentality. Where is your evidence that Korea abuses Vietnam? Don't make claims when you don't have the evidence.
js, US - 7 Dec 2002
I think Corean buildings are better because japnese copied Europe's castle and mixed it with asian style or Chinese style
woolchu@yahoo.com, Korea(Corea) - 8 Dec 2002
I don't like this page because the Koreans don't do anything interesting.
bill@fart.net, Scotland - 12 Dec 2002
Bill, Watch the Korean film "Oasis", and see if you can still say that with a straight face. I'm sure others can contribute other suggestions
Max, UK - 12 Dec 2002
to bill in scotlandWhy do you think so? what in the world is interesting thing?Do you think japanese animation and cartoon are all fun to the world people?We koreans have made interesting and creative things and stuffs.Do you know "hangul" korean alphabet? please have a try searching internet for hangul!!!let me know one site...http://home.vicnet.net.au/~ozideas/writkor.htm
kamja, korea - 14 Dec 2002
This is a really good website but I was looking for more things about Korea.
Bryan Morse, United States - 17 Dec 2002
Reply to Bryan MorseHere are a couple of sights about Corea. The firstiron-clad armored ship in the world and some info onCoreas ancient (as far back as 600 B.C. or more) swordfighting way.http://militaryhistory.about.com/library/weekly/aa100100a.htmhttp://www.kumdo.com/kumdo/kumdo_history.htmIf you don't study asian history at a university andif your not an archeologist, you'll find it verydifficult to learn about Corea. I think some peopleposted earlier how Japans imperial family are Coreandescendants and spoke the same dialect. Also, Coreahad a movable metal printer way before Gutenberg, butthis info is almost impossible to find in englishtext. Unfortunately you'll have to learn an asianlanguage to learn this (example Chinese, Corean orJapanese). Coreas history is very ancient and there are notvery many translated info. so you'll have to do alotof your own digging.
Mark, USA - 20 Dec 2002
Well Mr.J.S...You want evidence?YOU GOT IT!Atrocities committed by South Korean troops in Vietnam.Koreans must've learned a few tricks from their beloved colonial rulers eh? www.csun.edu/~btk29323/vietnam.htm http://mcel.pacificu.edu/as/students/koreavet/newrep.html www.afsc.org/intl/asia/mag0103.htm csf.colorado.edu/bcas/contents/cont33-4.htm www.vietquoc.com/jan15-00.htm
Jim Krasner, USA - 22 Dec 2002
TO Mark,usaThank you for your notifying good and cool information.I recommend all visitors here to search internet for the information about korea.in fact, Info about korea is not known well compared to china,japan.we,koreans have to advertise ourselves to the world.so long...
kamja, Korea - 23 Dec 2002
http://asia.cnn.com/2003/WORLD/asiapcf/east/01/13/japan.shrine/index.htmlGo to this web-site and see why relations in East Asia are constantly inflamed. Again Nazi-Japan will honor the Hitlers of East Asian, then wish for peace with its neighbors. Never formally apologizing for war crimes, but frequently announcing informal apologizes (for Japans mighty and powerful misbehavior in the past, which seem more Arrogant than apologitic, while omiting how far behind Japan was to Corea and China in terms of achievements until the West forced them open) for inconveniencing its neighbors
Mark, USA - 16 Jan 2003
Hey,I really enjoyed exploring your website. I am also orginally from Korea and I really think you did a good job showing the country. Great Job!!!!!!!!!
Kattheskate234@yahoo.com, America - 16 Jan 2003
Wow, I got so much outta the reading of everyones opinions then I could have imagined. It took me over an hour to read everyones comments. I am doing a presentaion on asian americans and how they are viewed in this country. My goal is to try to break the hate. To give enough information on the tough immigration rules, and how that has been a struggle for asians in this country. Telling your feelings and having such strong conviction about your past has some honor in it. I am mixed scot-irish, native american and Spanish. Amazing that until the 1900's scot's and irish where not concidered "white" in this country. I can get angry about this fact or realize that LOVE is the only way to honor each other and the history that has been layed before us we all have the ablilty to change. Love one another. And remember no matter where you are on this vast planet, We are all bound here and need to work united and free willing to make our planet and it's people suffer less. Best wishes
jewelswa, usa - 20 Jan 2003
i really like this information becasue it tells me a lot and i can really focus and get involved in it becasue it just captivates my intrests. thank you/ mahalo nui loa nixie
niXiEo, usa - 24 Jan 2003
Here are some more impressions that you might have missed:1) Japanese personalities tend to be more uniform than Korean. The Japanese cultural mindset emphasizes conformity and teamwork, whereas Koreans are characteristically more "every man for himself."This difference is likely due to geography. If you ever played the board game "Risk," the more stable continents are those with the least borders. Geographically, the Korean peninsula is hardly ideal, sandwiched between China and Japan.2) The irony of the aforementioned observation is that Korean relationships are more imposing and intertwined, whereas Japanese tend to be more polite and distant with each other.3) Also, someone once told me that Japan and Britain's Imperialistic ambitions are the result of being an island-nation, feeling left out of the affairs within the greater continent. Koreans had traditionally regarded the Japanese as bumpkins, being more remote from the cultural sophistications of China.
hamcycle@msn.com, Santa Barbara, US - 1 Feb 2003
Here's some more info for Bryan Morse, http://www.uwec.edu/Student/hwarang/archives7.htmIt's a magazine article about Sulsa, an ancient Corean secret order, who were masters of martial arts. They were considered "m
