John Chong South Korea Analysis

Written by Margaret K. Pai, the Dreams of Two Yi-min narrates the story of her Korean American family with the main focus on the life journeys of her father and mother, Do In Kwon and Hee Kyung Lee. Much like the majority of the pre-World War II immigrants, the author’s family is marked and characterized by the common perception of the “typical” Asian immigrant status in the early 20th century: low class, lack of English speaking ability, lack of transferable education and skills, and lack of knowledge on the host society’s mainstream networks and institutions (Zhou and Gatewood 120, Zhou 224). Despite living in a foreign land with countless barriers and lack of capital, Kwon lead his wife and children to assimilate culturally,

Upon her arrival to America, Suki Kim realize early on the difference in culture. Unlike South Korea, students did not bow to teachers in America. Students did

“Each household pays 288.000 Won (about 250 USD monthly), which is about 8 percent of household income, for their children’s private tutoring. As a whole, Korea spends about 2.2 percent of GDP on private tutoring.” (Nakamura 43). The aspiring universities are usually located in the capital and big cities, which are the center of business trading and academic training. It is not surprised when lots of parents want their children to study and achieve academically in there. For instance, in South Korea, the capital Seoul has been a place for people who wanted to work in academia or government. “Many parents in rural areas or small cities have been sending their children to schools in bigger towns or large cities. As people, especially younger generations, move to Seoul to study or work and then settle in/near Seoul metropolitan area, rural areas are becoming “empty nests.” Schools in rural parts of Korea are now being closed in rural parts of Korea due to an extremely low number (or none) of school-age students; meanwhile, many schools in Seoul and vicinity are overcrowded.” (Nakamura 33). After graduating, students will also face with a tight contest of getting a good job with the limited number of positions. One of the qualifications required by most employers is English proficiency, which is evaluated through some exams such as TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language), IELTS (International English Language Testing System), TOEIC (Test of English for

The cultural role of the Korean American adoptee was largely established during the 1950s and 1960s as a result of media attention given to this small group of Korean immigrants who arrived in the United States when almost all other Asian nationals were barred from legal American immigration. During this time, the U.S. was governed by a strict policy of Asian exclusion that had been in effect in some form since 1882. So, even the trope of the Korean adoptees as “exceptional” among American peoples of color and among immigrants began with this small group of adoptees, who are now the elders of Korean adoptee communities in the United States and throughout the world.

In chapter 2, Hazel Smith sees nation identify of North Korea by focusing on history, politics, and religion. National identity relates understanding the situation when the North Korean state has established. She mentioned about some important elements which explain the beginning of North Korea such as that Tangun was the founder of Korean state,or that Koryo was the first unified state. As North Korea critically saw South Korea because it was losing its purity by influences from other countries,keeping independence was considered as one identity of North Korea and Kim Il Sung was described as an important leadership for North Korean independence. Some religions and Korean language also were component of establishing uniqueness of North Korea.

We are alike, as popular minority sentiment went, because our parents came from the same place. That is why our hair is the same, why our eyes are the same. "See," as their attitude would tell me, "we have the same differences." Along with this, however, came questions asking why I did not speak Korean, read Korean, or write Korean. I was supposed to date only Korean boys, and basically, just act more Korean. Peer pressure allowed us to be American but only in terms of being Korean-American. We could listen to American pop music and appreciate western fashion, but we must never, ever forget that our parents came from another country, and we are Korean. This pressure to conform had me gagging more than the smell of putrid kimchee (the national Korean dish of pickled spicy cabbage). These things were hardly ever spoken out loud, however; they were only strongly suggested by silent approval or disapproval of our choices.

Growing up, this writer always took quite an interest in the field of politics, especially in both domestic and international policies of countries around the world. One day watching CNN, he came across a news talking about growing tensions between the Israelis and the Palestinians, especially the group who call themselves as the Hamas. However, as the time passed, this writer began to pay more attention to growing tensions within the Korean Peninsula. Consequently, he decided to write his Writer 102 Final Paper about divided Korea. In addition, he decided also to write about what needs to be done so that the next generations of Koreans can live under the name of unified Korea. There are total of two reasons why this essayist decided to write such paper. Firstly, it is because Korea is only divided country in the world. As a result, this writer wish to see the next generations of Koreans to live in unified Korea.

Alienation especially affects Henry Park since he and his wife Lelia raise their son Mitt completely from the American standpoint—they teach him pure English and American tradition rather than any Korean. Lee’s viewpoint in Native Speaker is that of a restricted one, he shows why Americans live an easier life in contrary to those of foreign identities. Differentiating ethnicities—especially that of American—are what sets people apart in society. If an individual is an immigrant—especially if illegal—they are subjected to the troubles of living in America caused by: lack of opportunities and having to resort to participating in “gehhs” which are underground types of associations where individuals plot in money and interchange in receiving the entire load. The characteristics of Henry and many other people: being of Korean culture, speaking more Korean than English, and different customs are all external factors that are unable to be

The name Korea derives from Goryeo, itself referring to the ancient kingdom of Goguryeo, the first Korean dynasty visited by Persian merchants who referred to Koryŏ (Goryeo; 고려) as Korea.[28] The term Koryŏ also widely became used to refer to Goguryeo, which renamed itself Koryŏ in the 5th century.[29] (The modern spelling, "Korea", first appeared in late 17th century in the travel writings of the Dutch East India Company's Hendrick Hamel.[29]). Despite the coexistence of the spellings Corea and Korea in 19th century publications, some Koreans believe that Japan, around the time of the Japanese occupation, intentionally standardised the spelling on Korea, making Japan appear first alphabetically.[29][30][31]

In New York City, Korean businesses account for almost 22,000 firms of those owned by Asians (Census.gov). Heavy concentrations of these businesses are located in Flushing, Queens, and the Broadway Korean Business District, located between 24th and 34th streets, huddled between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, in Manhattan (Min 39 “Caught in the Middle”). Korean immigrants immigrated to the United States for a better way of life. In Korea, many Koreans held college degrees, and had professional careers. However, upon arrival to the United States, they were unable to transition into the same type of positions once held in the country they immigrated from. In addition, the language barrier encouraged Koreans to open their own businesses.

South Korea loves sport, sport is not only a popular physical activity but is a significant social practice. Sport operates as an important cultural resource and produces and disseminates nationalism. Indeed, in recent years, south korea has shown competence in hosting, playing, and managing sport. South Korean athletes have created notable results at major international sport events. For example, since 1984, the national Summer Olympic team has unfailingly been ranked in the top 10 nations on the medal table, with the only exception being the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The country has also produced a number of major world sporting events, including hosting

Parent’s role in South Korea is taking care of their children until they get married. Children usually live with their parents until they are married, even if they are full grown adults. Parents are desperate attempt to give children an educational advantage, and grant them explore to a globalized worldview (in contrast with Korea's strictly homogenous culture and community), children are often sent to boarding schools abroad usually to the U.S., Canada and Australia, and family members strangely separated for many years.

Thesis Statement: Though South Korea may be a small country, the style of cuisine, community culture, and generosity are just a few uniquenesses that outshine its stature.

My return to Korea in the summer of 2001 was nothing short of a culture shock. I was in a country I thought I had learned by heart. It was the country I always rooted my identity and pride from. I wasn’t ready for the shock. I

South Korea’s social structure revolves around the individual’s professional, family, and education background. People who have attained prestigious job titles, graduated from a first-rate university, or was born into an influential family are placed very high on the social structure. People who do not have a respectable education background are usually on the bottom of the status pole; however, it is possible for social mobility. The South Korean education system is similar to the one in the United States. Even though the years of attendance might be dissimilar from the US, the education system still consists of an elementary, middle, and high school. After graduating from high school, most students apply and attend universities from all across the nation.