Seoul, Korea - May 5, 2003
All is alive and well in Seoul, Korea. By the way, I've been updating my 1992-2000 Journals, so if you've been checking there for updates.. I've recently completed Thailand, Nepal, Budapest Hungary, Turkey, Amsterdam, and just only moments ago I finished the Chile page. Please go check them out and read them if you get the opportunity.. the webpage is Past Travels
Okay, now days I live in a part of Seoul which is south of the Han River. The location itels isn't too bad.. there is enough to do in the area. Unfortunately, I find myself having to take some bus rides or subway rides to get to more desireable places in the city.
The last week or two I've been finding myself more often going to Itaewon compared to my favorite area of Shinchon. A few things about Itaewon - its changing alot!! Traditionally, this is the area where the US military spends its nights and weekends for going out to restaurants, nightlife, and shopping. Tradionally, I never really wanted to be around so many foreigners, as whats the point of being in Korea, if I'm going to be around a bunch of English teachers and GI military guys.
Anyhow, recently my feelings have changed for the first time. I've met alot of really interesting people from around the world in that area. Its becoming incredibly diverse with all kinds of people from every part of the world hanging out. You will see Filipinos, Thai, Iranians, Nigerians, Pakistani, Indians, and just about everyone else in the world you can imagine. In fact, last weekend, I met 5 girls from Brazil who were doing modeling here in Korea for a few months. So there are always interesting things around. One of my more interesting conversations has been with various people from Iran. If anyone really knows Iran and Iranians, you would know they actually quite like Americans alot! Actually this isn't new news, its been widely reported for quite some time. Generally, most Iranians I've met are much more similar to Turkey in many respects. I could probably go find a bunch of resources regarding this, but also from chatting online as well, I seldom ever meet an Iranian with bad or hard feelings against Americans, which is quite refreshing.
Generally though, as many people seem to sometimes ask me since I"m back in Korea, how is the feelings about anti-americanism in Korea? Generally, I find Korean people to still be quite interesting in Americans as individuals, and you will probably never experience anything displaying their anti-americanism directly to you. Anyhow, as to experiencing anti-american sentiment.. I can safely say that for the most part Koreans are just as they always have been.. fairly hospitable.. and just.. well, it'll come up in conversation.. but they never really have any intention of fighting you or whatever else. In general, they enjoy conversation with foreigners of any nationality above all else.. at least thats my experience..
Generally, the anti-americanism is somewhere in the idealistic realm.. for the most part to leftist students.. probably quite similar to their American counterparts in the USA who also openly criticize the American government. Somewhat ironic.. yet.. I guess students are the same wherever they are to some extent.
Well, anyhow, all is good here. This coming Thursday I fly to Osaka Japan for one day to process my one-year work visa. It looks like I'll be here for a little while now! Its also getting quite a bit warmer in Seoul.. and soon we'll be having the monsoons seasons and everything else. Also, i will be trying to update more of my previous travels pages, next being Argentina, then six months on Brazil, and then right along the path from Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, New York, and Venezuela. So keep watching that!
Next: Seoul, Korea:
June 5, 2003
You can email me at:
Wintermoon2@yahoo.com