Seoul, South Korea III

To understand modern Korean psyche in one week of holiday, one must appreciate Korea's standing in East Asia. While I personally refer to Japan, Korea, and China as the "Big Three" in East Asia, Korea is anything but big in Asia. Worldwide, there are no more than 90 million Korea people, including the diaspora. In the 20th century, war has defined the national image of Korea, both internally and externally. First by the Japanese occupation in the earlier part, to the Great Pacific War (WW II), to the Korean "Conflict". Even after the truce with North Korea, the two countries are still considered at war. At least once a year, there is a military skirmish at the border.

Can you imagine how this would change Americans if twice a year Mexican and American armed forces had gun fights at the border? In a small country, like South Korea, this endears the sense of seige, even with no mention of Japan, China, and Russia on all sides.

In the park I found in Central Seoul -- see two other photographs of the entrance and the glass encased pagoda -- the image of war was ever present. On the walls of the former temple, casts had been created to tell the stories of Korea's history. A set of approximately twelve lined one corner of the temple's walls.