“No war in the world” Satvinder Kaur, left, a lawyer from Malaysia and Manjeet Singh visited Korea on a tour. The 40-year-old woman said she wishes for peace in the world. “We hate war and hope people around the world will help each other to improve friendships beyond borders.”
The 37-year-old Singh from Southeast Asia also hoped conflicts between different races will end. “We need consistent government policies,” he said.
“Flourishing business” Lee Yeon-soon, selling rabbit dolls in the year of the animal, expressed her wish to earn more money in the New Year. “We recently started this business and had to get through a lot of difficulties. I hope we can earn two or three times more money,” she said.
“Many street venders like me are ruing that this Christmas was too cold and their businesses were also frozen like the weather. I hope we can overcome this sluggish economic situation,” she added.
“Stronger mind and body”Chung Jin-hoon, who is guarding the Central Government Complex, downtown Seoul, decided to build up his body for the New Year.
“I will be discharged from military duty on Dec. 13 and wish my family will stay healthy until then,” Chung said.
The 21-year-old, who chose being a policeman instead of joining the army as mandatory national service, asked civil servants and citizens to use public transportation. Under the even-and-odd traffic system, visitors to the government complex are not allowed to bring their cars into the building’s grounds and guards sometimes quarrel with some drivers.
“No pain in the world” Tanvi Warty, left, 23, and her younger sister, Nihita Warty, 19, came from India. They visited Korea on vacation. While Tanvi is working as a doctor back her country, Nihita is studying with an aim to land the same job as her elder sister. “We want to help others more as medical doctors,” they said. “We hope no people will suffer from diseases.”
“Wish love for all”
Richard Koker, right, an English teacher in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, and Amachad Bredenkamp, a Christian missionary, will be engaged in six months and marry the following year. They wished love for all. “We as Christian hope Koreans know about Jesus Christ (love),” Koker said.
“Wish all the best for everybody”
Choi Yeon-sun, a senior citizen selling roast chestnuts near Myung-dong Cathedral in Seoul, didn’t say much when asked by The Korea Times for her wish, and only wrote on a note, “Everything should go well (for everybody this year).”
“Unity of the world”
Hidayv Masod, left, visited Korea along with her mother and father from Singapore. The 22-year-old wishes for happiness for her family and that people will put their hands together to tackle global issues.“I wish for happiness for my family, and cures for cancer and AIDS patients,” said Masod, who is teaching Malaysian at school in the city state.
Regarding Korea, she said, “I hope North and South Korea will be unified peacefully.”
“Lower university tuition!” Han Hye-won, 22, is a college student and currently working part-time at a 24-hour convenience shop in downtown Seoul. Han said she has to pay 3.9 million won ($3,391) per semester in school fees. “University tuition is too high,” she said. In order to prepare for a future job, she said she will do her best to achieve a good academic performance, and participate in various intern programs.
“Upgrading my life”
Lee Ye-young, an office worker, said New Year will be a turning point for her to upgrade her life. “I will learn more and improve my abilities,” she said. The 31-year-old is working in accounting affairs at her company. “I also hope to find my partner in the new year,” she added.
“More budget for welfare!”
Hwang Myung-hwa, 33, a social worker said “I will operate a Mapo district-funded library for residents this year. I will successfully run the library for life-long education.”
“I hope more of the state budget will be allotted this year to welfare for the underprivileged people and isolated people,” she added.
“Pray for Korea and the world”
Lim Hyung-ik, a pastor, wishes people to have more hope in their lives. The 37-year-old said he will be devoted to pray for Korea and the world. “I will humble myself and encourage people to challenge and change the world,” he said.
