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By Jon Huer
Korea Times Columnist
Of all the people and groups in Korea that we have known and loved, we can pick a particular group for special praise and affection: Korean women over 60. We are absolutely in love with these Korean women. We say 60 but this is character logical, not chronological, number, as it refers to their sweetness and charitable disposition, not chronology.
Indeed, the women in that group remind us of the black women in America; infinitely good-willed, humorous, patient, forgiving, wise, helpful, sharing, nurturing, honest, unspoiled, realistic and strong.
It is relatively easy to notice a strong presence of ``sisterhood'' among Korean women, as if, just like the black women in America, they have experienced the turmoil and triumphs of social change and survived to enjoy their old age together. But this sisterhood seems to be particularly strong among those in their 60s, as if some special national-tribal character has been imprinted in their hearts and minds as a special group.
In traveling all over Korea, some of the greatest pleasures have been from the encounters, often unplanned and unexpected, with these Korean women over 60 or so. We have seldom met such a woman who was not sweet, friendly or wise. Whether keeping a mom-and-pop store, serving at a restaurant, or working a street-corner fruit-and-vegetable stand, Korean women in the 60s are the gem of their age, their wisdom, and their goodness.
What accounts for the special grace of those Korean women in that group? They are perhaps the group that witnessed the trauma and transformation of Korean society from the familiar to the completely alien. If Providence gave them their ordeal, the same Providence also gave them the grace with which to witness, endure and even accept it.
They are a dying breed, of course, and those who are growing old in Korea toward that age group are quite different in personality and disposition. As time goes by, the wonderful Korean old ladies will fade into the cycle of life and death. We shall miss them, and their wrinkled, smiling faces. And in so many unknown ways, so shall Korea.
jonhuer@hotmail.com
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