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bernard Rowan

S. Korea as regional leader

This column concerns South Korea's status and efforts as a regional leader. I think Korea has the interests and abilities to serve as a critical force in preserving peace within the region. I also think doing so advances Korea's interests as a nation, economy and society. However, doing so implies certain of the present administration's stances are counterproductive.

2019-10-08 17:18

Customer service in S. Korea

Good customer service is disappearing. I think democracies would rank among those places. We just can't get past ourselves to imagine we'd serve someone. It isn't about servility or servitude, groveling or self-humiliation. It's extending active and considerate regard for customers as people. Among the countries I've visited, South Korea has displayed good customer service to me. I'd like to share some of my experiences and related observations in this column.

2019-09-24 18:06

Japan isn't the devil

I'm worried by the current, growing division between Japan and Korea. I don't think it furthers the South Korean national interest. It reduces regional peace, commerce and security. I'm a foreigner and American - and a friend of Korea. The following are sincere concerns.

2019-09-10 17:02

Fruit is my favorite food - after meat. Enjoying the varieties of fruit in Korea carries with it many fond memories. I enjoy fruit by myself as a snack, in family settings, in group parties and while dining. We can enjoy it anytime. Korean farming methods, in many respects, keep qualities of “organic” agriculture. The fruit bought from roadside stands or specialty shops and grocery stores is delicious and rarely disappoints.

2019-08-27 17:17

Divorce and in-laws

One cause for divorce in Korea today is pressure arising from in-laws. This ranges from in-law interference to financial conflicts. Money problems and in-laws have destroyed several friends' marriages. In other cases, emotional and power issues with in-laws create problems. Let's explore this cause of divorce and family stress a bit more.

2019-08-13 17:14

Finding summer shade

It's summer. These days, I find myself seeking shade. It's something I didn't value much when younger. Those days I enjoyed outdoor fun and suntans. I celebrated hot weather. Now, I love to find the ease of shade. I still enjoy outdoors and find my way to sun but give me a way to beat the heat!

2019-07-30 17:19

Our cheating hearts

Infidelity remains a leading cause of divorce in South Korea. Even though other factors have risen, cheating on one's spouse remains an independent justification for divorce. And while the courts decriminalized adultery, there's no doubt it's toxic to the marital tie.

2019-07-16 17:27

Korean greetings and goodbyes

By Bernard Rowan Some of the first words I learned in Korean were the expressions typically used to say “hello” and “goodbye.” The words “annyeong haseyo,” “annyeonghee gaseyo,” and “annyeonghee gyeseyo” mean more than their English translations suggest. As with many related words, Hangul opens an understanding of Korean manners or spirit if one looks a bit more closely.The root word in Korean terms of greeting and leaving is “peace.” When one uses the word “annyeong,” she or he wishes another person more tha...

2019-07-02 17:00

Violence, women and marriage

I'm writing about another cause for high divorce rates in South Korea. Violence against women in marriage (and outside it) remains unambiguously high. Not just in South Korea, mind you. This column discusses South Korea. Why do women divorce? Tragically, they must run for their lives! Too many women suffer physical and mental abuse at the hands of other men, including their husbands. It gives me no pleasure to write about it, but it's one of the leading causes of trouble in Korean marriages and families.

2019-06-23 17:47

Few of my favorite things

I'm not feeling sad, a la the Julie Andrew's song from “The Sound of Music.” I'd like to tell you about some of my favorite Korean keepsakes. I don't have a treasure trove or anything monetarily valuable to speak of. However, my favorite things are icons of humanity. They keep me thinking about Korea around the year!

2019-06-06 17:11

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