I was in Korea when the Cheonan, Korean Navy vessel, was sunk back on March 26. 46 sailors were killed and South Korea launched a full investigation to find out what happend. The South Korean government blamed North Korea for the attack after its investigation. Since then, tension has been mounting between the two countries although North Korea maintains that it had nothing to do with the attack. So, where does that leave you as a potential English Teacher in Korea?
Are you scared? I am not asking to make you afraid but you should be aware that things have not gotten better between the countries. You might want to keep that in mind when making your decision to go to Korea in the next coming months when schools are recruiting heavily. Hint: this is the best time to apply.But back to the issue at hand. I had plans to return to Korea in August and still have plans but if the tension between the two countries escalates then I might just have to scratch those plans for the time being.
War is not something I am in favor of and I hope it does not lead to that. I will keep an eye out for developments because this could play a part in my decision to go back to Korea and perhaps in your taking a job there as well. Although Korea internally is a pretty safe country, externally, I can’t trust the other guy. Even though the two countries signed a peace treaty after the bloody Korean war from 1950-1953, they are technically still at war because there have been numerous acts of voilence between the countries. In 1983, a bombing meant to kill President Chun Doo-hwan killed 21 people. In 2002, there was a gun battle at sea with North Korean patrol ships injuring 19 people and killing 4. And I doubt this will be the last incident between the two. This time, could this be the beginning of war? Why are these countries destined to be in conflict?
Are you going to Korea soon? What’s your take on this?
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