Korea - The Impossible Country _ Book Review
by Kim Hee Yeon
I wrote this review because I think this book is really helpful to foreigners,
even Koreans and Ewhaians. To foreigners, it will be a chance to know about
Korea more generally and to Koreans, it will be a chance look back on Korea’s change.
Also, to Ewhaians, it will be a chance to think about how we can cope with the
realities that Korea does not employee women as men, especially in chapter 6.
The writer of this book, Daniel Tudor, is British. He came to Korea because he
witnessed the Korean summer in 2002 when the World Cup took place. He has lived
for 11 years in Korea. Every time he read articles which western people wrote,
he said that he found a lack of delicacy. So, he decided to remedy mistakes by
himself and that’s why he wrote this book.
This book has 6 chapters. In part 1, “The Impossible Miracle”, he wrote about
Korean style capitalism, capitalism of “chaebol”-centric, history of democracy,
North Korea, politics and the press of Korea. In part 2, “Severe Realities”, he
makes reference to competitive daily life, Koreans concept of face (decency),
neophilia, the former president Park Jung Hee, wedding culture, and Korea’s
obsession with English. In part 3, “The Softpower”, he discusses resentment and
joy of Koreans, the drinking culture, movies, music (not just K-pop), and
Korean wave. In part 4, “Wherewith Koreans Alive”, he talks about the attachment
of Koreans, business, family culture, apartments and Korean style house, and
foods. In part 5, “What Koreans Trusted and Followed”, he wrote about Shaman
faith, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Christianity.
In part 6, “Us”, he wrote about nationalism, multiple culture, homosexuality
and female resources.
The book was quite
impressive because it accurately portray the up-to-date daily life of Koreans
even though it is written by a foreigner. The writer tries to understand Korea and
the Korean point of view. (I think he was approximately 85% succeeded to
understand.) I could feel that the writer has affection to Korea. Actually, in
some aspects, he seems more like a Korean than a real Korean. His understanding
is wide and general and his criticisms and advice are appropriate. Also, he is
good at introducing Korean culture. I strongly insist that the Ministry of
Culture, Sports and Tourism in Korea should use this book as a guide book for
foreigners. Moreover, in Part 6, it gives me a chance to know how I can handle
the realities that Korea rarely uses female resources. The writer of this book gives
moved me in various ways.