"If the Korean-Chinese do not do chores, our society will not function properly. Still, we are never tolerant of them. Koreans are treated as second-class citizens."
Besides, how many times a year do we wear 'hanbok', saying that we attach great importance to 'hanbok' because it is our clothes? It's hard to even remember the times except for a few people on their wedding day. It was unfamiliar to see one of our cabinet ministers at the opening ceremony of the Olympics wearing 'hanbok'. This also means that the Chinese side was aware of the plan in advance and took action to show that the 'hanbok' belonged to them. This idea upsets us even more.
If 'hanbok' is our pride, we should wear it more often and increase its use and beauty. We should try to make the wearing of clothes common at various events. If clothes are also a part of the culture, we must be faithful to the values of our own culture and give them meaning. Although it takes a bit of effort to wear it properly, wearing 'hanbok' is beautiful to look at, and those wearing traditional clothing should do so with a natural warmness about them.
Since we've already started talking about Korean culture let's mention Korean food. Even the First Lady of a past president promoted the globalization of Korean food. Nevertheless, a believable Korean restaurant has not been established in our society. We were stingy in adding value to our food. Complaints outweighed compliments for expensive Korean food.
Korean food requires a lot of work and did not grow as a result. At Japanese sushi restaurants or French restaurants, they don't talk much after paying high prices. However, we are particularly picky about our food. As a result, Korean food that is introduced and popular abroad is only 'bibimbap', 'bulgogi', and stir-fried rice cakes, no place for more sophisticated Korean food. After all, whether it's clothes or food, we're stingy about giving meaning to our culture.
Only when we are generous with our own can we open our hearts to the history and culture of neighboring countries.
A professor at the Korea National University of Arts, who has devoted his life to researching architectural history, has published a book by collecting articles written in newspapers. A book called “The Time of Architecture, the Eternal Present”. From prehistoric dolmens to modern buildings, he has selected and introduced the buildings in our history.
The writer was able to attend a meeting on the publication anniversary and asked questions of the author. “He said that this book was an attempt to depict the society of the time through architectural expression. What is the central concept of architectural thinking that reflects the author's point of view of 'the present and the place of 'Korea'?"
Regarding this, the author cited the expression in the book, “Architecture that embraces breath and life asks and answers questions from the beginning to the present, even after eons have passed.” He answered that the elements that permeate and form the root of architecture that transcends time and space are the beauty and value that can contribute to the world beyond where we live here and now. It was said that the time had come to have an open mind and thought that our architecture, along with other cultural elements, should be established as a part of world history.
It is the season of politics, so it seems that we will have to put up with harsh, embarrassing, and rude talk. However, we desire and long to live as members of a different kind of world. The self-harm and
offensive political behavior sadly will not easily disappear.
