July 10, 2009 - Seoul, South Korea

"Transform yourself so you can transform the world."
~Yonsei University Motto



International Greetings:
Hindu - "Namaste." The light in me honors the light in you.
Arabic - "Assalam'alaikoom." May peace be with you.
Korean - "Annyeong-haseyo." Are you at peace?

Our first couple days in Korea will be spent at Yonsei University to begin exploring foundations of the peninsula's culture and politics. These courses always begin with basic language lessons. The symbols that make up the Korean Alphabet, or Hangeul, are scientifically based on the mouth's shape when making the sound. For example, when making the sound for 'g', the top lip juts out, while the lower lip is recessed; from the side forming the shape of a sideways L. ㄱ is the Hangeul symbol for the Latin 'g'.

Preserving culture is one of a countries most important economic resource. Our international hotel's spa serves only Koreans. If a restaurant is busy, Koreans are the only people served, while all others are turned away. Signs on the outside of businesses stating, in English, Korean's Only. South Korea has mentioned on several occasions their frustration with an underdeveloped tourist industry. Perhaps it's time for the locals to move beyond a ethnocentric treatment of foreigners and welcome world travelers.