July 14, 2009 - Seoul, South Korea

"Ambition is the last refuge of failure."
~Oscar Wilde



The purpose of my trip to South Korea is to learn about culture and politics. With the world currently watching North Korea, current events are at the forefront. We've learned there are differing degrees of North Korea/South Korea reunification. Least amount of economic impact on South Korea would come if both countries leaders would work together, so South Korea could provide aide, but not allow North Korea to become dependent. South Korea would like the current North Korean regime to evolve, not revolutionize.

In addition, during the 2008 summer, Anti-American riots broke out in South Korea concerning current beef trade practices. Almost all South Korean meals are prepared with beef. South Korea was upset that imported beef boxes contained bones and the beef cows slaughtered were older than 3 years-old. Apparently, most beef cows are slaughtered at 1 year - fatten them up and kill them before too much feed is wasted on them. Although not a concern to South Koreans, I was more disgusted that the beef is slaughtered, driven across the U.S. via semi-truck, placed on a cross-Pacific ship for a month, and then serviced a couple months later (all with hopes the meat has remained frozen).
Think I've solved South Korea's economic concerns for North Korea, if their current government falls. Although it would upset U.S. beef growers, North Korea becomes a land of ranchers.

In the afternoon we shifted from political discussions and headed into the trendy Gwanchul-dong District for a live show. "Jump" is a modern performance combining Tae-kwon-do, acrobatics, and humor to tell the story of a crazy family and how they defend themselves against when brainless robbers who invade their home.