"If the people prosper, how can the king not prosper with them?
And if the people do not prosper, how may the king prosper without them?"
-King Sejong, 4th Ruler of Choson Korea

1 March 1919

This is an important day in Korea.
It's a national holiday and all schools and government offices are closed.
It is a commemoration of an attempt to reclaim independence from the colonization laid forth by Japan.
Read about it HERE.
I inquired about it from several people, getting a few different answers, some saying it's Independence Day, some saying a 'Memorial' type day, others disputing both.
It an 'attempted' independence day and it's a day of remembrance for the people who perished in 1919.
The gist (and forgive me if I get the details wrong, one of the reasons I provided a link. This is for those of you who didn't click it):
The Koreans tired of Japan and laboring under their control and a couple of people set forth to write a 'Declaration of Independence' and many peaceful rallies were held, supporting the proclamation.
The Japanese, in their infinite wisdom, decided it wasn't for them to make such a claim. Many rallies were held and the Japanese took offense.
So, with this and many of the crowds not dispersing, they fired into the crowds.
7,500 people were massacred that day, many wounded, and an estimated 40,000 arrests were made.
Follow the link I provided and click the other links
please, there are some harrowing pictures, please view at your own discretion and please be present when children are viewing:

http://www.kimsoft.com/2004/Samil-2004.htm

http://www.kimsoft.com/2004/3-YuKwanSoon.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Korean_independence_movement

Not all of the pictures are bad, but some may be considered 'graphic'.
They provide a much better explanation than I could ever hope to give.

I happened across a ceremony in Jongno-sam (3)gu today.
At this moment, I wished I was fluent in Hangul, for the ceremony was very moving, no matter what language you happen to speak.
It was in TapGol Park, a place I have been before and find to be very beautiful. I like going over there, especially on a Sunday afternoon. The park is packed with the older generations and it is their place. Singing, dancing, games, music, Soju, and a lot of other activities. It is very cool to be around, just to watch.
Today, it was for refection and remembrance.
In attendance were many older people, some dignitaries, and all of the branches of the military were represented. The military band played somber music, as well as The Korean National Anthem. A choir led the crowd in many songs, people bowing, and paying their respects. A monument was set up, with people's names being read off, as older people (I would guess them to be relatives of many of the survivors and deceased. See why I wish I was fluent?) laid flowers at the base of the monument, while the color guard handed them out and stood at attention. A 21-Gun salute preceded the events, sending chills up the spine, it would not be the last time it would happen. As the names were read, there wasn't a sound to be heard. Nothing. It sends chills up my spine and goose bumps on my body just thinking about it. It was beautiful. These are a very proud people and today it showed. I am glad I got to see this, it puts things into perspective.

The Koreans are a very proud people and they should be.
They have endured Chinese occupation, Japanese occupation, and a war, which affected everybody in this country. What we call 'A Police Action', devastated this country and as far as they are concerned, North and South Korea are still at war. A cease-fire stops any transgressions from either side.
That, and the presence of the United States Army.
The U.S. is wanted (by some) and needed (by all) to be here and insure the peace. Many believe when the United States leaves South Korea, it will open the door for the North. So it's not all that bad having our presence here, it provides a safe feeling for many South Koreans, which is worth it.

I may crack jokes and make outlandish stories about various happenings here and pick on certain groups, but I respect these people and their culture immensely. They will celebrate things, from the biggest to the smallest, Seoul seeming to be one large museum. Do they take it for granted? NO. The Koreans are quite aware of what has happened to their ancestors and celebrate the youth of this country, as to prevent them from forgetting. Their patriotism is very high, as it should be, in any country.
For example: They lost their first soldier, on foreign turf the other day. It was the first since The Vietnam War and it's big news here.
My heart goes out to these people and I now see why many foreigners choose to stay. Quirks aside, this is a pretty country and the people respect it VERY much.
As do I.