Some things can not or
will not be put into words.
This thought comes to
mind when friends and family in North America say, “Tell me about
Korea.” Each time, a different response comes forth; each time,
with dissatisfaction at its inadequacy. Attempting to capture in
words “Korea’s essence” is like trying to capture a spirit. It
won’t be held; it won’t be captured. The best I can say is,
“There’s something special about it.“
There’s something special
...
Up on the hill nearby
Pomosa where nobody goes and the wind blows, dissolving doubt and worry, replacing
them with its living example ... ... powerful yet
gentle, ... unseen yet full of beauty, ... moving yet
ever-present, there, up on the hill nearby Pomosa where nobody
goes and the wind blows,
there’s something special
...
... in the rhythm of the
Samul Nori band as the players circle, moving in time with a
pulse begun thousands of years ago, beating, clanging,
recreating, carrying on tradition; moving forward, ... in
the rhythm of the Samul Nori band,
there’s something special ...
... in “Yeulshimi hasseyo,” and in the individual
who overcomes fear and adversity with courage and
diligence, who finds strength in the message of
encouragement, determination and goodwill, ... in “Yeulshimi
hasseyo,
there’s something special ...
... in the rain;
the sky’s tears falling upon us, settling as
melancholy, in a calm, blue atmosphere ideal for
friendship and soju, ... in the rain. A wise
Korean professor once said, “Western people emphasize
answers. Eastern people emphasize questions.”
Sometimes we should
acknowledge that there is no right or wrong answer. Sometimes
silence is a better option for it allows time to ponder and
appreciate the question, and the innumerable new thoughts that might
result from it.
In the future,
when someone asks, “What is Korea like?” I will not feel compelled
to explain. It might be better to say nothing. A far-away look might
take over my face as memories flow by. But if I must speak out of
courtesy, perhaps I’ll say, “There’s just something special about
Korea.”
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