The Metropolitan City

I was full of apprehension about coming to Korea but I felt that it would be quite an adventure to soak in a culture so different from mine. I have to admit, I like it here.... the people are so polite and helpful.

When I was first contacted by GECI Technologies for possible employment here, I almost refused because I was concerned about the language barrier. I am now glad that I accepted the position inspite all my fears.

GECI is an international company based in Paris, France but has a branch in Seoul. I was met in Seoul when I arrived on December 3, 2000 by Mr. Han-Yong Kim and driven to Daejeon (Taejon). He made sure I was settled in my hotel before he left. He met me again the following morning to escort me to the ROK Air Force Base where I have to work. There, I met Bobby Brown, an Avionics Engineer from Florida, USA.

View from my room

White Christmas

My Korean counterpart at work is Dr. Jeon Je Choon. He is a very intelligent, very polite, very likeable person. He offered to drive me back to my hotel and further offered any assistance whenever I needed it. I am impressed and awed.... this man has a PHD, but very friendly and unassuming.

Bobby and me

That first evening, Mr. Jun Choo, the manager of the GECI Korea branch came down from Seoul to get acquainted and take us all out to dinner. Mr Choo, Mr. Kim, Bobby Brown, and I enjoyed a very sumptuous Korean dinner.

On the 16th of December, Bobby Brown and I took a bus to Chinju to attend a Christmas party for the consultants represented by GECI. Mr. Daniel Rose, GECI's vice-president was there along with Mr. Kim and Mr Choo. We were given accomodations in one of the better hotels in Chinju and it was all together a very pleasant experience. After dinner, we had a floor show. The show opened with Korean drums, and traditional music and dances. It was quite good and the drum beat had an adrenaline pumping effect. It was followed by a traditional Korean dress show, then some very good singing by local talents. The evening was capped by karaoke music and it is surprising how talented some can get after a few drinks. The party broke up at about 1:00 AM. We headed back at about noon the following day.

Ju Moon Avionics Consultant

Christmas day.... wish somebody postponed it till after I got home. I looked out the window when I woke up, and the ground was blanketed by that white stuff. That normally fills me with cheers, but today I was engulfed with melancholia.... Christmas is no fun when you're away from home.

Ju Moon, an Avionics engineer, recently joined the ranks of consultants here in Taejon. He is a Korean American from California who finished a year contract with the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) in Chinju.

My work contract is for ninety days, but though I will be glad to go home.... I will always look back and remember this Korean adventure.