From the distance of another country, many people see North Korea and South Korea as polar opposites, one an open democracy and the other a closed communist dictatorship.

But when you speak with and read the words of South Koreans, they see themselves as "brothers" and one with the North Koreans. Those who live in Korea for a year or more and look at the two countries objectively know that the latter is much closer to the truth, that the structure of the North is a mirror image of the South.

Korea is a nation of contradictions. The people talk of democracy and individual freedom while individuality is punished and seen as dangerous. Korean pop culture is an imitator of everything seen in American film and television, while at the same time hating Americans and wanting them out of the country. The country seeks to be a bastion of economic enterprise and success based on hard work yet is rife with corruption, old boys' networks, and patronage.

To Koreans and the way they think, this is not contradictory at all. And to the objective observer, it is exactly the same behaviour as North Korea exhibits. Oh, the institutions may be different, the money, the politics, but at the heart of it, Koreans are behaving in ways consistent with their own idea of right and wrong.

If you can discern what those ideas are, you will find it easier to get along and work with Koreans. Having been in South Korea since July 2001, and being more an observer than a participant when working and socializing with Koreans, and I have observed what Koreans do individually. Within their own social rules, their behaviour is acceptable. For those outside it, their behaviours can range from amusing to disgraceful, from incomprehensible to reprehensible. I have developed a theory about why Koreans behave the way they do, and it is consistent with the evidence.

Because of the length of this section, I have split it into four parts you should read sequentially:

Understanding the Korean Mentality Anonymity and Unanimity "Ppalli ppalli" is Appalling The Abnormal Korean Societal Norms

If, upon reading these three sections, people have valid critiques to offer, or have better explanations for the reason Koreans behave as they do, then such comments will be welcome. After all, the more criticism a theory withstands, the stronger it becomes. Only weak and false arguments (eg. creationism) need to be protected from questioning.

Some people, however, will take strong objection to what I say on these pages. If you vehemently disagree with what you read, tell me, but be civil. Impolite words, profanity, and insults invalidate your point and you will be ignored. If you want to be heard, write a coherent argument, not an emotional diatribe.

In either case if you want to write, go to my Feedback page find my email address.

You and I, we must dive below the surface A world of red neon, and ultramarine Shining bridges on the ocean floor Reaching to the alien shore You and I, we are pressed into these solitudes Color and culture, language and race Just variations on a theme Islands in a much larger stream For you and me --- Race is not a competition For you and me --- Race is not a definition For you and me --- We might agree But that's just us - Rush, "Alien Shore"