A couple of months has passed since my last post. A lot has happened. I finally began my life as a soldier in the Korean Army. I had 5 weeks of basic military training - a process required to convert civilians to brave soldiers. Afterwards, I've been selected to become an M.P. (military police: the branch of an armed force assigned to perform law enforcement duties, as on a military installation). Therefore, I was transferred to recieve 5 weeks of M.P. education/training. Finally, after 10 weeks of training, I was assigned to carry out my duty as an M.P. in a small county called Hwa-Cheon (화천) situated at the very north of South Korea (it's very close to the border between North and South Korea). Hwa-Cheon is where I will be for the rest of my military service in South Korea.
I've been here for about three months now and I've had the opportunity to experience the extremely collective, hierarchical, and confucious elements of the Korean army. These three elements combined together creates a living condition that is extremely restricted and suppressed. I can't say that I'm happy right now. But I can say for sure that I am trying my best to hold on. To fight through these two years of my life. It's kind of like a hike. It's difficult and tiring but it's something that you need to overcome. And once you're finished with the hike, you get the sense of extreme satisfaction and self-achievement. That you made it through those two years without every giving up.
I wish I had more time to get into the tiny details of my life in the army but I don't have enough time. The only reason I'm able to write this post is because I'm currently out for a one day break. It's been a while since I had the freedom to eat what I want, to shit when I want to (pardon my language), to go wherever I want, and to say whatever I want. As my rank gradually moves up the ladder, I will have the luxury to use the computer freely - one of the weird tiny details about life in the Korean army. Every rank has its on restrictions and privileges. The more you move up the ladder the more privileges you get such as using the cleaners side of the bathroom, lying down and taking a rest, and so on.
Life here in the Korean army really is 'special'. And I'm so going to love experiencing all aspects of it. I miss family, friends, school, newyork, my life. I miss them so much.
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Hoon, i've been waiting for an update for a long while-- it's so good to hear from you! I'm glad to hear that you're not a robo-Korean killing machine, but not happy to hear that things aren't the most luxurious (of which I know you didn't expect them to be). Sounds like you're living a life I will never ever experience. Keep good notes and I hope you climb the ladder further so I can get more details! Further up the ladder I would be curious to see pictures, though I assume things aren't the most casual in that regard when you're in the Korean army. Stay Bright and keep writing.
hey there! have u been trying to call me? i've been back in seoul for almost a week but sick as a dog! but i'm feeling better so if u want to call, try me during the daylight hours cause i've been going to bed very early. hope to see u soon! xo
Post a Comment