"The Irish of Asia"
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to the Irish of the world from the Ireland of Asia! Koreans have been called the "Irish of Asia" due to the similarities between their nation and the Emerald Isle. An article entitled the Irish of the East? describes in detail many of these striking coincidences. Here are some of the more remarkable similarities:
1. Both countries are divided between the north and the south.
2. Both countries have been dominated by an imperial island nation to the east, populated by people known for their etiquette and restraint.
3. Both oppressor nations (England and Japan) tried to eradicate the language and culture of the dominated peoples.
4. Both the Irish and Koreans tend to be down-to-earth, emotional, and can sometimes be perceived to be rude.
5. Both peoples have an elaborate clan system.
6. Both peoples love song, dance, and liquor.
7. And finally, as an inside joke for those who know some Korean; Korea (Hanguk) is the country of han, or the "Land of Ire" (from [ks-open] Irish of Asia?).
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day to the Irish of the world from the Ireland of Asia! Koreans have been called the "Irish of Asia" due to the similarities between their nation and the Emerald Isle. An article entitled the Irish of the East? describes in detail many of these striking coincidences. Here are some of the more remarkable similarities:
1. Both countries are divided between the north and the south.
2. Both countries have been dominated by an imperial island nation to the east, populated by people known for their etiquette and restraint.
3. Both oppressor nations (England and Japan) tried to eradicate the language and culture of the dominated peoples.
4. Both the Irish and Koreans tend to be down-to-earth, emotional, and can sometimes be perceived to be rude.
5. Both peoples have an elaborate clan system.
6. Both peoples love song, dance, and liquor.
7. And finally, as an inside joke for those who know some Korean; Korea (Hanguk) is the country of han, or the "Land of Ire" (from [ks-open] Irish of Asia?).
Redeemed by Our Savior, I work out my salvation with fear and trembling in Pohang, South Korea, where I live with my wife, daughter, and son and teach English at a science and technology university. Baptized a Methodist and raised a Missouri Synod Lutheran in Buffalo, NY, I spent six years as a guest of the Anglican Communion before being received by the Grace of God into the One Holy Catholic and Apostolic Church on the Feast of Saint Andrew, my patron, anno domini 2002.
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