What the Wednesday: The Neighborly Edition

If you're like me, then when you hear the words neighbor, neighborly, neighborhood, you might think Mr. Rogers. God, I loved that man. So sweet with his cardigans, terribly decorated living room, and indoor shoes. Everyone wanted him as a grandpa. His world was full of sunshine and butterflies and cupcakes. His world consisted of book reading, children's songs, the all too wise life lessons, and the heart warming smile. Obviously he was a much better neighbor than our neighbors here in Korea.

This week provided a fresh batch of threats from our northern neighbors. We hear them all the time. Every week in fact, and I'll be damned if those northerners aren't poetical saying things like, "We will turn Seoul into a sea of fire." and "Seoul will be reduced to ashes," and calling South Koreans things like "traitors, arch criminals, and puppets".  Their threats are always so lyrical and melodic. However, using phrases such as "sea of fire" makes me feel like I'm living in Mordor. It also causes the rest of the world to laugh at them. I mean, if I was to threaten someone I wouldn't use pretty words. That doesn't sound very...um...threatening.

However, the fact of the matter is, I live in a country that's still at war with the North, and while most expats don't talk about it, we think about it. It's always there in the back of our minds, brought up whenever the North makes a particularly flowery threat. With such an unpredictable country right next to us, we can't help but not wonder sometimes, "what if?" So without freaking out my parents too much (too late right?) I'll tell you how you deal with living with constant threats: You ignore it. The South Koreans have been living with this their entire lives. It's why every man must enter into military service and why there are US military bases throughout the country. It's life. It's normal. For them. For us it's a bit unnerving at times. I've had a few conversations with separate people about what we would do if war actually did break out, what we would pack (passport, phone, clean underwear), where we'd go (to Busan, to Japan, to home), etc. Living in Jeollanamdo, we feel safer because we are much farther south. But still "what if" right?

My advice to anyone living abroad is to register with your embassy. They need to know you're here and they need your families contact information in case something did happen. I registered with my embassy the first month I was here and listed emergency contact info (yay Dad!). I get monthly newsletters from them. Also, if an emergency were to happen (natural or northernly) I'd be immediately notified about what I need to do and where I need to go. I don't plan on heading into the mountains to live off of berries and rabbit.

However, if worse comes to worse my Naju friends and I have a plan if the refugee life is indeed ours to be had. It's called "Operation Flee Naju" or in the heat of the moment we'll call it "GTFON". Use your imagination kids.

So while Sauron broods in the north, we all continue to thrive in the south. We listen to kpop, make travel plans, and plan to live here for years to come. We also really really hope we don't have to use the "GTFO-wherever you live" plan.

Now go here and take a look at this to brighten your day now that I've depressed you. Also, because I really do want to be his neighbor.