March 1st Independence Day

"Taegukis" (Korean flags) are flying everywhere in Busan today as it's Korean Independence Day. This one is close to my school in Gwangan.

This Sunday night there will be a monster bonfire on Haeundae Beach. I believe it will be for a traditional Korean holiday called “Chongwol Taeborum,” which means “big full moon in the first month of the year.”I took this pic this afternoon as I walked to work. They were building a massive pile of wood and brush to set ablaze later. Notice I mentioned that I was going to work? Yep...even on a National holiday!

It’s another day on the Korean Peninsula, but not just any day. Today is Korean Independence Day. This is the day when all Korean’s celebrate their freedom from Japanese colonial rule. Most Koreans and foreigners living in Korea are enjoying this national holiday by relaxing, visiting friends and eating out. I found out that this Sunday there will be a huge bonfire on Haeundae Beach in Busan to celebrate “Chongwol Taeborum,” which means “big full moon in the first month of the year.”. I was there this afternoon and checked out the scene, as I went to work. Yes, Kevin was walking to work on yet another statutory holiday! As a CDI (Chung Dahm Language Institute) teacher, I have to work on all national holidays (for those who know me, you will remember my rant about working Xmas Day). CDI is actually a very good place to work aside from a severe lack of time off. The people I’ve met who complain the most about working at my school are those who seem to have an allergy to work. This is an allergy that most English teachers I meet in Korea seem to have. Many are simply here to play and travel and when a school actually expects them to earn their keep, most teachers end up in arms, complaining and moaning.

So many people I meet complain that their schools are unreasonable. “They actually expect me to be at school 20 minutes before my class. I’m not even getting paid for it! I can’t believe the nerve they have to ask me that.” EEEkkk…heaven forbid a teacher actually having to prepare for a class they must teach (loads of sarcasm here!). I suppose that tells you a lot about a “teacher” when they don’t even think it’s necessary to prepare for a class. Mind you, there are many difficulties and often unreasonable demands made of teachers in Korea, but I don’t think this is one of them.

I hope everyone has a nice Independence Day and can see the giant bonfires Sunday evening. There will be a nice one at Haeundae Beach. I'll try to be there.