A Sense of Community

Whenever we moved to Cambodia I was overwhelmed. Everything was so different in the 3rd-world 'Kingdom of Wonder' compared to my familiar, 1st-world homeland. On the other hand, 1st-world, technologically-advanced Korea was a much easier transition, which in turn meant that our discoveries were less mind-blowing. This ease gave a rise in my mind to the false sense that my friends and family back home would find this country less interesting. I mean, people here have food, electricity, education, and a public transportation system to be envied. Could any of this be intriguing? After watching a few travel episodes with Rick Steve, I was reminded that any differences in culture, lifestyle, and landscape is interesting to most. So, I decided to start with housing.

The Korean language is not as possessive as American English. For example, instead of saying 'my house,' they tend to say 'our house.' This applies to other things as well. This is most likely due to the cultural view of self within the community. Although it is not a socialist country, there is a sense of focus on the whole society, and how every individual affects that whole. I mentioned this in my last post, where I discussed the difference in how each of our cultures view weddings and hospitality. Their view of community has also helped to shape the style of housing in this beautiful country.

South Korea is slightly smaller than the size of the state of Virginia, but with a whopping 51+million population. By comparison, California, our most populous state, has almost 40 million occupants. That’s a lot of bodies in a small area, especially considering that over 70% of this country is covered with low mountains, that for the most part are uninhabited. This would be a problem for some cultures, but not for the sharp Korean mind. Since they do not have the capability to build out, they have taken advantage of their vertical space. Building up is the obvious choice, but they have even built down, into the earth, capitalizing on this unused space for parking and such. So, although a small part of the population lives in individual homes on land varying in size, most Koreans live in apartments or villas. Apartments here are more similar to our condominiums in America, as they are mainly mortgaged, not rented. Korean villas are closer to our apartments, but that is for another post.

Our dear friend and Korean teacher, whose English name is Michelle, was kind enough to let me take pictures of her apartment complex. Welcome to the Zenith Apartments, or better known to taxi drivers as "Doo-seon apart-uh."

As with most complexes here, a group of buildings are clustered together to create a mini city. Each building has its own underground parking garage, as well as a decent-sized parking lot at ground level. Although Korea has an extremely low crime rate, they still believe in security. Each building is equipped with an electronic buzzer system. If you have the code, you can enter the building with ease, or simply enter your friend’s apartment number to ring them. Once inside, you can proceed to the elevator, or if you are desirous for some exercise, the stairs stop at every floor of this 48-story building. We chose the elevator since we had been riding our bikes around town this particular day.

Parking garage for Michelle's building.

So many floors = so many buttons!

Michelle escorting us into her home.

On each floor of this building there are 6 apartments. On average, each apartment usually houses 1 family comprised of 1 to 3 generations. Usually, this type of apartment will have 3-4 bedrooms; 2-3 wet rooms and/or bathrooms; a central living room; a kitchen (typically small in comparison with American kitchens); and a laundry room and/or sunroom. A wet room is one where the shower is open to the entire room that includes a sink and toilet. There is no bath, and traditionally there is no shower curtain or divider. Often a pair of foam or rubber slippers are provided in case the floor is wet. Since wet rooms are more traditional, water splashed about the room is common. Although it can drive this American a little crazy, the Koreans are quite at peace whether the room is wet or dry. Most of the newer homes in which we have been have bathrooms with standard size bathtubs, but still without a curtain or divider. My favorite part of Michelle’s home is her view.

Sweet Michelle had prepared salmon sushi for us! She knows it is one of my favorites. No need to worry moms, Aunt Michelle is taking very good care of us... even spoiling us some. Afterwards we enjoyed a game and the massage chair in her comfortable living room.

Once we step out of Michelle’s cozy and welcoming home, there is still more to be explored. As I mentioned earlier, these complexes, especially the ones built this century, seek to provide everything tenants would desire to form a mini city. For some activity outdoors, there are several playgrounds, a walking track, an outdoor gym, a water pad for kids during the summer, and a path around the whole complex that allows a peaceful walk to enjoy both God and man’s creations. 

Within the management building you find a daycare, a small library, study rooms for students, an indoor golf course, and indoor gym with state of the art facilities. At one of the entrance gates a convenience store, a few shops, a small academy, and my favorite lil' grocery mart are all open for business, ready to provide for your needs.

Daycare from the outside.

Daycare entrance office.

Perfect size library for this "mini city."

Shh!

Just one of the holes available.

Sweat, glow, and live strong.

Such a cute corner!

I have decided that Korea's sense of community is one of my favorite qualities that defines this country. In general, they do not have to try hard to think of the village surrounding them. It is simply a part of their culture; they recognize they are a piece of the whole. My American individualism has been tested to transform, and I am enjoying growing beyond myself. I feel like it has given me a peek into how the first-century church worked and lived together as a whole. We are doing our best to think of the whole as we shine the light of Jesus and gain a better sense of community.