It has been so long since I last visited Korea. Last time I went was during spring break of my senior year of high school, 2004. I hung out with all my relatives, but man things have definitely changed. Many of my cousins have daughters now, Seoul is even crazier than I last remembered and many of the toilets have become westernized so they aren't holes in the ground.This trip really had strong meaning for me, it truly show
ed the importance of family. It is so important for us (my sister and I) to keep close contact with my mother's side of the family. It is crazy to see how successful they are and how much everyone has changed. One of my cousins, June hyun, is 26 and is already a medical doctor. Well, all of my family on my mom's side are either doctors or dentists. My cousins on my dad's side are no different. June bum, one of the oldest (about 12 years older than me), works in the executive side of M-net. M-net is sort of like Korea's MTV. It's so funny how his parents are still pressing for him to be married, as most of my relatives are pressing for, as well, for my sister. My cousin, June ho, a little younger than me, is finishing up school to be an MD as well. His brother, June gyung, works for a financial investment firm and served as a KATUSA, or, a Korean who trains in the American military (all Korean men have to serve 3 years in the military when they turn 18). I now recall filling out a form that declined Korean citizenship, before I turned 18. That way I wouldn't be held the next time I visited Korea, and be forced to serve in their army.
ed the importance of family. It is so important for us (my sister and I) to keep close contact with my mother's side of the family. It is crazy to see how successful they are and how much everyone has changed. One of my cousins, June hyun, is 26 and is already a medical doctor. Well, all of my family on my mom's side are either doctors or dentists. My cousins on my dad's side are no different. June bum, one of the oldest (about 12 years older than me), works in the executive side of M-net. M-net is sort of like Korea's MTV. It's so funny how his parents are still pressing for him to be married, as most of my relatives are pressing for, as well, for my sister. My cousin, June ho, a little younger than me, is finishing up school to be an MD as well. His brother, June gyung, works for a financial investment firm and served as a KATUSA, or, a Korean who trains in the American military (all Korean men have to serve 3 years in the military when they turn 18). I now recall filling out a form that declined Korean citizenship, before I turned 18. That way I wouldn't be held the next time I visited Korea, and be forced to serve in their army.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to see my Uncle in Daegu and his sons, June gwang & June so. June gwang was also 'KATUSA' and speaks perfect Korean and English with an American accent. At the same time, it was so sad seeing my Grandfather in his current state. He looks skinnier and weaker at his age of 91. Sadly, this may be the last time I get to see him alive...but it was amazing talking with him about our vast family history. I found out that I was a 27th generation Shim and I was so proud to read about our history and read his book that had labeled all the generations, starting from the Joseon dynasty (when the Korean alphabet was invented). Many of the Shims had important roles in government.
It was also crazy to find out that we had relatives that my sister and I had never met before. I feel a lost connection when I see all these names of the people who I have never met before, yet, we are all related by blood. 2 distant cousins in Japan, the younger who does not speak any Korean. Then, many cousins from my Grandfather's sister, who I had never even known about. Of the 
last 2 siblings remaining, my grandfather lives in Daegu and his sister lives at a family temple in the countryside. For 2008, I have kept a conscious of not burning bridges. I realize how important family is and I will now start taking Korean classes or hang out with friends and speak more Korean. It is a vital connection for me, as beyond my sister & father, no one else in our family lives in an English speaking country. As I was unwinding down from traveling, it was fun to talk with my cousin, June suh, from Paris. I could not believe he had already turned 18 and his English was remarkably good for being from France. We reminisced on when I visited and he was excited about trying to meet up again. I now want to be fully fluent in Korean and also learn conversational French and Japanese, so that I can speak to all my relatives.One of these days, hopefully if I continue my life as a race car driver, I can live in Korea, Japan or Europe, and be closer with family and experience more of what this life has to offer.
Album 1
Album 2
