Korean journalism student views socio-education trends
By MARY QUINN
Kansan Staff Writer
Journalism is everyone's language and Haeja Lim wants to use her journalism background to translate English literature into Korean.
The KU graduate student from Seoul, Korea, has been studying at KU since last August when she was awarded a scholarship. In Seoul she was the first women correspondent for the Hapdong News Agency.
Before returning to Korea, she said, she hopes to work in the United States under the Fulbright intern program.
Since last August, she has written many articles for the news agency. Several were concerned with the student demonstrations here last spring.
"Our students demonstrate too," she said, "but the United States seems to have a more stable society. Our demonstrations seem more political.
"Demonstrations are not a bad thing if they have a goal," said the 24-year-old journalist.
The only woman brought to KU under the auspices of the U.S. State Department, Miss Lim compared the educational systems of the United States and Korea:
"Korean students participate in areas of study recommended by professors, but they are free to choose the subjects. Conversation is less limited because philosophical questions are often discussed.
"Contrasts in systems lie in the conformity of the people. In American education the general subjects are stifled by over-contribution of the professors." She added that she felt the American
Oct. 10
1969 KANSAN 13
educational system hindered individuality.
She continued:
"Social aspects of Korean education also differ. In high school students are required to wear
Haeia Lim
uniforms; they are not allowed to wear make-up and must keep their hair straight. Students don't have boy friends and see few movies.
"Once you attend the university, you can dress by choice, but dating habits are not as liberal as in the United States."
On another aspect of social life, marriage, Miss Lim noted that although Western styles are seen in dress, the Korean marriage tradition of "match marriages" is still prevalent.
The parents decide on a partner for their child on the basis of family relations and ancestry. A meeting is set up between the pair, but either party is free to
continue or disregard the relationship.
Miss Lim said her eldest sister was married in this custom, although she did not feel obligated by it.
Being a career journalist, Miss Lim is interested in the nursery facilities for working mothers because more Korean women are pursuing careers. Women's equality is not a reality in Korea, said Miss Lim, but legally they have gained equal rights just as women have in Western cultures.
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