Initially, I thought that South Korea does not bother with North Korea as they are still on ‘war’ with each other.  However, when I visited the demilitarized zone, I realized that South Korea actually cares a lot about North Korea. She even gave millions of dollars worth of rice. South Korea made the Odusan Unification Observatory very simple so as to be humble. South Korea did not make the Odusan Unification Observatory grand as she did not want to show off her wealth to North Korea. Besides, North Korea and South Korea belongs to one family, thus it is expected of South Korea to care about North Korea. South Korea wishes to unite with North Korea. There is a room where visitors can write their wishes for them to unite. There is also a fence with uncountable coloured strings tied on. These ribbons contain wishes for South Korea and North Korea to unite. It is appealing to know that South Korea cares so much about North Korea although they are not really on good terms with each other.

Both Singapore’s and South Korea’s education system is very well managed. Students study very hard to get to the top universities. It is very competitive. In South Korea, students in Posco High School stay in school till its dark before returning home. They take their studies seriously. Both countries also face low birth rates and aging population. South Korea prepares for an aging population by setting up centers like Daegu senior experience centre. They produce and sell items targeting those in their golden years. These products are able to aid them in doing simple tasks like eating. South Korea has four seasons, however, Singapore only has one season. South Korea cares a lot about the Earth. They have recycling bins all around. Even in fast food restaurants, after consuming food, customers have to clear up their own mess. Unlike Singapore, most people leave their mess on the tables. South Koreans straws, paper, cups from each other. In Posco High School’s cafeteria, students separate the trays, wrappers, uneaten food and cutleries from each other.

I enjoyed mingling with the Posco High School students. They are amiable and we can get along very well. My partner, Ha Hong Min enjoys studying very much. Perhaps this is what spurred him to excel in his studies and thus being able to be enrolled in an elite school. I learnt a lot about Posco High School and South Korea’s education system. It is fascinating to know that in Posco High School, the females are separated from the males. They study in different classroom blocks and are not allowed to mix with other genders. If they do, they will get into trouble. The females are also required to keep short hair. In their school, they have a special arrangement for the top thirty students in every level. They have their own study tables in a room, where they can study there. Their classes also have a small teacher to student ratio, hence allowing each student to gain more attention and aid from the teacher. The school has teachers from overseas too.

Daegu Safety Theme Park is very fascinating as its uses innovative ways to teach their citizens about safety when faced with danger or natural disasters. I had great time learning about safety through stimulation, like how to escape from a train, what to do during a natural disaster and how to save someone using cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Posco Industrial is one of the largest steelcompanies. In Singapore, I will not be able to observe the process of making steel. It is interesting to know that this company even tries a lot of ways to be environmental friendly.

I learnt to appreciate the food in our school canteen. In Posco High School, students do not have a choice on what to eat. They eat what they have been served.  I also learn to appreciate the other races around me. In South Korea, there is only one race and they do not have a chance to mix around with other races. I learn to appreciate studying in Singapore. Students in South Korea spent much more time studying compared to us.

Xaverie 3e1.