Notes from 303 Focus Group
Date: May 5, 2006
Location: Jackson Library, Room 305 C
What kind of cool learning things already happen with current technology in Korea?
- Seoul is incredibly wired—‘U community’—brand new technology. Mobile technology is particularly pervasive—i.e. cell phone reception underground, live streaming on cell phones, etc. Access is not an issue—it is multiplied because there are so many interfaces to access it (cell phone, computer centers).
- Main cell phone carriers—SK, LG, KTF.
- Hyper-democratic community because of use of technology. Everyone seems to have a voice.
- Cyworld.com—80% of Koreans are members. Sites about “how to” do things. Potential for people from across the spectrum (mothers, children, businesspeople, etc to connect to others with similar interests both on and offline).
Demography of Seoul, Korea
- Population in Seoul is very narrow in terms of income, therefore everyone has access to technology (particularly because it is relatively cheap). Government is active in promoting technology.
- There may be trust issues associated with letting foreigners into the community.
- Highly competitive culture, education of their children has incredibly value for the parents.
How do we create the sense of community?
- Chung—Chinese character meaning affection, loyalty, affinity. Korean people have a lot of ‘chung’. They develop strong bonds with people. Might be difficult to translate or articulate in a community setting—it is more of a feeling. Challenge for us will be figuring out how to infuse this feeling into New Song Do.
Koreans would be receptive to foreigners embracing this idea of chung, or other Korean traditions in general.
- Chusak/Choosak—Thanksgiving. Pay respect to elders who passed away.
- Lunar New Year—Another opportunity for people to congregate.
- Religion—45% Buddhist, 45% are Protestants, 10% Catholics in Korea. Protestants are pretty hard core!
- Communal/Fellowship opportunities—Korean drinking, family style eating, presence of Korean restaurants, incorporating local Korean customs, yehee—etiquette and respect
- Enduring goal—Any approach we take should be sure to incorporate sense of Korea, rather than any Westernised models.
- Korean cultural center—way of connecting Koreans and foreigners to traditional Korean culture.
Suggestions for us:
- Contact expats.
- Get celebrities, media to promote whatever we do. USE MEDIA!!!
- Figure out a sustainable plan geared towards holding public interest.
- Google insa-dong —blend of modern with traditional Koreans (Koreans and foreigners alike visit).
- Use aesthetically pleasing displays—(don’t write in red, number four is unlucky)
- Look into caliber of education system.
- Blend architecture—modern and Korean design.
Check out websites
www.Daum.net
www.Naver.com