Demonstrations

Yesterday there was a sitting demonstration at the bottom of our hill from our apartment. It was 6:20am as I was crossing the street to the lovely Pagoda tower. There was a large number of demonstrators taking turns with the megaphone sharing what seemed to appear as frustrating accounts of their lives. Again, they could have been talking about burning a building down; it was all in Korean so I never really know. Plus the language always sounds as if someone is angry at someone. I really need to learn Korean. Maybe next month, I'm very busy these days with blogging.

At 9:00am I have a class that faces the main road of Gangnam and I looked out; the same group is out there talking even louder with their mega-phone. I can hear them across the street and inside on the 4th floor. It was nice of the demonstrators to wait for their ranting session until most people were awake and at work, it is so nice when people are considerate. Starbucks is actually open at this time. Can I share how frustrating it is that nothing opens until 11/11:30ish and my morning break starts at 10am. Well, it can be frustrating. Anyhow, the demonstrators were still protesting hours later. At this point after a cup of coffee, I still had no idea what they were talking about. Wow, I still really need to learn Korean.

Regardless of the language barrier I still was able to comprehend the purpose behind the demonstration. It is helpful to read the Korean Herald in English. Street vendors are all over Seoul selling corn dogs, chicken satay, waffles, and etc. Usually the police do not bother the vendors, however, did you know that it is illegal in Korea to be a street vendor? That's right illegal. Street vendors swarm all areas of Seoul and at all hours of the day/night without any reprimands.

So.....if being a street vendor is illegal; should street vendors be allowed to protest and voice their opinion regarding their illegal job? They are upset that the police came in and tore-down their place of establishment. The police cars usually come in and block the street for a moments as they are violently disassembling the stand. Technically the street vendors are in the wrong, however Korean police rarely enforce certain laws in Korea. The system is far too corrupt and most Korean mob members pay off the police so that they may operate in the "business as usual" mode. Personally I am a fan of the waffle stand; regardless of the legalities. Think about it, how can waffles be corrupt? The waffle stand should stay!! Plus the stand where I scored a scarf for 8,000 won. Soooo cute.

I just find it interesting that Koreans have the right to protest, even if the topic they are protesting is illegal. I learn so much being here. Yeah....I say stick it to the man.