The western world has evolved into a "survival of the richest" kind of society. This may be a slight alteration of the famous words of every one's good friend Charles Darwin... let's refer to him as Big D. Since being in South Korea I have grown to appreciate the words in their true form. Let me explain....
As I rode the subway home from the center of Seoul late Sunday evening I noticed that 75% of the the occupants of line #4 were dozing quietly. Sleeping through the loud subway sounds and the conductor's announcements, each making sure to set a hand phone alarm to be certain not to miss their stop. The reason for their exhaustion? Well, without thinking I assume they are much like myself, heading home after a long weekend of partying, getting ready to start a new work week. But alas, I am wrong.
Korean society prides itself on work ethic. Let's start with their students. At a young age they attend their regular Korean school, after which they don't get to bask in the sun (or smog) they are enrolled in several academies. sometimes up to four or five. This can include science, math, and the very common English academy. After high school we move into university. A life that involves living away from home, being with friends, learning and living. For many Koreans this also involves working a weekend job that can include up to 12 hour work days for Friday Saturday and Sunday. Next they move into the business world, you get out of school and you work a 9-5 right? Wrong again little ones. Longer hours, weekend shifts, always being available. All this is topped with a growing need to learn English, a language that is complicated frustrating a time consuming, not to mention expensive.
In South Korea's capital city, Seoul, there are 10 million people. That's a lot of people competing for the best jobs, for the best universities, for the best academies. You have to have not only money to pay for it, but you must be willing to work harder than anyone else around you. Competition is tough, the strongest do survive. I am referring to mental as well as physical strength. The body strength to ensure you can endure those long days (as well as bad air quality), and it comes to power of mind to talk yourself into believing you can do it.
It's easy to feel for these weary eyed subway patrons. This 40 minute commute might be the best rest they've had in weeks. And I complain when I have to wake up before noon.....