The Guardian published an article today suggesting that nuclear fuel had melted out of its containment vessel at one of the Fukushima reactors. At first, I thought that the article was a news report, and it rattled me. But, I found no other reports of a meltdown anywhere else, and so I returned to the Guardian article and reread it. This is when I understood that no melted fuel has been observed outside of its containment vessel at any of the Fukushima reactors, but that a nuclear scientist from the US thought that this may have already occurred given the observation of specific radioactive elements in the air, soil and water in the vicinity of the reactors.
A total nuclear meltdown at Fukushima would indeed be a very serious development. So what is truly going on at Fukushima? Well, it has been suspected that the fuel in the reactors had been partially melted for some time, and Japanese officials recently confirmed that the presence of plutonium in the soil in the vicinity of the reactors is evidence of this. However, a total nuclear meltdown has so-far been averted by watering the reactors with sea water, at first using fire trucks and helicopters, and more recently using electric pumps. Unfortunately, highly radio-active water has been found in and around the reactors, and even in the ocean in the vicinity of Fukushima, suggesting that water may be flowing into the reactor containment vessels, picking up radio-active materials, and then leaking out. Yesterday, it was confirmed that the reactor containment vessels are probably breached as water is not rising inside of them as expected now that some of their cooling pumps have been reactivated. And today, it was necessary to halt the pumping of water into the reactors because too much radio-active water is accumulating underneath them.
So the situation at Fukushima is dire. The fuel in the reactors must be continuously cooled to prevent a meltdown, but the containment vessels are probably breached, and radio-active water is leaking out of them. When too much polluted water accumulates in the reactors, the cooling process must be interrupted in order for it to be pumped away. Otherwise, highly radio-active water would leak into the environment. This is bad news, because today, the president of the company that owns the reactors admitted that the fuel of the Fukushima reactors continues to generate a lot of heat. Therefore, I can't help but wonder if a total nuclear meltdown could occur at these reactors.
And so, Japanese officials find themselves in a rather macabre situation. They must basically decide what they think is the worst scenario, a possible nuclear meltdown, or the certain emission of large quantities of dangerous radio-active pollution into the environment. Neither represents a pleasant turn of events. At the moment, they seem to believe that the probability that a total nuclear meltdown could occur is small, and so are opting to safely dispose of the radio-active water that accumulates under the reactors when they are cooled. I hope that they are not incorrect in their evaluation of the situation.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Crisis in Japan Seen from Korea - Part 6
OK... It's getting depressing watching what's happening in Japan. I really hope that the Fukushima reactors can be cooled and safely sealed off as soon as possible.
It has been reported that the unfortunate souls who found themselves standing in a puddle of radio-active water at the Fukushima nuclear plant, thus discovering that some of the reactor cores at Fukushima are probably leaking, did not sustain injuries as serious as initially thought. But I can't help but wonder what long term effects their exposure to this radiation is going to have on them.
Not to forget that what they discovered is very serious. Soon after, it was found that water in trenches outside the Fukushima reactor buildings contain radio-active pollution. At first, it was believed that none of this polluted water had reached the ocean, but it was soon discovered that some of this pollution had indeed reached the sea. It is difficult to predict the long-term effects of this pollution in the ocean, but some of it could eventually be absorbed by humans, as it may accumulate in fish and other marine organisms that human beings eat. A marine scientist from Japan indicated that some seafood will have to be screened for radiation to make sure that it is safe for human consumption. In addition, the polluted water at Fukushima is slowing down the process of re-establishing the damaged reactor's automatic cooling systems. And it has also been reported that, to prevent them from overheating, it is necessary to keep watering the plant's reactors, even if radio-active materials are carried out of them by the water that is used to cool them. This means that there is a risk of further runoff of radio-active pollution into the environment.
It has also been reported that plutonium has been found in the soil near the Fukushima plant, but that "the level detected is the same as that found in other parts of Japan", and "does not pose a threat to human health". So, has the Fukushima disaster caused plutonium pollution in the soil throughout Japan? Japanese officials are reported to be seeking the answer to this question.
Furthermore, recent news articles have reported that radio-active materials originating from the Fukushima plant may have been carried by air currents all the way to the United States. Such materials have also been identified in Korea. Specifically, radio-active iodine-131 has been sampled at radiation monitoring stations throughout Korea, in concentrations that could emit 1 / 30,000th of the maximum recommended yearly exposure of human beings to radiation. The concentration was reported per cubic meter of air, and according to Wikipedia, a typical human being breathes 11,000 liters of air per day, which is equivalent to 11 cubic meters of air per day. Therefore, in order for a person to be exposed to the maximum recommended yearly exposure of radiation, he or she would have to breath this contaminated air for about 30,000 / 11 / 365 = 7.5 years. Thankfully, the half-life of iodine-131 is of approximately 8 days. Therefore, the concentration of iodine-131 in the air should fall to natural levels well before the passing of the 7.5 years required for a person to be exposed to the maximum recommended yearly dose.
In addition to causing radio-active pollution on a global scale, the crisis at Fukushima has had social and political ramifications. In Germany, many Green Party politicians were recently elected, including the first Green Regional Minister President in Germany's history. Some believe that this Green turn in German politics is partly the result of the German people's reaction to the Fukushima disaster. Furthermore, Japan is reconsidering its reliance on nuclear energy as a result of what is happening at Fukushima.
On a more philosophical note, though not a cheery one, the health concerns arising as a result of the radio-active pollution emanating from the Fukushima reactors are at root the result of the possibility that, in some cases, a single atom can trigger the chain of events that culminate in a person's death. Is this going to be my fate? If so, have I already encountered the atom that will eventually cause my death? If not, can I do anything to avoid encountering it, to miss my Appointment in Samara?
It has been reported that the unfortunate souls who found themselves standing in a puddle of radio-active water at the Fukushima nuclear plant, thus discovering that some of the reactor cores at Fukushima are probably leaking, did not sustain injuries as serious as initially thought. But I can't help but wonder what long term effects their exposure to this radiation is going to have on them.
Not to forget that what they discovered is very serious. Soon after, it was found that water in trenches outside the Fukushima reactor buildings contain radio-active pollution. At first, it was believed that none of this polluted water had reached the ocean, but it was soon discovered that some of this pollution had indeed reached the sea. It is difficult to predict the long-term effects of this pollution in the ocean, but some of it could eventually be absorbed by humans, as it may accumulate in fish and other marine organisms that human beings eat. A marine scientist from Japan indicated that some seafood will have to be screened for radiation to make sure that it is safe for human consumption. In addition, the polluted water at Fukushima is slowing down the process of re-establishing the damaged reactor's automatic cooling systems. And it has also been reported that, to prevent them from overheating, it is necessary to keep watering the plant's reactors, even if radio-active materials are carried out of them by the water that is used to cool them. This means that there is a risk of further runoff of radio-active pollution into the environment.
It has also been reported that plutonium has been found in the soil near the Fukushima plant, but that "the level detected is the same as that found in other parts of Japan", and "does not pose a threat to human health". So, has the Fukushima disaster caused plutonium pollution in the soil throughout Japan? Japanese officials are reported to be seeking the answer to this question.
Furthermore, recent news articles have reported that radio-active materials originating from the Fukushima plant may have been carried by air currents all the way to the United States. Such materials have also been identified in Korea. Specifically, radio-active iodine-131 has been sampled at radiation monitoring stations throughout Korea, in concentrations that could emit 1 / 30,000th of the maximum recommended yearly exposure of human beings to radiation. The concentration was reported per cubic meter of air, and according to Wikipedia, a typical human being breathes 11,000 liters of air per day, which is equivalent to 11 cubic meters of air per day. Therefore, in order for a person to be exposed to the maximum recommended yearly exposure of radiation, he or she would have to breath this contaminated air for about 30,000 / 11 / 365 = 7.5 years. Thankfully, the half-life of iodine-131 is of approximately 8 days. Therefore, the concentration of iodine-131 in the air should fall to natural levels well before the passing of the 7.5 years required for a person to be exposed to the maximum recommended yearly dose.
In addition to causing radio-active pollution on a global scale, the crisis at Fukushima has had social and political ramifications. In Germany, many Green Party politicians were recently elected, including the first Green Regional Minister President in Germany's history. Some believe that this Green turn in German politics is partly the result of the German people's reaction to the Fukushima disaster. Furthermore, Japan is reconsidering its reliance on nuclear energy as a result of what is happening at Fukushima.
On a more philosophical note, though not a cheery one, the health concerns arising as a result of the radio-active pollution emanating from the Fukushima reactors are at root the result of the possibility that, in some cases, a single atom can trigger the chain of events that culminate in a person's death. Is this going to be my fate? If so, have I already encountered the atom that will eventually cause my death? If not, can I do anything to avoid encountering it, to miss my Appointment in Samara?
Saturday, March 26, 2011
A March Snowfall in Seoul
Shifting attention away from Japan for a moment...
A late winter cold snap occurred in Korea during the last week.
On Thursday night, it snowed in Seoul.
Today, the KBS published beautiful pictures of Bukaksan blanketed in snow.
You can see them here.
A late winter cold snap occurred in Korea during the last week.
On Thursday night, it snowed in Seoul.
Today, the KBS published beautiful pictures of Bukaksan blanketed in snow.
You can see them here.
Crisis in Japan Seen from Korea - Part 5
Usually, in a nuclear accident, radioactive materials are first emitted into the air, and later fall out of the air onto the ground. Radioactive fallout is now occurring in Japan, and its consequences are troubling.
A few days ago, it was reported that high concentrations of radioactive materials were found in Tokyo's tap water. As a result, the radioactivity of the water was raised to levels that are considered unsafe for consumption by young children, and the city government issued an official water consumption restriction for infants. Thankfully, concentrations of radioactive materials in Tokyo's water fell quickly over the course of a few days, and the water consumption restriction could be lifted. But radioactive pollution was found in the drinking water supply of more cities during the last few days. It is believed that radioactive materials were washed into the drinking water systems of these cities by falling rain. It is also expected that the quantity of these materials in the drinking water will diminish over the next few weeks, as long as there are no more major air-emissions of radioactive materials from the Fukushima power plant. Korea had already sent bottled water to Japan in an effort to help meet the emergency needs of some of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. In light of the discovery of radioactive pollution in drinking water, demand for bottled water produced in Korea has soared in Japan.
Sadly, radioactive fallout has also been detected on food crops. Radioactive contamination was first detected on foods produced near the damaged Fukushima power plant. Disconcertingly, radioactive pollution was detected today on vegetables grown in Tokyo. The discovery of contaminated food has prompted the Korean government to ban the import of food from certain regions of Japan. I think that food produced in Japan will have to be carefully monitored in order to ensure that no unsafe food is sold to citizens or exported.
To make matters worse, it is now feared that radioactive pollution is leaking from the core of three of the reactors at the Fukushima power plant. This was discovered after two of the individuals working at the plant received radiation burns after stepping into water.
Hopefully, radioactive fallout will not continue for too long over Japan. But ultimately, most if not all of the radioactive materials that have been emitted into the air will fall out. These materials will end up in the environment somewhere. Koreans seem to be concerned that radioactive pollution could occur in their country as a result of the disaster at the Fukushima power plant. But I believe that to date, no abnormal radiation levels have been detected in Korea, and no radioactive fallout has been detected in rain Korea.
A few days ago, it was reported that high concentrations of radioactive materials were found in Tokyo's tap water. As a result, the radioactivity of the water was raised to levels that are considered unsafe for consumption by young children, and the city government issued an official water consumption restriction for infants. Thankfully, concentrations of radioactive materials in Tokyo's water fell quickly over the course of a few days, and the water consumption restriction could be lifted. But radioactive pollution was found in the drinking water supply of more cities during the last few days. It is believed that radioactive materials were washed into the drinking water systems of these cities by falling rain. It is also expected that the quantity of these materials in the drinking water will diminish over the next few weeks, as long as there are no more major air-emissions of radioactive materials from the Fukushima power plant. Korea had already sent bottled water to Japan in an effort to help meet the emergency needs of some of the victims of the earthquake and tsunami. In light of the discovery of radioactive pollution in drinking water, demand for bottled water produced in Korea has soared in Japan.
Sadly, radioactive fallout has also been detected on food crops. Radioactive contamination was first detected on foods produced near the damaged Fukushima power plant. Disconcertingly, radioactive pollution was detected today on vegetables grown in Tokyo. The discovery of contaminated food has prompted the Korean government to ban the import of food from certain regions of Japan. I think that food produced in Japan will have to be carefully monitored in order to ensure that no unsafe food is sold to citizens or exported.
To make matters worse, it is now feared that radioactive pollution is leaking from the core of three of the reactors at the Fukushima power plant. This was discovered after two of the individuals working at the plant received radiation burns after stepping into water.
Hopefully, radioactive fallout will not continue for too long over Japan. But ultimately, most if not all of the radioactive materials that have been emitted into the air will fall out. These materials will end up in the environment somewhere. Koreans seem to be concerned that radioactive pollution could occur in their country as a result of the disaster at the Fukushima power plant. But I believe that to date, no abnormal radiation levels have been detected in Korea, and no radioactive fallout has been detected in rain Korea.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Crisis in Japan Seen from Korea - Part 4
A few more comments about the situation in Japan...
News reports about the nuclear crisis in Japan have sometimes erroneously reported the radiation levels experienced either at the Fukushima nuclear plant or elsewhere in the country. For example, on Sunday, I was quite startled to stumble upon a report in the Korean press claiming that radiation levels of the order of 1000 millisieverts per hour had been recorded at Fukushima. Such radiation levels would indeed be startling, as a lifetime exposure of 300 to 400 millisieverts is considered high. If radiation levels of 1000 millisieverts per hour could be measured, it would mean that radiation levels at Fukushima are extremely high. However, radiation levels recorded at locations further away from the Fukushima plant, such as those published by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology or by the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, were not consistent with levels of the order of thousands of millisieverts per hour at the Fukushima plant. Rather, they were consistent with levels of the order of thousands of microsieverts per hour, which are high but much less extreme radiation levels.
Radiation levels were misreported in this way in other news outlets. For instance, reporters at the Guardian misreported microsievert levels as millisievert levels in one of their blog posts about the Fukushima crisis. This is purely speculation, but I wonder if these errors may have been the result of mistranslations of information originally reported in Japanese.
If you are seeking information about radiation levels in Japan, real time data about radiation levels everywhere in the country can be found on this map. In Korea, information about radiation levels in the country can be found on the web-site of the Integrated Environmental Radiation Monitoring Network.
In the last few days, some Japanese broadcasters have done a very good job explaining the situation at the Fukushima reactor to the public. On Sunday, I was amazed by a live broadcast on NHK during which an expert in nuclear technology explained in detail the problems still plaguing the Fukushima plant. Sitting beside a realistic looking model of the nuclear reactors at Fukushima, he pointed out the specific locations of problem areas in the various reactors, including the spent fuel pools that require watering from the outside, as well as the location of the reactor cores that, it is suspected, could be overheating or have been damaged. In spite of their criticism of the Japanese government in recent days, I can't help but wonder if western governments would so transparently communicate the details of a similar nuclear catastrophe to their citizens should one occur on their territories.
Finally, a few news articles have been published recently about the workers who are on the front lines of the nuclear crisis. Some people that I have spoken to are astonished by the bravery of those who continue to work at the Fukushima plant, as these workers are taking serious risks and perhaps even risking their lives. These workers remind me of the mine rescuers that would not hesitate to go underground, at the risk of their own health and lives, in order to rescue the victims of accidents that sometimes occurred in the mines of Sudbury, near where I grew up. Though few such accidents occurred in the years during which I was living in Hanmer, I heard stories from my father and from other miners about the men and women who trained for, and who had in the past carried out, mine rescue operations. From these stories, I came to believe that these people, when called upon, found the courage to risk their lives in rescue operations because they believed that they were acting in some greater cause. They also hoped that those needing rescuing would not have hesitated to try to rescue them, should their fates been reversed. On Sunday, one of the individuals still struggling on at Fukushima explained his motivations for doing so on NHK's news broadcast. He said that he understood that he was facing serious risks, as did his wife, but they both felt that something bigger was at stake, and that he should stay at Fukushima to help "save Japan". I have a lot of admiration and respect for this man, as well as for his wife.
Over the last few days, emissions of radioactive materials from the damaged reactors have increased, then regressed, and the IAEA has reported that the situation at Fukushima is progressing positively.
News reports about the nuclear crisis in Japan have sometimes erroneously reported the radiation levels experienced either at the Fukushima nuclear plant or elsewhere in the country. For example, on Sunday, I was quite startled to stumble upon a report in the Korean press claiming that radiation levels of the order of 1000 millisieverts per hour had been recorded at Fukushima. Such radiation levels would indeed be startling, as a lifetime exposure of 300 to 400 millisieverts is considered high. If radiation levels of 1000 millisieverts per hour could be measured, it would mean that radiation levels at Fukushima are extremely high. However, radiation levels recorded at locations further away from the Fukushima plant, such as those published by the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology or by the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum, were not consistent with levels of the order of thousands of millisieverts per hour at the Fukushima plant. Rather, they were consistent with levels of the order of thousands of microsieverts per hour, which are high but much less extreme radiation levels.
Radiation levels were misreported in this way in other news outlets. For instance, reporters at the Guardian misreported microsievert levels as millisievert levels in one of their blog posts about the Fukushima crisis. This is purely speculation, but I wonder if these errors may have been the result of mistranslations of information originally reported in Japanese.
If you are seeking information about radiation levels in Japan, real time data about radiation levels everywhere in the country can be found on this map. In Korea, information about radiation levels in the country can be found on the web-site of the Integrated Environmental Radiation Monitoring Network.
In the last few days, some Japanese broadcasters have done a very good job explaining the situation at the Fukushima reactor to the public. On Sunday, I was amazed by a live broadcast on NHK during which an expert in nuclear technology explained in detail the problems still plaguing the Fukushima plant. Sitting beside a realistic looking model of the nuclear reactors at Fukushima, he pointed out the specific locations of problem areas in the various reactors, including the spent fuel pools that require watering from the outside, as well as the location of the reactor cores that, it is suspected, could be overheating or have been damaged. In spite of their criticism of the Japanese government in recent days, I can't help but wonder if western governments would so transparently communicate the details of a similar nuclear catastrophe to their citizens should one occur on their territories.
Finally, a few news articles have been published recently about the workers who are on the front lines of the nuclear crisis. Some people that I have spoken to are astonished by the bravery of those who continue to work at the Fukushima plant, as these workers are taking serious risks and perhaps even risking their lives. These workers remind me of the mine rescuers that would not hesitate to go underground, at the risk of their own health and lives, in order to rescue the victims of accidents that sometimes occurred in the mines of Sudbury, near where I grew up. Though few such accidents occurred in the years during which I was living in Hanmer, I heard stories from my father and from other miners about the men and women who trained for, and who had in the past carried out, mine rescue operations. From these stories, I came to believe that these people, when called upon, found the courage to risk their lives in rescue operations because they believed that they were acting in some greater cause. They also hoped that those needing rescuing would not have hesitated to try to rescue them, should their fates been reversed. On Sunday, one of the individuals still struggling on at Fukushima explained his motivations for doing so on NHK's news broadcast. He said that he understood that he was facing serious risks, as did his wife, but they both felt that something bigger was at stake, and that he should stay at Fukushima to help "save Japan". I have a lot of admiration and respect for this man, as well as for his wife.
Over the last few days, emissions of radioactive materials from the damaged reactors have increased, then regressed, and the IAEA has reported that the situation at Fukushima is progressing positively.
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Crisis in Japan Seen from Korea - Part 3
It was Saturday today, and I spent most of the day at home. I could therefore pay close attention to NHK's news podcast as it was broadcast.
Today, NHK broadcasting provided specific quantitative information about radiation levels near the Fukushima reactors, as well as radiation doses that people working at the Fukushima nuclear plant could expect to be exposed to. Inside the plant, radiation emission levels were reported to be at 10 to 15 milli-Sieverts per hour. It was reported that workers at the plant would not be allowed to be exposed to more than 100 to 150 milli-Sieverts of radiation. These values are high. Under normal circumstances, employees in nuclear power plants are exposed to 20 milli-Sieverts per year, and a lifetime total radiation exposure of 350 milli-Sieverts is considered high. In my opinion, this shows that people working to stabilize the situation at Fukushima are taking considerable risks, all in the name of minimizing further hurt to their country and fellow citizens. Their bravery and sacrifice in the cause of public safety should be properly recognized after the crisis passes.
The disclosure of specific radiation levels near the Fukushima plant comes after the international community criticized Japan for not providing clear information about these levels. The Japanese government should be commended for this honest and transparent disclosure of radiation levels, whether or not it has chosen to do so as a result of international pressure. Only honest and transparent disclosure of this information can ensure that the public has trust in the government as it continues to deal with the crisis at Fukushima.
Radiation levels about one kilometer away from the Fukushima plant were reported to have reached approximately 800 micro-Sieverts per hour on Saturday, but then fell to 300 micro-Sieverts per hour. Assuming that the radioactive materials are escaping from the plant uniformly in all directions, radiation levels should follow a (1 / distance-squared) relationship, where the distance is the shortest separation of a point at which a radiation level is measured from the source of the radioactive materials. Assuming that the radiation level 1 kilometer away from Fukushima is 1000 micro-Sieverts per hour, the radiation level 100 km away from Fukushima should be approximately 1 milli-Sieverts per year. Tokyo is some 200 km away from Fukushima, and 1 milli-Sieverts per year is a level comparable to natural background radiation everywhere on Earth. (It was recently reported that radiation levels of 0.6 micro-Sieverts per hour were measured in Tokyo. This is equivalent to 5 milli-Sieverts per year, a value that is consistent with my calculation above, and that is lower than exposure rates experienced by airplane pilots.) Radiation levels 1000 km away from Fukushima should be 10 micro-Sieverts per year. Seoul is approximately 1000 km away from Fukushima, and 10 micro-Sieverts per year is a very small radiation level. It is equivalent to the radiation dose that is absorbed by eating 100 bananas. Of course, higher radiation levels could occur in specific locations if radioactive material is carried by wind.
NHK also reported today that the WHO has stated that radiation levels are low outside a 30 km radius from the Fukushima nuclear plant. The WHO has also stated that radiation levels in Tokyo pose little public health risk, and that there is no public health reason to avoid travelling to Japan, except for the region near Fukushima. The calculations reported above give me confidence in these statements.
It was also reported that some countries want to screen food from Japan for radiation contamination. The Japanese government has also screened foods and, sadly, has found that some foods produced near Fukushima have higher than normal radio activity. Again, the Japanese government should be commended for undertaking such screening and for honestly reporting the results. Only in carrying out such tests in a transparent manner can the safety of foods produced in Japan be verified.
Today, NHK broadcasting provided specific quantitative information about radiation levels near the Fukushima reactors, as well as radiation doses that people working at the Fukushima nuclear plant could expect to be exposed to. Inside the plant, radiation emission levels were reported to be at 10 to 15 milli-Sieverts per hour. It was reported that workers at the plant would not be allowed to be exposed to more than 100 to 150 milli-Sieverts of radiation. These values are high. Under normal circumstances, employees in nuclear power plants are exposed to 20 milli-Sieverts per year, and a lifetime total radiation exposure of 350 milli-Sieverts is considered high. In my opinion, this shows that people working to stabilize the situation at Fukushima are taking considerable risks, all in the name of minimizing further hurt to their country and fellow citizens. Their bravery and sacrifice in the cause of public safety should be properly recognized after the crisis passes.
The disclosure of specific radiation levels near the Fukushima plant comes after the international community criticized Japan for not providing clear information about these levels. The Japanese government should be commended for this honest and transparent disclosure of radiation levels, whether or not it has chosen to do so as a result of international pressure. Only honest and transparent disclosure of this information can ensure that the public has trust in the government as it continues to deal with the crisis at Fukushima.
Radiation levels about one kilometer away from the Fukushima plant were reported to have reached approximately 800 micro-Sieverts per hour on Saturday, but then fell to 300 micro-Sieverts per hour. Assuming that the radioactive materials are escaping from the plant uniformly in all directions, radiation levels should follow a (1 / distance-squared) relationship, where the distance is the shortest separation of a point at which a radiation level is measured from the source of the radioactive materials. Assuming that the radiation level 1 kilometer away from Fukushima is 1000 micro-Sieverts per hour, the radiation level 100 km away from Fukushima should be approximately 1 milli-Sieverts per year. Tokyo is some 200 km away from Fukushima, and 1 milli-Sieverts per year is a level comparable to natural background radiation everywhere on Earth. (It was recently reported that radiation levels of 0.6 micro-Sieverts per hour were measured in Tokyo. This is equivalent to 5 milli-Sieverts per year, a value that is consistent with my calculation above, and that is lower than exposure rates experienced by airplane pilots.) Radiation levels 1000 km away from Fukushima should be 10 micro-Sieverts per year. Seoul is approximately 1000 km away from Fukushima, and 10 micro-Sieverts per year is a very small radiation level. It is equivalent to the radiation dose that is absorbed by eating 100 bananas. Of course, higher radiation levels could occur in specific locations if radioactive material is carried by wind.
NHK also reported today that the WHO has stated that radiation levels are low outside a 30 km radius from the Fukushima nuclear plant. The WHO has also stated that radiation levels in Tokyo pose little public health risk, and that there is no public health reason to avoid travelling to Japan, except for the region near Fukushima. The calculations reported above give me confidence in these statements.
It was also reported that some countries want to screen food from Japan for radiation contamination. The Japanese government has also screened foods and, sadly, has found that some foods produced near Fukushima have higher than normal radio activity. Again, the Japanese government should be commended for undertaking such screening and for honestly reporting the results. Only in carrying out such tests in a transparent manner can the safety of foods produced in Japan be verified.
Friday, March 18, 2011
Crisis in Japan - Effects on Korea - Part 2
The crisis in Japan has continued to be the main event in the news in Korea over the last few days.
The search and rescue efforts in Japan have been made more difficult by bad weather. But the main topic of news about the crisis has continued to be the nuclear crisis at Fukushima. Some articles raised doubts about the completeness and the accuracy of the information provided by the Japanese government about the radiation levels near the damaged nuclear reactors and elsewhere in the country, prompting some commentators to demand that Japan reveal the full truth about measured radiation levels. Some governments have advised their citizens to stay at least 80km away from Fukushima, while the Japanese government has evacuated people within 20km of the plant, and requested that those living between 20km and 30km of the plant stay indoors as much as possible. This has added to speculation that the Japanese government is not telling the whole truth about the crisis, but a Japanese academic argued today on NHK's internet news broadcast that it is normal for foreign governments to urge greater caution than then the national government when a disaster occurs inside a nation. The Japanese government has also been criticized for allegedly not accepting an offer of help from the United States, help that arguably could have allowed the government to avert the current crisis at the Fukushima reactor. It has also been reported that Japan will consider encasing the Fukushima reactors in concrete if this is deemed to be the only way to end the emission of radiation by the radioactive materials that are located there.
As for radiation levels in Japan, they are reported to be higher than normal in Tokyo. The radiation levels reported can be placed in some context by comparing them to levels described on the Wikipedia entry about the Sievert. The levels in Tokyo do not appear to be dangerously high.
In Korea, the on-going crisis in Japan has caused more questions to be raised about the potential impact on Korea of a serious radiation leak in Japan. Generally, it is reported that the impact of such a radiation leak would be slight.
Questions have also been raised about the resilience of Korea's own nuclear power plants to earthquakes. The government's response has been to reassure the population that Korea's reactors are designed to withstand serious earthquakes, and to re-evaluate the readiness of Japan's nuclear industry to deal with such an event. The government has also announced that it will make mandatory the use of earthquake resistant construction techniques in more buildings in Korea. The Korean government has also begun screening airplane passengers from Japan for radiation contamination.
Finally, articles have been published reporting that Japan has asked for help from the Korean government, and this help will be provided. In a previous post, I mentioned that this was a positive development, as it seems that there is still much resentment in Korea stemming from the colonization of this country by Japan. However, it is not the first time that Korea and Japan have collaborated in recent years. About 10 years ago, Korea and Japan jointly hosted the 2002 FIFA world cup soccer tournament. This remains the only World Cup tournament to have been jointly hosted by two countries.
For real time news updates about the situation in Japan, the English web-site of the NHK broadcasting corporation is a good place to look. As usual, the Guardian continues to provide extensive coverage.
The search and rescue efforts in Japan have been made more difficult by bad weather. But the main topic of news about the crisis has continued to be the nuclear crisis at Fukushima. Some articles raised doubts about the completeness and the accuracy of the information provided by the Japanese government about the radiation levels near the damaged nuclear reactors and elsewhere in the country, prompting some commentators to demand that Japan reveal the full truth about measured radiation levels. Some governments have advised their citizens to stay at least 80km away from Fukushima, while the Japanese government has evacuated people within 20km of the plant, and requested that those living between 20km and 30km of the plant stay indoors as much as possible. This has added to speculation that the Japanese government is not telling the whole truth about the crisis, but a Japanese academic argued today on NHK's internet news broadcast that it is normal for foreign governments to urge greater caution than then the national government when a disaster occurs inside a nation. The Japanese government has also been criticized for allegedly not accepting an offer of help from the United States, help that arguably could have allowed the government to avert the current crisis at the Fukushima reactor. It has also been reported that Japan will consider encasing the Fukushima reactors in concrete if this is deemed to be the only way to end the emission of radiation by the radioactive materials that are located there.
As for radiation levels in Japan, they are reported to be higher than normal in Tokyo. The radiation levels reported can be placed in some context by comparing them to levels described on the Wikipedia entry about the Sievert. The levels in Tokyo do not appear to be dangerously high.
In Korea, the on-going crisis in Japan has caused more questions to be raised about the potential impact on Korea of a serious radiation leak in Japan. Generally, it is reported that the impact of such a radiation leak would be slight.
Questions have also been raised about the resilience of Korea's own nuclear power plants to earthquakes. The government's response has been to reassure the population that Korea's reactors are designed to withstand serious earthquakes, and to re-evaluate the readiness of Japan's nuclear industry to deal with such an event. The government has also announced that it will make mandatory the use of earthquake resistant construction techniques in more buildings in Korea. The Korean government has also begun screening airplane passengers from Japan for radiation contamination.
Finally, articles have been published reporting that Japan has asked for help from the Korean government, and this help will be provided. In a previous post, I mentioned that this was a positive development, as it seems that there is still much resentment in Korea stemming from the colonization of this country by Japan. However, it is not the first time that Korea and Japan have collaborated in recent years. About 10 years ago, Korea and Japan jointly hosted the 2002 FIFA world cup soccer tournament. This remains the only World Cup tournament to have been jointly hosted by two countries.
For real time news updates about the situation in Japan, the English web-site of the NHK broadcasting corporation is a good place to look. As usual, the Guardian continues to provide extensive coverage.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Crisis in Japan - Effects on Korea
The crisis in Japan has continued since the country was struck by a powerful earthquake last Friday afternoon, Japan time.
Over the course of the last few days, the scale of the destruction caused by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami has become more clear. Images of the areas devastated by the tsunami have been published around the world, survivors of the disaster have shared their experiences, and more shocking video footage of the tsunami has surfaced.
Journalists at the Guardian, on the international news page of their web-site, have maintained an on-going blog following the situation in Japan since the earthquake struck. Most of the entries on this blog are about the on-going fiasco at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was severely damaged by the tsunami that followed the quake. People are worried that a serious nuclear accident could occur at the Fukushima plant, and that such an accident could disperse dangerous radioactive pollutants into the atmosphere and into the ground. People are working hard to keep the reactors cool and prevent this from happening, but it's a tough fight. A good summary of the events that have occurred so far at the Fukushima power plant, as well as a description of precisely what is being done to cool the Fukushima reactors, is available here, and here en français. A summary of the situation as per March 15, at approximately 10:20PM Japan time is available here.
Recent news articles are reporting that in Tokyo, though the city has not been damaged too seriously by the earthquake or the tsunami, everyday life and business activities have been seriously disrupted. The threat of a nuclear disaster is a serious concern, and it has been reported that the Japanese government knew of design flaws in the particular type of reactor installed at Fukushima. Hopefully, the nuclear reactors at Fukushima will soon be cooled and safely turned off, and the Japanese people will be able to begin the rebuilding of their country.
As I wrote previously, Friday afternoon's earthquake caused no damage in Korea, and no tsunami reached the country's shores. On Monday, a few small earthquakes were registered off the west coast of Korea, but they probably had nothing to do with the big quake that so badly damaged Japan. Such small earthquakes are not uncommon in and around Korea.
Though the earthquake that struck Japan did not damage Korea directly, it is predicted that it may have serious economic and diplomatic consequences for Korea. Japan is both an economic partner and a diplomatic partner of Korea. As it struggles to recover from the quake, it may not be possible for Japan to carry on with some aspects of its economic and diplomatic partnership with Korea.
Also, it has been reported that Koreans living in Japan are worried that a serious nuclear accident could occur at the Fukushima power plant. People within Korea may be worried about this as well, as an article published today, discussing a short-lived increase in radioactivity on an island located between Korea and Japan, also argued that the prevailing winds will blow the resulting pollution of such an accident away from Korea. Furthermore, the crisis at the Fukushima power plant has caused some to reexamine the use of nuclear energy in Korea. In one article published on this topic, it was argued that the use of nuclear reactors to generate electricity in Korea may be unwise (though many nuclear reactors are currently in use in Korea), as there is historical evidence of strong earthquakes affecting the Korean peninsula, and the re-occurrence of such an earthquake could cause problems similar to those currently experienced at Fukushima. Another article reported that the government of Korea concluded today an inspection of its nuclear power stations and other energy infrastructure, an inspection that was initiated after last Friday's earthquake in Japan.
Koreans have offered help to the Japanese in their time of need. Korean search and rescue teams have been dispatched to Japan, and two of Korea's largest corporations, Samsung and LG, have offered financial aid. The president has publicly stated that, as one of its closest neighbours, Korea should be one of the first nations to help Japan. And both major Korean political parties have promised to do whatever they can to facilitate Japan's recovery. Even Korean religious organizations are chipping in, though one Korean religious leader suggested that the quake was a "warning from God" to Japan (as did, sadly, the governor of Tokyo). These gestures of support are particularly meaningful, in my opinion, as Koreans still resentfully remember the colonization of their country by the Japanese.
Hopefully, with the support of Korea and other nations, Japan can recover as soon as possible from the terrible natural disaster that it has experienced.
Over the course of the last few days, the scale of the destruction caused by the earthquake and ensuing tsunami has become more clear. Images of the areas devastated by the tsunami have been published around the world, survivors of the disaster have shared their experiences, and more shocking video footage of the tsunami has surfaced.
Journalists at the Guardian, on the international news page of their web-site, have maintained an on-going blog following the situation in Japan since the earthquake struck. Most of the entries on this blog are about the on-going fiasco at Japan's Fukushima nuclear power plant, which was severely damaged by the tsunami that followed the quake. People are worried that a serious nuclear accident could occur at the Fukushima plant, and that such an accident could disperse dangerous radioactive pollutants into the atmosphere and into the ground. People are working hard to keep the reactors cool and prevent this from happening, but it's a tough fight. A good summary of the events that have occurred so far at the Fukushima power plant, as well as a description of precisely what is being done to cool the Fukushima reactors, is available here, and here en français. A summary of the situation as per March 15, at approximately 10:20PM Japan time is available here.
Recent news articles are reporting that in Tokyo, though the city has not been damaged too seriously by the earthquake or the tsunami, everyday life and business activities have been seriously disrupted. The threat of a nuclear disaster is a serious concern, and it has been reported that the Japanese government knew of design flaws in the particular type of reactor installed at Fukushima. Hopefully, the nuclear reactors at Fukushima will soon be cooled and safely turned off, and the Japanese people will be able to begin the rebuilding of their country.
As I wrote previously, Friday afternoon's earthquake caused no damage in Korea, and no tsunami reached the country's shores. On Monday, a few small earthquakes were registered off the west coast of Korea, but they probably had nothing to do with the big quake that so badly damaged Japan. Such small earthquakes are not uncommon in and around Korea.
Though the earthquake that struck Japan did not damage Korea directly, it is predicted that it may have serious economic and diplomatic consequences for Korea. Japan is both an economic partner and a diplomatic partner of Korea. As it struggles to recover from the quake, it may not be possible for Japan to carry on with some aspects of its economic and diplomatic partnership with Korea.
Also, it has been reported that Koreans living in Japan are worried that a serious nuclear accident could occur at the Fukushima power plant. People within Korea may be worried about this as well, as an article published today, discussing a short-lived increase in radioactivity on an island located between Korea and Japan, also argued that the prevailing winds will blow the resulting pollution of such an accident away from Korea. Furthermore, the crisis at the Fukushima power plant has caused some to reexamine the use of nuclear energy in Korea. In one article published on this topic, it was argued that the use of nuclear reactors to generate electricity in Korea may be unwise (though many nuclear reactors are currently in use in Korea), as there is historical evidence of strong earthquakes affecting the Korean peninsula, and the re-occurrence of such an earthquake could cause problems similar to those currently experienced at Fukushima. Another article reported that the government of Korea concluded today an inspection of its nuclear power stations and other energy infrastructure, an inspection that was initiated after last Friday's earthquake in Japan.
Koreans have offered help to the Japanese in their time of need. Korean search and rescue teams have been dispatched to Japan, and two of Korea's largest corporations, Samsung and LG, have offered financial aid. The president has publicly stated that, as one of its closest neighbours, Korea should be one of the first nations to help Japan. And both major Korean political parties have promised to do whatever they can to facilitate Japan's recovery. Even Korean religious organizations are chipping in, though one Korean religious leader suggested that the quake was a "warning from God" to Japan (as did, sadly, the governor of Tokyo). These gestures of support are particularly meaningful, in my opinion, as Koreans still resentfully remember the colonization of their country by the Japanese.
Hopefully, with the support of Korea and other nations, Japan can recover as soon as possible from the terrible natural disaster that it has experienced.
Friday, March 11, 2011
Major Earthquake Hits Japan - my condolences to all affected
Wow!
Another surreal experience for me in Korea...
Once more, I was in Danggam dong when I saw the images on television.
On the screen, there was a shot of what appeared to be a small dam.
A slow current of water was pushing cars and debris.
Of course, everything was described in Korean.
"There's a flood somewhere", I thought to myself, assuming it was happening inside Korea.
But I wondered where it could be happening, as I hadn't seen any rain in the forecast this morning.
I turned to the friendly looking Korean man who was sitting at a table near mine and, pointing to the tv, I asked: "어디에요?".
I meant to ask "어디 있어요?", but he understood me.
I, on the other hand, did not understand his response.
I forgot all about it, and walked back up the hill to my home.
A few hours later, as I was casually checking out the news on the web, I learned that Japan has been struck by one of the biggest Earthquakes in its history this very afternoon.
The Guardian, in addition to reporting the event in print, edited together and republished a number of videos of the advancing tsunami, near the city of Sendai, Japan. You can see the footage here, and here. But be warned! It is shocking to watch.
Further tsunami warnings have been issued for a number of other countries, including the US and Canada. Residents of Canada's BC coast are being asked to stay away from beaches this morning, although the tsunami is expected to be much smaller by the time it reaches North America. In Korea, no tsunami is expected, as the epicenter of the earthquake that caused it is to the east of Japan, while Korea is to the west.
This news has shaken me. I have had the pleasure of briefly visiting Japan, and though I was there for only a very short time, I fell in love with it. Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities I have ever seen! And Japan is a beautiful country. I hope it recovers quickly from this tragedy.
Another surreal experience for me in Korea...
Once more, I was in Danggam dong when I saw the images on television.
On the screen, there was a shot of what appeared to be a small dam.
A slow current of water was pushing cars and debris.
Of course, everything was described in Korean.
"There's a flood somewhere", I thought to myself, assuming it was happening inside Korea.
But I wondered where it could be happening, as I hadn't seen any rain in the forecast this morning.
I turned to the friendly looking Korean man who was sitting at a table near mine and, pointing to the tv, I asked: "어디에요?".
I meant to ask "어디 있어요?", but he understood me.
I, on the other hand, did not understand his response.
I forgot all about it, and walked back up the hill to my home.
A few hours later, as I was casually checking out the news on the web, I learned that Japan has been struck by one of the biggest Earthquakes in its history this very afternoon.
The Guardian, in addition to reporting the event in print, edited together and republished a number of videos of the advancing tsunami, near the city of Sendai, Japan. You can see the footage here, and here. But be warned! It is shocking to watch.
Further tsunami warnings have been issued for a number of other countries, including the US and Canada. Residents of Canada's BC coast are being asked to stay away from beaches this morning, although the tsunami is expected to be much smaller by the time it reaches North America. In Korea, no tsunami is expected, as the epicenter of the earthquake that caused it is to the east of Japan, while Korea is to the west.
This news has shaken me. I have had the pleasure of briefly visiting Japan, and though I was there for only a very short time, I fell in love with it. Tokyo is one of the most amazing cities I have ever seen! And Japan is a beautiful country. I hope it recovers quickly from this tragedy.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Thoughts About Korea's History - Part 2
The modern history of Korea is also complex and, in my opinion, very dramatic.
The Japanese colonization of Korea finally came to an end after Japan's defeat in world war II. But the Japanese colonial period was, unfortunately, almost immediately followed by the Korean war. When the Korean war ended, the Korean peninsula was divided into two nations, North Korea and South Korea, a situation that continues to this day.
The Korean war, like the colonization of Korea by Japan, continues to have important impacts on Korean society today.
First of all, I was surprised to learn, a few months ago, that the Korean war is technically not over. In 1953, about three years after the war began, an armistice was signed to end the hostilities, but no peace treaty was ever signed by North and South Korea. The shelling of Yeonpyeong island, and the recent sinking of the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan are two of the latest incidents in this on-going war.
Secondly, it appears to me that many South Koreans remember the Korean war as a painfully destructive event. Many survivors of the war are still alive today, while many other Koreans were born shortly after, and have probably heard war stories from their parents. When Yeonpyeong island was attacked last year, many Koreans that I spoke to, though angry that their nation had been attacked, had no desire whatsoever to escalate matters. Rather, they feared the potential consequences of another full-scale war on the Korean peninsula.
Thirdly, because the United Nations, and the United States in particular, supported them during the Korean war, South Koreans admire the United States very much. They also respect the institutions of the United Nations, and are grateful for the support they received from UN member states.
Following the Korean war, South Korea experienced a long period of dictatorship. Reading about this period of Korean history, it seems to me that a handful of dictators controlled the country from the end of the war to the late 1980's, sometimes seizing power in military coups, then organizing elections when they felt they would win them, and instituting martial law and cracking down on the people when their authority was challenged.
One of Korea's dictators, Park Cheon-Hee (박정희), ruled the country for a particularly long time, from 1961 to 1979. On one hand, he is credited for having positively influenced the economic development of Korea. On the other, he implicated Korea in the Viet Nam war, and brutally cracked down on his opponents. He survived a few assassination attempts, one of which resulted in the death of his wife, before finally being assassinated by the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
After the assassination of Park Cheon-Hee, another military figure took control of South Korea in a coup d'état. But immediately, there were popular uprisings in the country to demand the establishment of democracy. Of note is the GwangJu democratization movement, an uprising centered in the south-eastern city of GwangJu. The GwangJu uprising was brutally repressed by the military, but eventually came to be seen as an important event in the struggle for democracy in Korea. When I learned of it, I was surprised that I had not heard of it before. I remember that the events that occurred in Tiananmen square in the late 1980's received a lot of coverage on the news in Canada. The events that occurred in GwangJu seem to be as important, but I don't believe that they received as much coverage in the Canadian press.
Finally, it seems to me that the actions of the dictators of Korea, even though many of them used force to secure their power, are not as harshly judged by Koreans as the actions of the Japanese during the colonial period. I think that this is so because it is generally accepted that Japan's colonization of Korea was a bad thing for all Koreans, while the actions and policies of Korea's dictators, though harmful for some Koreans, probably had positive effects for others. As a result, the people are divided in their opinion of the dictators. A similar state of affairs seems to exist in other countries that were long controlled by dictators, like Chile and Spain.
The Japanese colonization of Korea finally came to an end after Japan's defeat in world war II. But the Japanese colonial period was, unfortunately, almost immediately followed by the Korean war. When the Korean war ended, the Korean peninsula was divided into two nations, North Korea and South Korea, a situation that continues to this day.
The Korean war, like the colonization of Korea by Japan, continues to have important impacts on Korean society today.
First of all, I was surprised to learn, a few months ago, that the Korean war is technically not over. In 1953, about three years after the war began, an armistice was signed to end the hostilities, but no peace treaty was ever signed by North and South Korea. The shelling of Yeonpyeong island, and the recent sinking of the South Korean naval vessel Cheonan are two of the latest incidents in this on-going war.
Secondly, it appears to me that many South Koreans remember the Korean war as a painfully destructive event. Many survivors of the war are still alive today, while many other Koreans were born shortly after, and have probably heard war stories from their parents. When Yeonpyeong island was attacked last year, many Koreans that I spoke to, though angry that their nation had been attacked, had no desire whatsoever to escalate matters. Rather, they feared the potential consequences of another full-scale war on the Korean peninsula.
Thirdly, because the United Nations, and the United States in particular, supported them during the Korean war, South Koreans admire the United States very much. They also respect the institutions of the United Nations, and are grateful for the support they received from UN member states.
 |
| The UN cemetary in Busan. |
 |
| A monument in honour of the UN allies of South Korea, in Busan. |
 |
| The US and British flags at a UN monument, in Busan. |
 |
| The Canadian flag at a UN monument, in Busan. |
Following the Korean war, South Korea experienced a long period of dictatorship. Reading about this period of Korean history, it seems to me that a handful of dictators controlled the country from the end of the war to the late 1980's, sometimes seizing power in military coups, then organizing elections when they felt they would win them, and instituting martial law and cracking down on the people when their authority was challenged.
One of Korea's dictators, Park Cheon-Hee (박정희), ruled the country for a particularly long time, from 1961 to 1979. On one hand, he is credited for having positively influenced the economic development of Korea. On the other, he implicated Korea in the Viet Nam war, and brutally cracked down on his opponents. He survived a few assassination attempts, one of which resulted in the death of his wife, before finally being assassinated by the director of the Korean Central Intelligence Agency.
After the assassination of Park Cheon-Hee, another military figure took control of South Korea in a coup d'état. But immediately, there were popular uprisings in the country to demand the establishment of democracy. Of note is the GwangJu democratization movement, an uprising centered in the south-eastern city of GwangJu. The GwangJu uprising was brutally repressed by the military, but eventually came to be seen as an important event in the struggle for democracy in Korea. When I learned of it, I was surprised that I had not heard of it before. I remember that the events that occurred in Tiananmen square in the late 1980's received a lot of coverage on the news in Canada. The events that occurred in GwangJu seem to be as important, but I don't believe that they received as much coverage in the Canadian press.
Finally, it seems to me that the actions of the dictators of Korea, even though many of them used force to secure their power, are not as harshly judged by Koreans as the actions of the Japanese during the colonial period. I think that this is so because it is generally accepted that Japan's colonization of Korea was a bad thing for all Koreans, while the actions and policies of Korea's dictators, though harmful for some Koreans, probably had positive effects for others. As a result, the people are divided in their opinion of the dictators. A similar state of affairs seems to exist in other countries that were long controlled by dictators, like Chile and Spain.
Friday, March 4, 2011
Thoughts About Korea's History - Part 1
Since the Sam-Il movement celebrations of a few days ago, I have been thinking a little bit about the history of Korea.
It seems to me that Koreans are both very proud of and very knowledgeable of their history. And their history is both complex and interesting.
Koreans trace their history to prehistoric times, but identify a particular kingdom, the Gojoseon kingdom (고조선), as the first Korean kingdom. The 고조선 kingdom was conquered by the Han dynasty of China around one century B.C., and may have been established as early as approximately 2300 B.C.
A short time after the fall of 고조선 kingdom came the "three kingdoms" period. During this period, the territory of the Korean peninsula was ruled by three major kingdoms, the Goguryeo kingdom (고구려), the Baekje kingdom (백제), and the Silla kingdom (신라). These three kingdoms coexisted on the Korean peninsula until approximately 650 A.D., alongside a number of other smaller kingdoms, like the Gaya confederacy (가야) that controlled the Nakdong river valley (낙동강), near Busan. Around 650A.D., the Silla kingdom conquered large portions of the territory of both the Goguryeo and the Baekje kingdoms, and so, Silla is considered to be the first unified kingdom of the Korean peninsula. The capital of the Silla kingdom was the city of Kyeongju, located less than 100 kilometers north of Busan. Many monuments dating from the Silla period are preserved in Kyeongju.
After the Silla kingdom came two major dynasties. The first, the Goryeo dynasty (고려국), ruled a territory equivalent to almost all of modern day Korea (including both North and South Korea) until approximately the year 1400. The name of the dynasty, Go-ryeo, can sometimes sound like Ko-rya when it is pronounced. Thus, the name Goryeo is thought to be the root of the English word "Korea".
From the 1400's all the way to the late 1800's, Korea was ruled by the Joseon dynasty (대조선국) During the Joseon dynasty, the capital of the country was established in Seoul (서을). (However, one of the Joseon kings wanted to move the capital to Suwon (수원).) Also, King Sejong the Great (세종대왕), one of Korea's most revered kings, invented and popularized the Korean writing system, Hangul (한글). And Admiral Yi Sun Shin (이순신), one of Korea's most respected historical military figures, successfully prevented Japanese naval forces from invading the Korean peninsula. The Joseon dynasty fell when the Japanese colonized Korea, in the early 1900's.
When the Japanese colonized it, they exploited Korea for their own benefit, and Koreans suffered greatly under their rule. But Koreans resisted the Japanese occupation of their country, and Sam-Il day celebrates this.
In addition to celebrating their anti-colonial resistance as a whole, Koreans remember and celebrate many individual activists of this resistance. Some of these individuals are referred to as "freedom fighters" or as "martyrs". They participated in the resistance in different ways, some of them securing international support for it, and others committing acts of resistance within or nearby to Korea.
One such activist is An Jung-Geun (안중근). An Jung-Geun assassinated an important Japanese official in charge of administering colonized Korea. The assassination occurred in China, which was also, in the early 1900's, partly occupied by Japan. An Jung-Geun was sentenced to death, and his remains were buried in China. But, recently, it has been reported that the Korean government is trying to identify An Jung-Geun's remains and repatriate them to Korea. This, I believe, is evidence of the continuing importance of Korea's anti-colonial resistance fighters today.
It seems to me that Koreans are both very proud of and very knowledgeable of their history. And their history is both complex and interesting.
Koreans trace their history to prehistoric times, but identify a particular kingdom, the Gojoseon kingdom (고조선), as the first Korean kingdom. The 고조선 kingdom was conquered by the Han dynasty of China around one century B.C., and may have been established as early as approximately 2300 B.C.
A short time after the fall of 고조선 kingdom came the "three kingdoms" period. During this period, the territory of the Korean peninsula was ruled by three major kingdoms, the Goguryeo kingdom (고구려), the Baekje kingdom (백제), and the Silla kingdom (신라). These three kingdoms coexisted on the Korean peninsula until approximately 650 A.D., alongside a number of other smaller kingdoms, like the Gaya confederacy (가야) that controlled the Nakdong river valley (낙동강), near Busan. Around 650A.D., the Silla kingdom conquered large portions of the territory of both the Goguryeo and the Baekje kingdoms, and so, Silla is considered to be the first unified kingdom of the Korean peninsula. The capital of the Silla kingdom was the city of Kyeongju, located less than 100 kilometers north of Busan. Many monuments dating from the Silla period are preserved in Kyeongju.
 |
| The Sacred Bell of King Seongdeok, in Kyeongju. |
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| The grounds of a Silla palace, in Kyeongju. |
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| The burial park of the Silla royal family, in Kyeongju. |
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| The tomb of a member of the Silla royal family, in Kyeongju. |
After the Silla kingdom came two major dynasties. The first, the Goryeo dynasty (고려국), ruled a territory equivalent to almost all of modern day Korea (including both North and South Korea) until approximately the year 1400. The name of the dynasty, Go-ryeo, can sometimes sound like Ko-rya when it is pronounced. Thus, the name Goryeo is thought to be the root of the English word "Korea".
From the 1400's all the way to the late 1800's, Korea was ruled by the Joseon dynasty (대조선국) During the Joseon dynasty, the capital of the country was established in Seoul (서을). (However, one of the Joseon kings wanted to move the capital to Suwon (수원).) Also, King Sejong the Great (세종대왕), one of Korea's most revered kings, invented and popularized the Korean writing system, Hangul (한글). And Admiral Yi Sun Shin (이순신), one of Korea's most respected historical military figures, successfully prevented Japanese naval forces from invading the Korean peninsula. The Joseon dynasty fell when the Japanese colonized Korea, in the early 1900's.
 |
| Gwanghwamun, the main gate of the Joseon dynasty palace Gyeongbukgung, in Seoul. |
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| Buildings of the Joseon dynasty palace Changdeokgung, in Seoul. |
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| Hwaseong fortress, built by the Joseon dynasty at Suwon. |
 |
| A statue of Yi SunShin, in Seoul. |
When the Japanese colonized it, they exploited Korea for their own benefit, and Koreans suffered greatly under their rule. But Koreans resisted the Japanese occupation of their country, and Sam-Il day celebrates this.
In addition to celebrating their anti-colonial resistance as a whole, Koreans remember and celebrate many individual activists of this resistance. Some of these individuals are referred to as "freedom fighters" or as "martyrs". They participated in the resistance in different ways, some of them securing international support for it, and others committing acts of resistance within or nearby to Korea.
One such activist is An Jung-Geun (안중근). An Jung-Geun assassinated an important Japanese official in charge of administering colonized Korea. The assassination occurred in China, which was also, in the early 1900's, partly occupied by Japan. An Jung-Geun was sentenced to death, and his remains were buried in China. But, recently, it has been reported that the Korean government is trying to identify An Jung-Geun's remains and repatriate them to Korea. This, I believe, is evidence of the continuing importance of Korea's anti-colonial resistance fighters today.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Today is Sam-Il day
Today, March 1, is a holiday in Korea.
It is a day for commemorating the March 1st movement, known in Korea as the sam-il movement (삼일 운동), or 3-1 movement.
The sam-il movement was an important act of resistance to the colonization of Korea by Japan.
Happy Sam-Il day Korea!
May you forever be independent and free!
It is a day for commemorating the March 1st movement, known in Korea as the sam-il movement (삼일 운동), or 3-1 movement.
The sam-il movement was an important act of resistance to the colonization of Korea by Japan.
Happy Sam-Il day Korea!
May you forever be independent and free!
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