[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 141 (Friday, October 9, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1998]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  OUR U.S. CONGRESS--KOREAN NATIONAL ASSEMBLY STUDENT INTERN EXCHANGE 
                                PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 8, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise to call to the 
attention of our colleagues, Michael L. Fox, a resident of Huguenot, 
NY, who was my 1998 designee to participate in the U.S. Congress--
Foreign National Assembly Student Intern Exchange Program.
  As my nominee, Michael was one of eight American interns who were 
selected by Members of this body, who participated in the exchange 
program from July 23rd to August 8th, 1998.
  This exchange program, which I initiated in 1984 with the cooperation 
of the Korean National Assembly, our International Relations Committee, 
and the U.S.I.A., has been an exciting experience for hundreds of eager 
young adults over the years in Korea and in the United States who have 
participated. The Korean National Assembly Youth Exchange Program is an 
attempt to foster increased relations between the United States and 
Korea. For the 14 years that our program has been conducted, it has 
been a positive experience for all participants and both governments.
  Mr. Speaker, Mr. Fox was kind enough to report in detail his trip to 
Korea, a copy of which I request to be included at this point in the 
Record:

 U.S. Congress--Korean National Assembly Youth Exchange Program; July 
                           23-August 8, 1998

       I must say that this was one of the most interesting 
     summers of my life! Participating in this exchange program to 
     Korea is an experience which I will cherish and remember for 
     the rest of my life.
       We started with group briefings on July 18, and soon after 
     began to have joint meetings with the Korean Delegates so 
     that we could get to know each other. Following three days of 
     activities, which concluded with receptions hosted by His 
     Excellency the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea Lee Hong-
     Koo at his residence, and the Chairman of the House 
     International Relations Committee, and co-founder of this 
     exchange program, Representative Benjamin Gilman, in an HIRC 
     committee room, the American Delegation embarked for Seoul, 
     South Korea.
       During our time in the country, which totaled almost three 
     weeks, we had meetings and briefings with various officials 
     and government officers. Many of our discussions centered on 
     the current Asian Economic Crisis and unification with North 
     Korea, along with China's role and the role of the joint 
     South Korea-Japan-North Korea hosted World Cup 2002 Games in 
     that unification.
       The culture of South Korea is very different from that in 
     the United States, but we did find that in-roads of 
     ``Americanization'' had occurred. The youth of the nation has 
     been turning more to American ideas and culture over the past 
     generation. McDonald's, Baskin Robbins and TGIFridays can be 
     found on the streets of Seoul, Chejudo Island, and elsewhere. 
     While much of the culture still centers on respect for elders 
     (even those one day older than you) and the importance of the 
     group over the individual, these ideals, too, have been 
     changing somewhat among those members of the present 
     generation.
       Turning to the Economic Crisis, the situation is growing 
     critical. As Americans, I do not think that we can find it 
     easy to understand the magnitude of these topics, 
     living safely and comfortably within the borders of our 
     great Nation, but over there banks and businesses are 
     failing. Layoffs occur every day. Labor unions and 
     unemployed workers demonstrate on the streets everyday, 
     and buses upon buses of riot police are lined up all over 
     Seoul. Making things worse, many of the officials and 
     experts that we spoke to, including those from the 
     Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Unification, expect 
     that this crisis will continue for at least 3-5 more years 
     before a complete turn-around can be expected. Newspaper 
     articles discuss the disappearance of the middle-class. 
     The poor are, as always, hurting. We saw people still 
     working in rice paddies in many areas lacking 
     sophisticated equipment or technology. The standard of 
     living and poverty lines are much lower than those in the 
     United States. In addition, as I toured the Hyundai plant 
     in Ulsan, my guide informed me that although the labor 
     unions were not aware of it yet, the Hyundai Motors plant 
     was preparing to layoff up to 40,000 workers! As more and 
     more workers are laid off, the problems will be 
     compounded.
       Calls have been made for a restructuring of the government, 
     an abolition of the Korean National Assembly, or a cut in the 
     bureaucracy and size of the government. They are searching 
     for measures that would bring relief and a solution to this 
     great problem.
       Americans are not favored or popular amongst some South 
     Koreans. We were advised to be careful and aware of our 
     surroundings at all times. While I did not feel that we were 
     in real danger, I realized that we are being blamed for 
     bringing IMF aid to Korea, which is seen as a weakening force 
     for the Won, and a target of accusation by the demonstrating 
     workers.
       Unification will be difficult under these conditions. Some 
     estimates from CSIS and other agencies put production in 
     North Korea at only about 25 percent of capacity. South Korea 
     is afraid that unification would cost too much, and that it 
     simply cannot afford to ``prop-up'' North Korea's economy, 
     especially since its citizens are not used to, or prepared 
     for, a productive life in a capitalist economy.
       In spite of these grave problems, it is interesting to note 
     that the National Assembly was not in session while we were 
     there. It is incredible that as these dilemmas continue to 
     mount, the governmental body of the nation was not convened 
     and working toward solutions! The political, economic and 
     social situation in South Korea is not good at this time.
       Traveling to Panmunjom, the DMZ, and North Korea one comes 
     to realize how lucky we are as Americans. As we entered the 
     conference room, and North Korea, we came face-to-face with 
     North Korean Soldiers. We come from a nation with ho hostile 
     borders, whose Capital is not (and has not been since the 
     Civil War) within two hours or less of enemy territory and 
     hostile invaders. We are very lucky indeed, and came to 
     understand why unification is such as important topic on the 
     Korean Peninsula today.
       I found this trip to be very informative, exciting and fun. 
     While learning about these crises and problems, we did find 
     time to relax and have some fun. An important part of our 
     experience came from developing friendships and relationships 
     with Korean citizens we came to meet, including past Korean 
     Delegates. We developed relationships through social and 
     cultural activities, such as home visits, traditional Korean 
     meals, hotel stays, and patronage of restaurants and places 
     of entertainment. Cultural bridges were built in side trips 
     to Ancient Palaces in, and around, Seoul, ancient cities and 
     temples throughout the nation--such as those in Kyongju--and 
     the viewing of traditional Korean theater and dances in the 
     resort area of Chejudo Island. The overall experience was 
     quite enjoyable, and we came away returning to the United 
     States with a greater understanding of the culture and way of 
     life on the Korean Peninsula, and the problems that are being 
     dealt with even as this essay is being read.
       Despite this situation, the overall program was wonderful. 
     I would venture to say that the program succeeded in its goal 
     of fostering a better understanding of Korean life and 
     culture on the part of Americans, and a better understanding 
     of American life and culture on the part of the Korean 
     Delegates--as became apparent at our joint de-briefing held 
     in San Francisco, California on August 8-9, 1998. We hope to 
     maintain the friendships which developed through the 
     program--among the American Delegation, this year's Korean 
     Delegation, and those whom we met, and who were so gracious 
     to us, while in Korea.
       I will never forget this experience as long as I live, and 
     I thank Chairman Gilman, my Congressman and sponsor, for 
     giving me the opportunity to participate this year.
       I cannot stress enough how important I feel it is to 
     continue this program in years to come. There is no better 
     way to foster understanding among nations with different 
     cultures than through the exchange of people and ideas. In my 
     opinion, this is a most valuable program.



     

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