Category: Korea Trip: October 2006

Wednesday, October 18, 2006

TAIPEI — I often say that the most important task of the University of Washington is to transform lives—that the UW should have such an impact on our students, our colleagues, and our patients that their lives are changed in profoundly important ways. It was, therefore, with great pleasure that I listened to the story of UW alumnus William Cheng-Wang Huang. I first met Mr. Huang in Tokyo more than a year ago. He is a passionate Husky of tremendous accomplishment in Taiwan and throughout Asia. It was great fun to see him again because of his charming sense of humor and self-deprecating modesty, despite his extraordinary success. What I didn’t know about him was his UW story.Â

In the early 1950s, Mr. Huang determined that he should get a graduate degree. With very few resources, he left by boat, traveling two weeks from Japan, where he was at the time, to San Francisco, and then on to Seattle by train. He quickly found a job as a “house boy,” working for a local family. Like so many UW students then and now, he made ends meet, adding odd jobs, including as a gardener, while improving his English and studying for a master’s degree in economics. Mr. Huang’s memories are filled with the families and friends that helped him, the faculty who taught and encouraged him, and the affection for a university that changed his life.

And the UW experience did indeed change his life. Mr. Huang returned home and entered the business world. Today, he is head of the largest holding and venture capital firm in Taiwan, with interests in businesses as varied as automobile tires to yogurt. He is revered by his colleagues and by community leaders. Best of all, Mr. Huang is such a proud Husky that when it was time for his daughter to go to graduate school, she happily followed his trail to the UW (though she passed on the two-week boat ride).

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Tuesday, October 17, 2006

SEOUL — The official residence and executive office of the President of South Korea is affectionately referred to as the Blue House. The stunning structure sits against a green hillside surrounded by broad, inviting gardens, which in turn are surrounded by very uninviting stone walls. While not particularly blue, the Blue House is nonetheless a magnificent example of traditional Korean architecture. It is beautiful, elegant, and very impressive. I was delighted to join Governor Gregoire for an official visit with President Roh Moo-hyun. Given the seriousness of events in Korea, I was surprised, but pleased, that President Roh would meet with us. More than simply make time for us, the President was well briefed about the issues of the state of Washington and the programs of the University of Washington.

It was great fun to watch Governor Gregoire discuss agricultural trade issues with President Roh like a seasoned diplomat, using every opportunity to turn casual banter back toward issues important to our state. She was simply masterful (clearly the result of her UW education!). I was also impressed by the President’s understanding of our programs in Korean Studies and Asian Law and by his interest in deepening these relationships. It was a thoroughly pleasant and encouraging encounter.

As we left the President’s official meeting room, I was quickly reminded of the seriousness of our time. Coming up the grand staircase in the Blue House was a delegation of Russian diplomats. Then, as we waited in our car, the motorcade of the Russian Prime Minister came roaring into the Blue House driveway. We had been discussing issues of real importance to us: the sale of Washington produce and products and educational exchanges among our universities—important and serious issues, to be sure. But the next team coming in the door was there to consider nuclear disarmament and averting another war in Korea, or worse.

Gathering at the Ambassador’s residence

Tuesday ended with a reception and dinner at the residence of the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, Alexander Vershbow. The evening was a celebration of Washington State and Korean connections. Representatives from major Washington businesses sponsored the standing room only affair. Many Korean academics came to mingle among business leaders and diplomats. I suspect the event was much like many others that occur at the Ambassador’s residence. But one fact distinguished this gathering from all the others: When Ambassador Vershbow gave his official remarks, a loud cheer rose from the crowd when he welcomed the University of Washington. He and the Governor were very impressed by the huge number of UW alumni that make up the business, political, and academic elite of Korea. For at least one evening, the Ambassador’s residence was the Dawg’s House.

Monday, Oct. 16, 2006

SEOUL —  As I prepared for this trip to Korea, more than a few friends asked, “You’re not really going to Korea right now, are you?”  Their concern was fueled, of course, by the nuclear test in North Korea and the rising tensions over it.  I replied that, as a student of public policy and politics, this seemed like a perfect time to visit. I was right, but not for the reasons I thought.
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It is easy to form an opinion of a new country after visiting for just a few days. That opinion is nearly always wrong — or at best incomplete.  Thus, my observations of Korea should be recognized for what they are — the first impressions of someone who benefits from traveling with wonderfully well informed faculty members and who are excited about the place.
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A most remarkable place

Korea strikes me as a most remarkable place, with a history to match. Standing in the midst of the neon, glass and stainless steel pastiche that is the central business district of Seoul, it is hard to fathom that within my lifetime South Korea has transformed itself from one of the poorest countries on earth to one of the wealthiest; that this nation’s businesses successfully compete head-to-head in the most technologically challenging industries (computing, consumer electronics, telecommunications, automobiles) when 30 years ago much of today’s Seoul was still rice paddies; that this vibrant city can seem completely focused on “business as usual” when kilometers away the DMZ still stands as a poignant reminder that armed conflict would bring immediate ruin to the city.
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My first impressions also make clear the great complexity and contradictions of this city.  Chatting with UW alumni reveals a clear generation gap when it comes to politics. The generation that remembers both the Korea of old and the Korean War tends to be conservative and staunchly pro-American. Young people much less so.

U.S.-Korean relationship is complicated

I asked individuals about a recent poll that suggested that the majority of Koreans felt that U.S. policies provoked the nuclear test in the North.  The replies — “Nonsense!” “Of course!” and “Maybe” — could be predicted by age as well as anything.

The relationship with the U.S. is complicated. There is still nothing as valuable in Korea as a degree from an American university. As a result, Korea leads all nations in sending students to the U.S., with increasing numbers coming for high school as well as college. Partnerships with American businesses and selling to American consumers are the greatest desires of many.  And people on the street are friendly and warm when dealing with us. On the other hand, there is great ambiguity about the American military presence and open concern about our foreign policy, including Iraq.  America and Americans are clearly held in high regard. American policies receive mixed, but strongly held, reviews.
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Serious study and partnership are crucial to understanding

This, my first trip to Korea, has already served as a powerful reminder of why universities need to be fully engaged in international study and exchanges. It is simply impossible to grasp the fullness of this culture and its people without serious study and partnership. A few years ago, many people might have asked, “Why on earth does the UW bother studying the Middle East and Islam?” Some months ago, the same might have been asked about Korea. Today we know. The complexity of the world around us cannot be understood without extended study and exchanges. If we, as a nation, are to be successfully connected to the world, we need to go live in it. Korea makes that abundantly clear.

 I am part of a Washington state delegation on a seven-day mission to South Korea and Taiwan to promote Washington products and services. Gov. Christine Gregoire is heading the delegation, which includes business, agriculture and education representatives.

 Just like I did while in China this past summer, I hope to update my blog when time permits, so please check back often. To learn more about this trip, click here. (In case you missed my China posts, you can read them now by clicking on the China Trip link in the right column.)