Getting down to basics- There are poorly educated, loud and bad tempered military people, and some dependents , who make a spectacle of themselves in public every day! I am not going to express my thoughts regarding the root cause of the despicable actions of these folks. I won't express my observations as to age or ethnicity of these sorry examples of humanity. I will say that I am embarrassed and sorry that they exist here, showing the Korean people a distorted view of what America really is! No matter what the inconveniences, and how much stress this tour causes, there is no excuse for resembling the south end of a northbound horse!
Yes, Koreans sometimes act hateful also. But in my years of experience living in Korea, I see that most problems are started by the Foreigners, and 95 percent are due to excessive alcohol consumption or misunderstandings of Language & Customs. Let's all try harder to not be an "Ugly American."

That's a great post, Mr. Joe; very well said. Sadly, it is true. I find it embarrassing to admit that. And that "it's in human nature" excuse just doesn't cut it. Over my near 20 years of growing up here I've estimated the ratio of people who start trouble was 9:1 (USA:ROK). That little 10% of Koreans ever making trouble include both Demonstrations and the hawkers in Itaewon, so in all it is a very, very small percentage. The 90% of Americans who start crap are just flat out disrespect and rudeness, drunk or not.

BUT... I believe things have gotten a wee bit better since the millenium. I witness more and more young soldiers today who like touring the country, travel, and take the time to get to know the language and culture, and I think that's the image we should portray toward the host nation to make a good impression; very respectful.

I hear less conversations of "I hate this f*ckin' place" or "This stupid ah-da-shee said...and I kicked his a**" and more of "This weekend we went to...and loved it" or "I met these very nice people..." Not only does that show we are progressing in our image, but also shows people making the best of their situation instead of crying about it like a baby.

Eddie ! I agree to the number of 1,2,3,5. The number 4 is i don't know.
Korea is very a small country than USA. I hope to understand it. :)
I hate most such Traffic, Parking, Too many pepole, Pollution.
It's unable to prepare for the future....... anybody !
Ok ? :)

One thing I don't like about Korea and much of Asia is the lack of fair trade. You will notice that 99% of cars on the road in Korea are Korean. I know they are much cheaper, but I also know that Japan, Korea, and China do not practice fair trade. Americans buy a ton of Asian goods because of our open trade policy, but Asian government set in place unfair trade practices like high tariffs.

For instance, if an American wants to open a business in Korea, he has to marry a Korean or wait 6 months for a business license (if he gets it). This is why President Bush is pushing China so hard. They practice unfair trade and keep their currency valued low.

AARRRGGGHHH!!!!!! It sucks not having a garage & tool shed!

Mike,

Good points in your last post there. I've been here since 1997 (this time) and I've seen this on base as well as off.
As for the vendors not shipping to APOs, yeah, that's a problem but have you tried http://www.shipitapo.com?

Yah, I have a shipitapo account...the postal charges end up costing as much as the items I order so I stop using them. Most stuff I want are oversized and not premitted w/ USPS.