This is the Kimchi Queen's first book giveaway! The folks at Tuttle Press have a score of books on Korea and in this sweepstakes will be giving two copies of Korea: The Impossible Country to readers of this blog.
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The book is an easy read outlining Korean historical roots, cultural codes, and modern society. Though those who have been in Korea may be quite familiar with most of the contents in the book, there are a few bits that will be surprising to even long-term expats (I, for one, didn't know much about shamanism (musok) and Tudor was able to talk directly with a musok-in. I also quite enjoyed the interview with Oldboy's star Choi Min-sik)
Readers of this blog will be curious about the penultimate chapter "We Are Not Aliens From Another Cosmos" which briefly discusses homosexuality in historical times as well as the repercussions of Hong Seok-cheon's coming out and his recent comeback. Though the chapter itself gives a nice overview, I was a bit surprised by the negativity that Tudor ended the chapter with (that society as a whole may never treat homosexuals equally). One of the Korean aspects that Tudor emphasized was an innate ability to yield to reality, which "has enabled society to accept change when it becomes clear that change is needed." I think it is quite clear that younger generations are realizing that society needs to change (a recent poll showed that 39% of the younger generation believes that homosexuality is sometimes or always justified and it looks like politicians are going to be heading down that path (Mayor Park Won-soon was almost there).I am actually quite hopeful and think gay marriage will probably be legalized around 2020.
Anyways... So, readers, interested in getting a copy of Korea: The Impossible Country? Through Tuttle Press I'll be giving out two copies. I want to hear your thoughts on whether the LGBT community will be treated equally in Korea in the future and if so, when? Leave a comment below (probably not anonymously or I won't be able to let you know you've won) or send an e-mail to thekimchiqueen@gmail.com. I'll choose two readers at random.
Oh and in case you are wondering where you heard Daniel Tudor's name from, he is the guy that opened the Booth in Gyeongnidan. Such wonderful pizza and beer...
Good luck!