Annyeong, South Korea

It’s the “he” part of the blog team, writing from the Korean Air lounge in Busan, South Korea. For almost two years, I’ve lead a team preparing for a large international conference to be held in Gyeongju, South Korea. The meeting was held this week…it went well, and now for the most part, it is over.

The colleagues I’ve worked with in Korea have become friends. We’ve gone beyond the cultural differences, and even worked through the language difficulties. We now have a mutual respect that has turned to a genuine interest in each other as people.

Now, as I prepare to board the plane from Busan for probably the last time, I look back on this time as an outstanding opportunity. I’ve been able to see another culture, and become familiar with a part of the world I never dreamed I would experience. It has been a touching experience, and I must say I feel a great sadness that this part of my life has passed.

With the world situation today, I fear what the future could bring for my Korean friends. I can only hope that some sense of reason will prevail, and we will get through these times safely.

So for now, I say annyeong — goodbye — to Korea. It is a place and a people I have come to enjoy and appreciate. I look forward to returning to see my friends sometime in the not too distant future.