Walking down the streets of Seoul, one can't help but sometimes get the feeling that we are living in the future. Not all that long ago, video phone chats, small portable computers, and huge flat screen televisions could only be found in cartoons and sci-fi movies. Science has dramatically changed the way we live our lives and has done so at a dramatically increasing pace. Much of the technology that surrounds us today was non-existent 10 years ago and there is a good chance that much of it will be obsolete in another 10 years or less.
In the rapidly changing world of science and technology, South Korea has become a global leader in the industries such as electronics, semiconductors, and mobile devices. One reason that Korea has been able to stay at the forefront of such competitive industries is the weight of importance given to science education in Korean society. On April 21st, Korea celebrated its 45th annual Science Day. Science Day was established in 1968 with the goal of stressing the importance of science and promoting the role of science in our everyday lives. Each year Science Day events are hosted nationwide. This year's events included science festivals in Incheon, Busan, and Jeonbuk-do. This year's award ceremony was held at the National Science Museum in Daejeon. Seventy-nine recipients were awarded for their contributions to the development of science and technology. Local schools also held events for students, such writing contests, imaginative drawing activities, and rocket building.
The high value that Koreans place on science is also reflected in the pride they have for cultural 'artifacts' of scientific value. Even a brief discussion of Korean language is likely to entail a reference to the scientific development of Hangul (the Korean writing system) by King Sejong. Consider also the ondol (under-floor heating system), which was developed in the Chosun Dynasty and is still used in some homes today. It is touted for its effectiveness in retaining heat while still retaining air quality. In fact, from kimchi to metal chopsticks, Koreans enjoy explaining things in terms of their scientific value. The importance of science is instilled in children from a young age. Whether it is through events like Science Day or participation in after school science programs, Korean students are sure to have plenty of exposure to the sciences. In a speech last April, President Obama praised Korean students who "are outpacing our [American] students in math and science." Korean dominance in the IT sector proves that the push for science education is paying off.
Science is making the world a better place for all of us to live but, like all things, must be tempered. Korea's competitive, test-based education system has been criticized for stifling the creativity of students through its emphasis on conformity. The recent increase in school violence is also cause for alarm. Korea is not the only country facing such issues. It seems that students' ability to engage in actual conversation is decreasing and they have difficulty understanding that their actions in a digital world have real world consequences. It was Albert Einstein that said, "It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity." In the rush to educate our children in the sciences we must not forget to educate them on social responsibility as well. This month as we celebrate science, let us reflect not only on the advances that have been made but also on the role of science in creating a better future for our children.
