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And most importantly though, it is about the 'proper' name. It is in fact supposed to be called "South Korea" because that is how all accurate and legit sources call it. Like Wikipedia as a good example. I know that the proper name is South Korea because that is how it is listed in reputable online information.
Technically, the one whose capital is Seoul is the "Republic of Korea" and the other one is the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea."
I get what you're saying, OP, and in general I do agree that's it's probably for the best to refer to the one whose capital is Seoul as "South Korea." However, it's not the same situation as the two Carolinas or the two Dakotas. North Carolina and South Carolina are separate and distinct states, and they haven't the slightest intention of ever changing that status. Ditto for the two Dakotas. But it is the desire, and maybe even the official policy, of the two Koreas to one day reunite and form a single country. Dividing themselves into a "North" and a "South" is seen as a temporary condition.
Incidentally, I have a number of Korean friends, and to the best of my recollection, I have NEVER heard any of them refer to their homeland as "South Korea." It's always "Korea."
Technically, the one whose capital is Seoul is the "Republic of Korea" and the other one is the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea."
I get what you're saying, OP, and in general I do agree that's it's probably for the best to refer to the one whose capital is Seoul as "South Korea." However, it's not the same situation as the two Carolinas or the two Dakotas. North Carolina and South Carolina are separate and distinct states, and they haven't the slightest intention of ever changing that status. Ditto for the two Dakotas. But it is the desire, and maybe even the official policy, of the two Koreas to one day reunite and form a single country. Dividing themselves into a "North" and a "South" is seen as a temporary condition.
Incidentally, I have a number of Korean friends, and to the best of my recollection, I have NEVER heard any of them refer to their homeland as "South Korea." It's always "Korea."
If "Korea" is being referred to the region (not excluding North Korea) then maybe I see the reason. But for the foreseeable future, when referring to the country containing Seoul, which is independent and has a border with N Korea, it is looking like just the same as the Carolinas as this is the 'proper' form. A united "Korea" is just a fantasy at this point while the world is afraid of a Nuclear N Korea.
I just refer to the country the way it appears in professional sources. Korea sure sounds simpler and maybe preferable to say, but I won't say it that way myself until there is a country officially called "Korea"
Show some respect. N Korea is just as worthy with respect to its southern counterpart as N Carolina.
No it isn't.
When N. Carolina starts having to keep armed guards, razor wire and minefields to keep it's people from fleeing to every other adjoining state at the risk of death then we can talk.
But hey, don't ask me, ask North Koreas closest ally, China....they don't want to go to North Korea either.
Technically, the one whose capital is Seoul is the "Republic of Korea" and the other one is the "Democratic People's Republic of Korea."
I get what you're saying, OP, and in general I do agree that's it's probably for the best to refer to the one whose capital is Seoul as "South Korea." However, it's not the same situation as the two Carolinas or the two Dakotas. North Carolina and South Carolina are separate and distinct states, and they haven't the slightest intention of ever changing that status. Ditto for the two Dakotas. But it is the desire, and maybe even the official policy, of the two Koreas to one day reunite and form a single country. Dividing themselves into a "North" and a "South" is seen as a temporary condition.
Incidentally, I have a number of Korean friends, and to the best of my recollection, I have NEVER heard any of them refer to their homeland as "South Korea." It's always "Korea."
No. Given that most people who are "going to Korea" almost exclusively are referring to North Korea (I mean, how many people really travel to North Korea from the outside), I think that the term fits.
It always sounds wrong to my ears. It's just as wrong as awkward as saying I am going to Dakota or I am going to Carolina.
Anyone else find it irritating calling it "Korea"? Or at least refuse to call it "Korea"?
Show some respect. N Korea is just as worthy with respect to its southern counterpart as N Carolina. It doesn't matter if their government is corrupt. It is still proper.
South Korea is the only way it appears in reputable sources so calling it Korea is incorrect anyways.
Back in 1957, when I got my orders to go to Korea, I didn’t like it a little bit. If they had changed it to South Korea, I still wouldn’t have liked it.
It always sounds wrong to my ears. It's just as wrong as awkward as saying I am going to Dakota or I am going to Carolina.
Anyone else find it irritating calling it "Korea"? Or at least refuse to call it "Korea"?
Show some respect. N Korea is just as worthy with respect to its southern counterpart as N Carolina. It doesn't matter if their government is corrupt. It is still proper.
South Korea is the only way it appears in reputable sources so calling it Korea is incorrect anyways.
If I'm going to Atlantic City, I might say that I'm going to "South Jersey." If I'm going to Newark, I might say that I'm going to "North Jersey." Either way, I'm going to New Jersey.
Though it's not exactly the same situation as with the Koreas, there are similarities. New Jerseyans regard the regions that contain Atlantic City and Newark as being separate parts of the same state. Likewise, many Koreans, even if only subconsciously, regard the regions that contain Seoul and Pyongyang as being separate parts of the same nation -- if not in fact, then at least in their hearts.
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