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KOREA: MATCHMAKERS AND MICROCHIPS

© Sally Hammond

 

Seoul's suburban skyline is stiff with grey gabled apartment blocks. Each white tower stretches to seventeen or so storeys, and some are marked with huge stencilled numbers on the sides to tell them apart. On others wave-like designs have been painted in an effort to soften the outline. Yet while they may appear stark, this housing is coveted by the locals. 

My guide's face goes dreamy as we pass one forest of apartments.

"I would love to live there," she says.

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This article includes information on Korea’s regrowth after the bitter war in the 1950s, and the contrast of old and new ways, as well as accommodation provided, local food and cuisine, and things for visitors to do and see.

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My guide spends days with me. We visit a folk village on the outskirts of Seoul, and she rubs the stone grandfather's nose as good luck that she will one day have sons. She is not married yet, enjoying her single lifestyle, meeting people from all over the world. She is well-paid, confident and very modern.

So will she use a matchmaker, I ask, when the time comes? 

"Of course!" she replies swiftly as she slips her mobile phone from her designer handbag.

FACTFILE: (to be updated on the sale of this article)

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 ( 850 words + Factfile)                                                           
©Sally Hammond 2006

(Sally Hammond travelled as a guest of Korean Tourism)

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• Currently the article runs to approximately 850 words plus Factfile (fact-checked and updated free on sale of this article).

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