Lesson 5. The Train That Waits

 

Last week the Smith and Kim families visited Panmunjŏm. They saw the famous "Bridge of No Return" and the building where peace talks are held.

Near Imjin-gak they saw and old train. The train could not go anywhere, because the track ended there.

Mr. Kim said, "The train used to run from Pusan to Shinŭiju."

As the Kims and Smiths were having their lunch, another family arrived. The family set out some special food, and them bowed toward the north. Still facing north, the father raised his glass.

Mrs. Kim asked the woman, "Are you celebrating something ?" "Yes," the woman replied. "It is my father-in-law's birthday. He lives in North Korea." She said that every year the family brings a birthday lunch to Imjin-gak. "It is our greatest hope that someday he will be able to celebrate with us," she said with a sigh.

Later Mike said, "Isn't that too bad? I feel so sorry for those people." "I've never seen such a sad birthday party," said Mrs. Smith.

Since the beginning of this 20th century Korea has had a sad history. Korea was controlled by Japan until the end of World WarⅡ. After Japan lost the war in 1945, Korea became a free nation. But unfortunately it was divided into two Koreas. Five years later in 1950, without warning the North Korean army suddenly crossed the border and attacked South Korea.

A terrible war followed. Tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides were killed and many families lost their loved ones. Many families were separated and thousands of people had to leave their homes. At last in 1953 the fighting stopped, but the country is still divided.

All Koreans dream of seeing their country reunited. In 1989 Koreans saw the wall between East and West Germany come down on TV. They were surprised that it happened so suddenly.

"Maybe something like that can happen here," They thought.

The two Koreas keep on meeting at Panmumjŏm. Someday soon they may agree to unite their countries. Then the old train which has been waiting so long can once again move. What Koreans would like to see is the train running once again.

 

Dialogue(1)

In-suk : This is an interesting place, but I don't like it.

Yu-mi : No one likes it. We all hope someday Korea will be one country again.

In-suk : Let's get out of here.

Yu-mi : Take it easy. Look ! There's a North Korean village over there.

In-suk : That's the village whose picture we once saw in school.

 

Dialogue(2)

Mike : Who's the player wearing #45 ?

Is he from P'yŏngyang ?

Sang-ho : No. He was born in Seoul.

Mike : It's exciting to have a team with players from both South and North, isn't it ?

Sang-ho : Yes. And it's a great team.

Mike : I think so, too. Generally speaking, Koreans are good soccer players.

Sang-ho : Well, I don't think you are wrong.