Read the rollovers and use these prompts to discuss the information in groups:
I was surprised to find out that
The most interesting thing was
I'd like to know more about
I wonder if
I don't understand
I was less interested in
I didn't know that
Someone who would be interested in this would be because
This reminded me of
Look closely at the two images created by artist Lim Ok-Sang. What comment is the artist making in the artwork Kim's Family after the Korean War? How does the image make you feel? What questions would you have for the artist?
Many other artists have produced images commenting on war. Begin with the following artists and compare their images with the two created by Korean artist Lim Ok-Sang: Pablo Picasso, Peter Booth, Wendy Sharpe, George Gittoes.
Then search for other artists who have created artwork in response to wars. Complete a piece of reflective writing about the images which you find most powerful.
The DMZ is a militarised border through a once-unified country. It's as if someone drew a latitude line through part of Australia and sealed off contact. How would you be affected personally if this happened? Who would you be cut off from? Discuss your ideas in pairs. Could this ever happen in Australia? Research the reasons that civil wars have begun and write a short informative essay.
French cleric Francois Fenelon once said All wars are civil wars, because all men are brothers.' Write a response to this quote.
The DMZ is a reminder of the conflict that still exists between North and South Korea. It is also a place that foreign tourists visit. Look at the cover image of Koreana vol 15, no 2, Summer 2001 (available at http://www.kf.or.kr/koreana/15_2/index.html) and at other images of the DMZ in articles in this issue. Discuss things you observe in the pictures. What sort of atmosphere is presented through these images?
Many countries create memorials about conflict or tragedy. Make a list of those you know (some starting points might be the Australian War Memorial in Canberra, Port Arthur, Gallipoli, Ground Zero). What are some of the issues which arise in regard to these memorials? Choose one for research and presentation of contrasting views and perspectives.
Extension activity: Renowned writer Hwang Sun-Won has written extensively about Korean society. His short story, Time for You and Me Alone, takes place against the backdrop of an anonymous war. Go to http://www.sogang.ac.kr/~anthony/klt/96fall/hwangsunwon.htm and scroll down to the second story.
