1. Introduction to the text
This reading lesson explores the experiences of residents living in the border regions between North and South Korea. It highlights their struggles and hopes for a peaceful future under the new government.
2. Vocabulary
| Korean Word | Romanization | English Meaning | Contextual Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 접경지역 | Jeonggyeokjiyeok | border region | The residents in the border regions have suffered the most during the extreme confrontation between the North and South. |
| 주민 | Jummin | resident | The residents are hoping to regain the peaceful and quiet village they had in the past. |
| 불안과 공포 | Bulanggwa Gongpo | anxiety and fear | The residents have been struggling with “anxiety and fear” every night. |
| 확성기 | Hwakseongi | loudspeaker | The two loudspeakers between the North and South have made life difficult for the residents in the border regions. |
| 진정서 | Jinjeongseo | petition | The residents have submitted petitions, but nothing has changed so far. |
| 지침 | Jichim | guideline | The government official stated that they are following the existing guidelines for the North-South loudspeaker operations. |
| 대치 | Daechee | confrontation | The extreme confrontation between the North and South has caused the most suffering for the residents in the border regions. |
3. The main text in both Korean and English
지난 1년 동안 남북은 서로에게 확성기를 틀었습니다. 두 확성기 사이에서 힘들어했던 접경지역 주민들은 ‘앞으론 밤마다 편안하고 조용하면 좋겠다’면서 새 대통령에 대한 바람을 이야기했습니다.
For the past year, the North and South have been blaring loudspeakers at each other. The residents in the border regions, who have struggled between the two loudspeakers, expressed their hope that they can enjoy peaceful and quiet nights from now on, and shared their expectations for the new president.
남북 간 극단적인 대치 속에 가장 고통받는 건 접경지역 주민들입니다. 그러나 지금도 달라진 건 없습니다. 주민들은 새 정부에선 과거의 평화롭고 조용한 마을 모습을 되찾길 기대합니다.
The residents in the border regions have suffered the most during the extreme confrontation between the North and South. However, nothing has changed so far. The residents are hoping to regain the peaceful and quiet village they had in the past under the new government.
“애들이 저 오늘 여기 온다고 하니깐 ‘엄마 그러면 내일부터 이 방송 안 들을 수 있는 거냐고’ 부탁드릴게요, 정말.”
“Since my children are coming here today, I will ask them, ‘Mom, does that mean I won’t be able to hear this broadcast starting tomorrow?’, really.”
“윗사람들이 신경을 써야지…여기 뭐 진정서도 올리고 다 올렸어요, 다.”
“The higher-ups need to pay attention… We have submitted petitions and everything, but nothing has changed.”
국방부 관계자는 “기존 지침대로 대북방송을 진행하고 있다”면서도 “새로운 지침이 내려오면 곧바로 이행이 가능하다”고 밝혔습니다.
A government official stated that they are following the existing guidelines for the North-South loudspeaker operations, but also said that they can implement new guidelines immediately if they are issued.
4. Reading comprehension questions
- What has been the main struggle for the residents in the border regions between North and South Korea?
- What are the residents hoping for under the new government?
- How have the residents tried to address their concerns?
- What is the government’s current position on the loudspeaker operations?
- What is the overall tone and message conveyed in this reading?
5. Cultural and historical notes
The border regions between North and South Korea have been a flashpoint of tension and conflict for decades. The constant presence of loudspeakers blaring propaganda and the ever-present threat of military confrontation have taken a heavy toll on the lives of the residents living in these areas. This reading highlights the human cost of the ongoing division and the hopes of the people for a more peaceful future under a new government.