The main tourist spots in Korea like Myeong-dong, Hong-dae and Itaewon were crowded with Chinese. So, people who could speak Chinese often did part-time jobs nearby these places. However, as Korea decided to deploy THAAD, the Chinese government is regulating Chinese people visiting Korea. Also, people view that if Korea were to withdraw from THAAD deployment, the relationship between Korea and United States would deteriorate. Let’s figure out the impact of THAAD and how international circumstances will become. Lockheed Martin Corporation1. What is THAAD?a. Definition Have you ever heard about THAAD before? You may have listened once or twice on television or read about it in a newspaper. THAAD is the abbreviation for “Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense” and made by Lockheed Martin Corporation, a renowned weapons production company. Simply, it is a weapon doing defense rather than attacking. If North Korea shot a missile to Korea, the THAAD will detect it and shoot down. As they have nuclear missiles, some people said we should have a weapon to protect our own country and citizens. On the other hand, America argues about the necessity of THAAD to protect US Armed Forces in Korea. b. Different Interests The biggest reason that Korea chose the deployment of THAAD was to solve the security problem. The next was consideration of its international relationship with the US. It means Korea’s government decided to deploy THADD to safely protect Korea’s major city and strengthen ties with the United States, which is a powerful country. Then, why does China keep disapproving about this situation by seeking revenge diplomatically and economically? One of the reasons would be the radar that accompanies the THAAD system. Its field also includes some territories of China along with North Korea’s territories. It is a superficial reason that it can expose China’s military secrets and the location of missile bases. However, in fact, with the current technology of the US and Korea, it is easy to grasp or discern about those things. So, most people regard the most realistic reason of China’s disagreement is that they are alert and care about the US’s influence. 2. Decline of TourismThe government of China is severing interchanging by not issuing visas, which are needed to visit Korea. Chinese tourists influence the economy a lot by their visiting Korea – as many as one hundred thousand on special holidays. Then, what is the main tourism industry? One of the sorts of main tourism is shopping spots in Seoul. You can find Chinese characters, people, Korean guides who can speak Chinese in most parts of Seoul since the last few years. When you walk down the street in Myeong-dong, it is natural that someone might suddenly speak to you in Chinese. A second is tourism to historical sites in Korea where people can feel Korea’s cultural and traditional things. Thanks to the Korean-wave, many people visit those sites that appeared in Korean dramas or movies. You may find group tourists with flags. The last type is people who came to Korea to do plastic surgery. It might sound awkward, but statistically, there were four thousand people last year who visited Korea to do plastic surgery. Some people view Korea as having great technology and doctors. 3. Why they are seeking revenge?a. Diplomatic MattersChina was continuously showing an opposite opinion with Korea about THAAD. So after the Korean government decided to deploy THAAD, they showed anti-Korean feelings. Especially, the head of China, Xi Jin Ping and Hwang Gyo-an, the acting president of Korea, had a conversation about THAAD in China. At that time, Hwang said the deployment hadn’t been decided yet. However, a week later, the Korean government announced to deployment of THAAD in Korea. According to Professor Mun at China University of Political Science and Law, this could be display discourtesy between the two countries. Diplomatic matters could be one factor in China’s stubborn reaction. b. Economic Revenge After the deployment of THADD has been decided, China showed organized anti-Korean policies and reactions. Especially, the one thing people can feel directly is the decline of Chinese people visiting Korea. As the Korean government officially decided to deploy THADD, there was damage to economic parts in Korea. In the past, lots of tourism was focused on Chinese people, so it has become more damaging. Largely, experts suppose that the industries related with Chinese people will decrease by 50%. Also, one of Korea’s biggest companies, Lotte, is getting damaged, too. Among Lotte Marts that are located in China, 75 of 99 branches have had their businesses suspended by the Chinese government. Korea has a huge dependence on commerce and international trade. It means the relationship with surrounding countries is very important. However, the method to react to the security problems from North Korea makes problems with other countries. Especially, as mentioned, it makes serious economic problems. The government should react to this situation thoughtfully and also people must become aware about current international circumstances. The most important thing in diplomacy is give and take, and therefore desira
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