[FRIENDS OF KOREA] Korea found me
I got the call in the summer of 1977, after applying to the U.S. Peace Corps to serve overseas as a volunteer. The application form allowed us to cite three countries in which we thought we might like to serve. I listed Nepal, Kenya and (a throwaway choice for fun in the sun) the Caribbean. Peace Corps headquarters told me that no openings were available in those places; would Afghanistan do…
![[FRIENDS OF KOREA] Korea found me](/img/18471968)
The call came in the summer of 1977, after I had applied to join the U.S. Peace Corps. I was seeking a position overseas as a volunteer and was given the option to choose three countries of interest. I listed Nepal, Kenya and (for some fun) the Caribbean. When Peace Corps headquarters informed me that there were no openings in those locations, they suggested Korea as an alternative.
At first, I hesitated, recalling only the TV show "M*A*S*H" and the fact that baseball legend Ted Williams had served in the Korean War. However, I decided to take the opportunity and applied.
The only thing I knew about Korea was the victory of the women's volleyball team over Japan at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Packing a backpack and a duffel bag, I boarded a flight to San Francisco, ready for a new adventure.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- [FRIENDS OF KOREA] Korea found me koreatimes.co.kr
