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Korea is hardly a poor nation. Already, its GDP ranks 13th in the world, and is growing
at a rate of almost 13%. Although Korea went through some tough times in 1998 and
1999, and late in 2001 its economy was once again somewhat unsteady, there have
been reports of unease in the government over Koreans' "overconsumption." Many
Koreans are also concerned about a growing gap between rich and poor. Some Koreans, particularly those who remember the war, would probably agree that the country isn't as frugal as it once was. Though she's not of that generation, Mrs. Lee, a BLI teacher, tells of seeing good, serviceable furniture and appliances discarded because the owners were moving or simply wanted something newer. Of course, Americans are the world's champion consumers, so we haven't much room to be critical. Regardless, there's a place for such a business as this one, which Margaret found on a side street in Kangnung. Just as similar shops do in the US, it provides a connection between the surplus of the wealthy and the needs of the less fortunate.
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