Hi from South Korea

[Focke-Wolf]

Regarding gun laws in Korea, I'll make it short.


Shotguns and Air Rifles are legal, but they have to be kept inside police station.
(Shotguns could be kept at house until 1982 when SOB dictator came into power)


Other guns including full auto guns can be kept at ranges, but only be owned by the range. I actually fired SIG 551 in South Korea.


(Regarding CCW, it can be had if you are in serious need of one, often by former three letter people, but poli*****ns can have too)


Other Self-defense weapon is not TOO bad, stun device and potent OC spray, gas gun can be had with simple license and for knives over 15cm, same story. Oddly enough, despite harsh gun law, there's virtually NO restriction on knives and batons etc.


I've begun a website to promote RKBA in South Korea, which


Mind you, South Korea's media has done everything to keep Koreans psychologically disarmed, so this will be EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.


But so what? I'd rather try and fail and not try at all.


But I was pleasantly suprised when I began promoting the website.

Although nothing significant, suprizing number of people knew the issues of RKBA and freedom and supported me.


Convicing them on the issues of RKBA and freedom (until 1988, we never had true democracy) is easier than trying to convince them on the issues of self-defense is pretty hard though.


Anyhows, wish me good luck, my ultimate goal is to have a constitution like this.


'For the security of the state and to prevent government's misuse of power, the military must not have monopoly of power in terms of individual arms. Therefore, the right of the individuals to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed'



I may never win, but I sure as hell not giving up without a all-out fight.


wish me good luck. It seems like Phillipine brothers are the only ones who have their freedom not infringed (though I heard it's been unstable recently)


Thanks

 

[Ohen Cepel]

Good luck with the fight!

I spent several years there and really missed not being able to shoot/hunt any while I was there.

 

[nicki]

Asian mindset.

Asians are willing to give up individual rights for the good of the community alot faster than we are. Overall they are much more law abiding than most.

However, that doesn't mean they are against self defense. Asians do not want to coddle criminals, public safety and order is a big issue.

The Korean War may have ended in 1953, but it still is in the psych of the South Korean population. Also being an occuppied country up until the end of World War 2 is in the mindset also.

With this mindset, you have the potential to start gaining back gun rights.

The issue really becomes a balance of individual right of self defense versus public saftey.

Since Korea is moving toward a democracy with equal rights for all, there needs to be a push that all government licenses be equally available to all and that if a license is denied, that the person who is denied can appeal and it is up to the government to show compelling reason not to issue.

This applies not only to gun licenses, but all licenses. Something like this cuts across the political spectrum.

Allowing citizens to get permits to carry guns that don't penetrate body arrmor would probably be a attainable goal. Standard licenses across the country, rember, business mindset.

Another issue on that is to establish treaties with other countries, ie US.
The CCW system in most states could be a working model for them to work with.

I don't know how much money South Korea spends on national defense, but the American subsidy of our troops guarding their border can't go on forever.

A Swiss style militia actually would significantly improve their national security while reducing government expenditures for defense.

That would free more capital for industry, more jobs and get the people in Korea more focused on their futrure rather than government.

A government that keeps the populaiton happy stays in power.

Nicki

 

[Focke-Wolf]

Actually, there's a strong voice for Swiss style militia system in Korea except any careers that need lengthy time (such as SOF, frontline, Navy, AF etc. etc.)
But the supporters of such system ask rifles to be kept at 'militia base'.
(Understandably so though)

Unfortunately though, I recently found out that Korea has signed
'UN firearms protocol' I dunno why they ever bothered to sign that thing at first place since guns are practically illegal.


The best argument for Koreans is not so much self-defense. I cannot think of a friend or a cousin that had been a victim of crime etc. On top of that they only think that having gun is reasonable only if the criminals are armed with guns, which in Korea, is, exceptionally low.

This doesn't mean there are no illegal guns in Korea though. It is actually estimated that there are Half million illegal guns and they are waiting to go off. I know some people that want CCW.


Korea had oppressive regime until 1988. and that is why it is so much easier to convince them about RKBA on the freedom aspect.

 

[pdowg881]

Wouldn't you want all of the citizens to be armed because of their neighbors to the North?

 

[Oleg Volk]

I have some Korean models available, If you can think of suitable messages, I can help with photos.

 

[oneshooter]

nicki, the Korean War did not end in 1953. There is still a "state of war"existing between North Korea and the UN armed forces. There is simply been a cease fire in effect for the last 55 years. A trip to the northern border and you would see how "peacefull" it really is!

Oneshooter
Livin in Texas

 

[cleardiddion]

fokket, where are you in the country?

 

[Crunker1337]

My God, I'd figure that seeing as how military training is mandatory the government would trust its people more... guess not.
Is defense from Kim Jong il considered a really good reason to go armed? I think it does.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

The "asian mindset" is no different than anyone else's mindset, unless you are discussing the human mindset Much of western civilization has already given up on firearms and individual freedom.

America is one of the few remaining forces that goes against that UN paternalistic mindset.

 

[Redtail]

It seems like Phillipine brothers are the only ones who have their freedom not infringed (though I heard it's been unstable recently)

The Philippines has strict gun laws, unless you're well connected. Before, it wasn't regulated, I don't know when they required licensing. But self defense concept is better though. Not like here in the US where sometimes criminals has more rights than the victim.

 

[ftierson]

fokket,

I wish you the best of luck in your pursuit...

Forrest

 

[chris in va]

I just have a simple, neutral question.

You used the term 'RKBA' a few times. Does S. Korea have that in their constitution (or equivalent)? If not, you may not be able to justify it's use.

Don't get me wrong, I believe every human being has the natural right to self protection. It's just we happen to have that 'arms' clause in our BOR.

 

[grog18b]

여보세요. 나는 봉gilchon(야영지Howze)에1985-1986년에 한국에서, 두고DMZ에 투어를 했다. 너의 권리를 위해 너를 거기서 선 보는것은 좋다. 나는 나의 시간을 거기서 즐기고, 너에게 제일 바란다.

 

[Lucky]

Good luck good luck. I like to ask people if they think Karate should be outlawed, when they appear really mentally closed. Then explain that gov'ts millenia ago did just that, and are we no better after all this time?

 

[El Tejon]

Welcome to THR, fokket.

 

[Focke-Wolf]

Lemme make it short, the Korean government has no real respect towards average citizens. I'll bring up more stuff soon.

 

[Focke-Wolf]

Regarding RKBA in consitution, no there is not anything like that.



The even pre-Japan occupation, only the hunters and high-class people could own firearms and swords.


Yeah.. so you can see how it goes.

 

[Focke-Wolf]

cleardiddon, im at seoul

 

[joffe]

My God, I'd figure that seeing as how military training is mandatory the government would trust its people more... guess not.

Haha. They actually disarmed our reserves (official militia) here. I think it says a lot, not only do the politicians distrust their constituents with rifles, they distrust their own (ostensibly) citizen militia with them. :banghead:

Doesn't seem like Korea is far off from most European countries. At least you got a positive response to your gun rights initiative. If you tried to promote a 'right' to own firearms over here the Fudds and Zumbos would be all over you.

 

[JohnL2]

Hi fokket. Anyunghasehyo.
You would think that of all the people in Asia, Koreans would be some of the most capable marksmen in the world. After all that they have been through in their history.
There should be an established NRA organization there. Foster and encourage marksmanship and responsible firearms handling.
Fokket, I am doing my small part to establish a message. Maybe more. Koreans can and do shoot. And we do not miss. And this Korean at least will not give up his guns as long as there is breath in his body.
Drop me a line if you need ANY advice.

 

[MakAttak]

Fokket,

Look at the founding principles of the NRA in America. A number of former Northern generals were APPALLED at the poor marksmanship of the northern soldiers. (Southern soldiers, however, excelled at this)

As a result, the NRA was founded to encourage marksmanship in preparation for future soldiers and future wars.

Given the threat from the North and the memory of Japanese oppression (as well as Chinese rule), I would hope you would find people willing to support such an institution.

Remember, the NRA didn't start as what it is today- I suggest start small, with what you can accomplish. The fight may be long, but start with battles you can win. Create an NRA in Korea dedicated to preparing people for future service. People may then find that such things can be fun (as many Americans found) and this may lead to changing people's attitudes.

Remember, you will not win overnight, nor will you win all at once. Start smalll; start changing minds.

 

[Focke-Wolf]

What are Korean-American's view on firearms? I know quite few who have CCW etc. but most were firearms enthusiasts before emigrating. Although I've been doing my best to convince my cousins over there to be armed, but living in freakin NYC doesn't help (or SF).

The freedom aspect, keeping government in check is the key to my campaign.


I'd love to setup NRAish organization, but there's no one to get funding from.

Korean nationals are concerned about followings.

1) Increase in sudden rage murder/crime. Although some are saying introducing guns will keep each other in check.


2) It's VERY tough to argue in terms of use of it for self-defense when everything else is avail and gun crimes are exceedingly rare.

 

[cleardiddion]

From what I've seen,
most Korean Americans are fairly neutral leaning towards a liberal view on firearms.
They do see that they are a right but do not neccesarily understand the idea as we have all come learn.
But, interesting enough, Koreans often do not have qualms against using arms when the situation warrants. An example of this was how many Korean shop owners armed themselves and protected their homes and businesses.

On my end, my Mother was against firearms until recently when I started collecting them. Now, even thought she may not be so fond of them, she is able to accept ownership and use.
My Father, on the other hand was actually fairly suppotive of the issue. He grew up near Inchon, but came here in the 70's. He was in the army, worked for the government, and went back to the ROK in the 80's. Because of his experiences, he's seen both sides of the line and has taken the stance that firearms can be/often times are neccesary.
My sister is another story when it comes to the issue. She took the stance that firearms are for police/military and that civilians are to have them under only a few circumstances.
And then there's me who's pro-2a, sometimes to the extreme.
It makes for an interesting situation in my household whenever the issue come up.

 

[NG VI]

Great job, keep it up, and post a link to your site!

The more civilized nations with a civilian shooting population the better, but be prepared that your movement will face some fierce resistance from anti-gun groups which may crop up in your country.