#50, Vacation

On May 2, PEAI will shut down for its annual one week break. The days of vacation are precious...a brief window of opportunity to explore the world, invigorate the spirit, and rest. I can remember each of my vacations the past five years with distinct clarity, as that time carries such heavy significance.

In South Korea, the government is rather stingy with time off. This is not true of most other developed nations. According to the International Monetary Fund, in 2011, the vacation time for the countries with the highest GDP was as follows,

United States- 0 days required (usually 15 given) /// 10 national holidays
China- 0 days required /// 11 national holidays
Japan- 18 days required /// 19 national holidays
Germany- 24 days required /// 12 national holidays
France- 35 days required /// 10 national holidays (and, one the most productive countries in the world)
Brazil- 30 days required /// 15 national holidays
United Kingdom- 20 days required /// 10 national holidays
Italy- 30 days required /// 12 national holidays

*12. South Korea- 10 days required :( 15 national holidays

South Koreans are renowned for their work ethic, an invaluable quality in such a hyper-competitive society. The lack of vacation time aligns with wholly with this characteristic. This time is a valuable resource, one not to be squandered.