In my 15 years doing business in Korea, I've seen Korean people become more unfriendly over the years, but now it has changed dramatically. Demonstrations of hatred toward Americans are now widespread, and I recently cut short a business trip after being insulted on the streets numerous times, and nearly assaulted (Thank you to the police officer who intervened.)

While in Beijing a couple of days after the US bombing of the Belgrade Embassy, I was never insulted, attacked or even argued with by the Chinese. A couple of demonstrators even came up to me and stressed that the demonstrations were not directed at individuals, and that most Chinese want friendly relations despite our disagreements. Not so in Korea, where a visceral hatred is now visible in more and more people. I will now tell fellow Americans to visit Japan, Taiwan or mainland China, but that they are not welcome in Korea.

Several of my export contracts have now expired, and I will not be renewing them. Money is one thing, but trading with people who hate you is another. Shanghai, Taipei and Osaka are much more pleasant places to do business.

I and many other Americans have begun to ask our representatives to pull US forces out of Korea as soon as possible. Since the people have now voted for continued second chances for the regime in the North, it is obvious that no threat is felt by ordinary people in the south, and the US support is no longer wanted. Koreans are voting for us to leave with their insults, flag-burnings, and even physical assaults. I think we should not wait until the violence gets worse, but should take the hint and get out now.

It is with sadness, but with relief that I say "An-nyong-hi-kye-ship-shi-yo" to Korea.

Dallas TX