So I've officially been here over two months now, and I've made some observations. (Granted, any "way-gook" who's been here for a decent amount of time probably has the EXACT same things to say, but this is still fairly new for me...)
Ahem. My list:
-Korean women are, by far and large, GORGEOUS. I will eventually adopt their winter style of leggings with shorts over them, a cute top, and some sort of boots. Adorable.
-Korean men seem a bit effeminate, at least by typical American standards. Many don the murse (man-purse) shamelessly. Also, they (like my Mexican-American students back in The States) tend to wear skinny jeans and very fitted clothing.
-Korean "happy faces" are quite precious... instead of :) or =), they do ^^ or ^^* or ^_^ or *^^*... and so forth.
-A lot of Koreans don't tend to receive me (a foreigner) particularly well. Often, I'm met with indifference, though sometimes people will point and say, "Way-gook!" ("Foreigner!")
-I thought you could easily flush toilet paper here... My now-clogged toilet begs to differ. Granted, this isn't nearly as bad as Latin America, but I must admit I've been spoiled by the sewage systems back home.
-Subway rides are supposed to be quiet. Loudly-speaking people (especially foreigners) are openly glared at.
-People spit. Often. Everywhere (outside). Gross.
-There is ALWAYS smoke in restaurants and bars. Ick. However, I've never seen anyone smoke in public transportation, fortunately!
-There is usually an abundance of drunkenness past 6pm on any given night (earlier on the weekends).
-Koreans seem to work very hard, by and large. While I'm working 10.5-hour days, it seems this is nothing compared to the locals.
-Underground subway shops seem to be quite the place to buy clothing, food, and various accessories. Though the quality of said products is obviously questionable, the merchandise is cheap and generally very cute.
-Korean children and women have this particular way of whining wherein they remind me of "George of the Jungle."
-Konglish (Korean + English) is adorable. "Merree Ca-ris-mas-su" was heard in abundance last month.
-I am often confronted by older men who want to speak English (maybe brushing up on their speaking skills?)... I feel fortunate, as a blonde coworker of mine is constantly harassed by older men who think she's a prostitute.
-Restaurants are PACKED every night of the week; it's cheaper (in general) to dine out than it is to go grocery shopping.
I'm sure there's a lot more stuff I'm forgetting, but this is what comes to mind at present. If anyone wants to add to this list, I'm happy to read it! ^^*
this is sooo interesting MaryBeth! I am actually thinking about coming out to South Korea...Jasmine and i have been messaging about her program she is doing which is only a month long...i have requested more details and contact info. Keep posting! Very interesting and helpful stuff to know!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. is it hard communicating there or do most people speak English?
Hey, girl! It's a little tricky getting around sometimes, but it's not too bad. While a lot of adults don't really speak English, a lot of signage is in our language, and a lot of the Korean has been Romanized, so that helps immensely with traveling. I still need to see Jasmine; we haven't met up yet!!
ReplyDeleteAnyway, hope all's well!! COME HERE; it'd be awesome to have another person from our group here! :D