12 Things About Korea That Make Me Smile…Now…(But Not Before)

By:  Brittany S

I can’t really say I had “culture shock” when I arrived in Korea, but I will say there were several things about Korean society that I didn’t really care.  But it’s funny how things work out; now I like them!  I guess all I needed was time.  Here’s a short list of a few of my new likes.  (NB: When reading this article, be sure to click on the highlighted texts so you can see the associated images and video clips)

1                    K-Dramas:  In my opinion, soap operas in general are over-the-top and not the highest quality of acting (just overly emotional, beautiful faces).  But Korean Dramas are even more extreme.  Someone is ALWAYS angry, crying, sad, and/or dying.  They are SO CHEESY!  But, I will say, on any given day, one might be playing in a restaurant or on a bus and it is VERY entertaining to “dub” them with a friend.  You should hear what we come up with.

I have no idea what this one is about but I can make up one heck of a story about it.

2                    Commercials:  If you watch the commercials here, ½ the time you have no idea what they are advertising (what does a talking radish have to do with a phone plan?) or you have no idea WHY they are advertising that (and in that way).  When I got over the futility of the commercials to me, I found them to be quite comical.

 (Top: Yea, you were thinking it...especially on the slow-mo's. O.o

  Bottom:  We definitely don't advertise ice cream like THIS back home.)

 

  

3                     Cafés:  I am not really an avid coffee drinker and if I was Stateside, you probably wouldn’t find me in a Starbucks (or anything similar) for service or hanging out.  But here it is possible to stand on the corner of a street and see four different chains at one intersection.  Eventually, you make time for the cafés and it becomes a bit of your social norm.

4                    Dogs: I LOVE dogs…but not “purse dogs;” you know, the dogs that never walk, but just get carried.  Those are pointless to me.  But here, usually only foreigners have bigger dogs (a bulldog is considered big here).  I was slightly annoyed with people carrying dogs, but when you see all the little cute doggie clothing they dress them in (and occasionally they dye their fur some neon colors), you can’t help but say “Awww…”

TOP: Even dogs get to wear "hanboks"--traditional Korean clothing (As seen on weddinggraphics.xanga.com) BOTTOM: Not uncommon to see a dog that looks like it's been playing with a hi-lighter.  The owner usually looks really reserved, too.

5        Konglish:  Korean-English can frustrate a native speaker:

Me: Bus Terminal

Taxi Driver: (yes?)

Me: Bus Terminal

Taxi Driver: (YES?)

Me: *sigh* (pronounced: “Buh-suh, teh-mi-nal”)

Taxi Driver: Ahhhhh…

Me: -____-

BUT, there are times where it is REALLY funny.  I often search for Konglish and/or English translation merchandise just so I can get a quick laugh.

I don't want any "butt cheese" at all!  I don't care if it's American!

 (As seen on: "Quilly in Kowea")

Could you tell this was about "Dirty Dancing"?

6                    The Staring:  Sometimes it is innocent and you can see the curiosity in their eyes, but other times it is condescending and flat out RUDE.  Originally I was quite offended, but now I just imagine all of Korea is a catwalk.  If I catch you staring, get ready for the show.  I’m about to think I’m Naomi, and I might even wink/blow you a kiss.  Now who’s uncomfy? ;-)

7                    “Can you…?”: Although their intentions are good, I absolutely HATE when Koreans ask:

“Can you eat spicy food?” (No, if I eat it, it will cause my body to combust.  -_-)

“Can you use chopsticks?” (Not at all, not even to style my hair. I don’t understand these mystical sticks.” -_-)

So now I reply to them with:

“Can you eat a hamburger?” or

“Can you use a fork?”

When they think my question is absurd, my point has been made and life goes on. :-)

8                    “Where are you from…Africa?”:  Now don’t me wrong, I don’t see my skin color’s association with the Motherland as an insult.  I embrace it.  (But, as a Black American, if you say I’m African, where exactly am I from?  In reality, if you say I’m an African-American, does that mean I’m like Obama with 1 African parent, or Charlize Theron, a S. African native?)  The reason Koreans think I am African is for no other reason than that I am not White.  Whoaaaa…since when is America monochromatic?  Then whenever Koreans put anything about Africa in their media, it is usually derogatory in some way.  So in some cases, a person calling me African might mean it as a slight.  No need in getting mad anymore.  I just ask them “Are you from Japan?”** and that usually settles it.

9                    Korean hierarchy: This Confusionist culture is admirable.  I wish Americans respected and looked out for each other more like Koreans do, especially in when it comes to education.  You should see the complete authority that a Korean co-teacher demonstrates in our classes.  With that being said, there are times that as a foreign English teacher, nobody tells you anything and it all pertains to you!   Then if you do find out, they only tell you ½ truths, and at the last minute, all the while not including your input.  Fortunately, as time goes on you learn how to beat the system and to navigate “the Korean way.”

10                Walking Everywhere:  There have been times that because of #9, I ended up going on long hikes in sandals.  Honestly, if I had tennis shoes, I’m not sure how much better off I would have been.  It’s a little shameful how out of breath I was getting.  But now I am used to it and I feel healthier.  Plus my legs look amazing! ;-)

11                Being Told To Go To The Hospital:  In America, especially for someone who can’t afford to take off work and/or does not have insurance, we only go to the hospital if it’s an ABSOLUTE NECESSITY.  The first few times someone forced me to go to the hospital here, I thought there would be major problems because of the language barrier, and that it would cost me an arm and a leg.  In both cases I have been wrong.  Most doctors speak quite a bit of English, no matter the city.  Also, I have been to the ER, gotten a prescription, and had an ultrasound done and had a follow-up visit when my lymph nodes were swollen and all of that cost a little over $100 (without insurance).  Plus it only took about 30minutes!  So now if I even THINK I’m getting sick, it’s off to the hospital I go! Why not?

Koreans often LEAVE the hospital and go around town just like this. (As seen on: lauraeff.tumblr.com)

12                Shopping Difficulties:  Back home, you can try on almost anything before you buy it.  Here?  NO.  In fact, many places sell “Free Size” clothing so you can either fit that one, or none at all.  Considering I’m not built like the average Korean woman, this would irritate me and I would often end up buying something that had I been able to try on, I would have put back.  But now I shop like a pro.  I walk in, check the price, hold it up to my body, then buy it.  I also have become less materialistic.  Some things I can’t even buy here (like shoes for instance) and I am ok with only using what I have over and over, after all, see #6.

I mastered the art of shopping and shopping as art. ;-)

**If you don’t know the history between Japan and Korea, please research it.  In short, to associate them with anything Japanese is a bad idea and vice versa.

***Many of the links used in this post are from two of my favorite comical sites about expat life in Korea.  One is called "Dear Korea:  a random comic made by a random expat" and the other is "#kikinitinkorea"  Please support these two!  They are good laughs and VERY accurate.

Africa Dreaming: Not So Common Sense Tips for Your First Trip to the Continent

 by: Nicole Maisha

I first made my way to “the Continent” while in college.  It’s been a love affair ever since.  The diversity of ethnicities, languages, landscapes and cultures is mind-blowing.  To get a taste of Africa’s sheer vastness just picture snow capped mountains in South Africa, waterfalls in Zimbabwe, high plateaus in Ethiopia, the River Nile in Sudan, ocean side cities in Senegal and Guinea, and the Sahel desert in Mali. The good news is that despite overwhelmingly negative news coverage, women of color continue to choose African destinations for adventure, volunteerism and connection of their roots and the birthplace of humanity.  They are discovering a hidden truth - travel to the continent can be some of the most fulfilling, exciting and humbling you will ever experience.

Here are some not so common sense tips for the bold and open-minded traveler headed to Africa.

Greetings are Important: In many places, it’s considered rude to start talking without a proper and formal “how are you and the family?” to initiate the discussion.  Before you travel, learn a few greetings, salutations and other key phrases in one of the local languages.  Many countries have an official “colonial” language, but people tend to use their own local ethnic languages in day-to-day life.  Pick up some key greetings in the most frequently used local language.  Along those lines, take small gifts for your hosts or other families you befriend and plan to keep in touch.

Be Prepared to Bargain and Know Your Money: Most “market” shopping involves bargaining with the seller.  You’ll be hard pressed to find standard prices marked on most items.  When you ask “how much,” it’s safe to assume that the price has been marked up by 30% or more (sometimes by %100).  Merchants expect you to negotiate with them, as the market is regulated by the bargaining dance between the merchant and customer.  Besides paying entirely too much for goods, you’ll miss out on some great shopping fun if you simply accept the first price quoted. Be prepared to do quick currency conversions in your head, especially when you’re in the middle of serious haggling.  The last thing you want is to have to interrupt intense negotiations to ask, “wait, how much is 5000 CFA in dollars?”

Understand that Social Relations are Different: Social and racial dynamics can be more nuanced and complex than many are used to or expect.  For example, domestic workers are common in many households, from those with very modest economic means to more affluent families.  Some visitors are not used to having maids, guards and other servants working for them, and may be offended or uncomfortable.  However you chose to respond, know that it’s the norm for many social groups in Africa.  Household help may range from locals trying to make a living to support their families and refugees needing financial opportunity to child laborers and what may be considered modern-day slaves.  It’s not easy to tell the difference just by looking, so don’t make assumptions right away.  Ask or do your research if you are concerned. 

Also, each country has its own history of complex social, ethnic and racial relations.  Interactions are not always so “black and white.” Your idea of who is black, who is privileged and who is oppressed may not fit neatly into the existing classifications in your host country.  For example, in Sudan I was considered “Arab” versus “Black African”.  The media portrays the conflict in Sudan and South Sudan as Arabs against Africans, while most of those who are Arab look very similar to my very brown friends and family in America. The point is there is usually more to the story than meets the eye.

Prepare for Developing Country Conditions: While conditions vary throughout the continent, for the most part standards are much different than in North America and Europe.  You may be shocked at the intensity of poverty you witness, the number of beggars or street children, poor road conditions and otherwise sub-standard infrastructure.  Modes of road transportation can range from taxis for getting around town to overcrowded buses and tightly packed cars for traveling between cities and smaller towns.  From my conversations with people, the hardest things to deal with are the poverty and wealth disparity.  Understand that this is the reality, but try not to let disillusionment about the conditions color your entire trip.  You can also use your experience to become an educated global citizen.  Learn more about the economy, politics and history of the country and get involved!

See a Travel Doctor and Purchase Travel Insurance: Instead of letting fear of malaria, traveler’s diarrhea or other infectious or communicable diseases spoil your trip, prepare and protect yourself. See a travel doctor for advice on prevention and recommended shots for the country you’re visiting. Note: A Yellow Fever vaccination card is required for entry into many West African countries, so find out if you need one.  You should also consider purchasing travel insurance which offers air evacuation in case of medical emergency.  Without it you could be paying thousands of dollars out of pocket should you need to get home due to injury or illness.  

Remain Flexible and Adaptable: Not everything will go according to plan.  Things may seem chaotic at first, but there is a rhythm and order that you will soon come to understand.  Besides its tremendous natural resources, Africa’s most significant value lies in its amazing cultures and human capital.  Learning about the strong cultural and social ties will open your eyes to how life flows in Africa.  Be prepared for a social time reference, meaning things begin when the people arrive and are ready for it to begin.  This is different from a linear time reference where events commence because a clock says it’s time.  Punctuality has a different meaning, particularly for social affairs.  Try not to get frustrated if you’re a person who tends to go by the clock.  Observe and learn. 

Identify and Let Go of Your Own Stereotypes: Africa remains an enigma in the psyche of many.  Much of what people imagine is based on extreme or one-sided depictions in the media or from romanticized historical portrayals.  Africa’s countries and people are far from one-dimensional.  Not everyone is poor.  Not everyone is a refugee.  Not everyone is a descendants of royalty.  Not everyone dances or sings.  However, most want a better life for themselves and future generations, just like everyone else on the planet.  As soon as you let go of any need to pity or hold Africans on a pedestal, you’ll be prepared for an amazing journey.  Be ready to experience beauty contrasted with despair, resilience and resourcefulness alongside sadness and joy and all other known human emotions.  Take in the colors, sounds, textures and stimulation of all that is sustaining and life-giving in Africa.   Embrace the trip of a lifetime!