Korea Update
Things I love about Korea:
Male friends holding hands while walking down the street. I love the fact that men feel comfortable showing affection. Though we like to think that Americans are more free, our social codes are just as restrictive as those in Asia, just in different ways. It is also common to see female friends walking arm in arm, which is a great way to show your appreciation for their companionship.
Drinking in public. Korean society has always included social drinking as a normal part of life. It is not abnormal to see a group of hikers at the top of a mountain seated in a circle sharing a bottle of soju (rice wine). You can buy alcohol at the 7-11 and there is a plastic table and chairs on the sidewalk outside to provide for a very inexpensive and impromptu bitch session.
Jimjilbang/Public saunas. I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Americans are prudes (and I am a recovering Westerner). I love the sun, I love the water, I love pools, I love hottubs, I love the ocean (notice a theme here?). I am continuously surprised that I am not a Pisces. Korean traditional culture has evolved around the public bath, just like ancient Greece. You enjoy the relaxing waters, sweltering sauna, and stifling steam room then retreat to an ondol (floor) heated room to take a nap in the nude. Women from all walks of life are there chatting with their friends, scrubbing down their children, and refreshing themselves with no self-consciousness.
Public transportation. I was in a car today--it was the first time in 6 months that someone I knew drove me somewhere. I am amazed by the efficiency across the country (and especially in the city) that has been achieved through a reliable public transportation system.
Being away from politics. Though I am a passionate political watcher, I am relieved to be able to control my exposure. I read the news, of course, but being away from the day-to-day drama has allowed me a certain detachment from the ups and downs of the new Obama administration. However, another added advantage I have is to see America through my students eyes. I was fortunate to teach 2 courses of advanced level students in which we discussed a variety of cultural and political issues. I love it!
Being in an uber-diverse city. Despite the fact that I am an uber-minority, there is a lot of diversity within the minority (non-Korean) people here. A few weekends ago I had lunch with people from Nepal, Ecuador, Canada, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, and Korea. It was amazing, if not incendiary. I met these people through, shockingly, my Korean class. I am in talks with my Nepali friend to visit and do some volunteer teaching in his home-country (I have been considering volunteering in an orphanage in a less developed country, such as Thailand or Vietnam for some time, but it makes much more sense to go somewhere where I know someone).
I miss my friends and the comforts and familiarity of home, but I am having a great year. I am definitely renewing (due to the economy and other factors) for another.
Male friends holding hands while walking down the street. I love the fact that men feel comfortable showing affection. Though we like to think that Americans are more free, our social codes are just as restrictive as those in Asia, just in different ways. It is also common to see female friends walking arm in arm, which is a great way to show your appreciation for their companionship.
Drinking in public. Korean society has always included social drinking as a normal part of life. It is not abnormal to see a group of hikers at the top of a mountain seated in a circle sharing a bottle of soju (rice wine). You can buy alcohol at the 7-11 and there is a plastic table and chairs on the sidewalk outside to provide for a very inexpensive and impromptu bitch session.
Jimjilbang/Public saunas. I've said it once, and I'll say it again: Americans are prudes (and I am a recovering Westerner). I love the sun, I love the water, I love pools, I love hottubs, I love the ocean (notice a theme here?). I am continuously surprised that I am not a Pisces. Korean traditional culture has evolved around the public bath, just like ancient Greece. You enjoy the relaxing waters, sweltering sauna, and stifling steam room then retreat to an ondol (floor) heated room to take a nap in the nude. Women from all walks of life are there chatting with their friends, scrubbing down their children, and refreshing themselves with no self-consciousness.
Public transportation. I was in a car today--it was the first time in 6 months that someone I knew drove me somewhere. I am amazed by the efficiency across the country (and especially in the city) that has been achieved through a reliable public transportation system.
Being away from politics. Though I am a passionate political watcher, I am relieved to be able to control my exposure. I read the news, of course, but being away from the day-to-day drama has allowed me a certain detachment from the ups and downs of the new Obama administration. However, another added advantage I have is to see America through my students eyes. I was fortunate to teach 2 courses of advanced level students in which we discussed a variety of cultural and political issues. I love it!
Being in an uber-diverse city. Despite the fact that I am an uber-minority, there is a lot of diversity within the minority (non-Korean) people here. A few weekends ago I had lunch with people from Nepal, Ecuador, Canada, Belgium, Zimbabwe, Hong Kong, and Korea. It was amazing, if not incendiary. I met these people through, shockingly, my Korean class. I am in talks with my Nepali friend to visit and do some volunteer teaching in his home-country (I have been considering volunteering in an orphanage in a less developed country, such as Thailand or Vietnam for some time, but it makes much more sense to go somewhere where I know someone).
I miss my friends and the comforts and familiarity of home, but I am having a great year. I am definitely renewing (due to the economy and other factors) for another.