dispelling the myths

The subtraction of stereotypes in any cultural scenario leaves you with nothing but sincerity. And though I’m still a social rookie, here it is: The truth about Korea [as I see it, anyways].

1. Koreans are rude. [false]
Before I came here, I was warned about the typically “hostile nature” of Koreans – advice from even the most reliable sources had me expecting to be shoved, spit on, or mugged [or all three, simultaneously]. But nothing could be further from the truth, honestly. We’ve been here for a month, and so far we’ve had Korean boys walk in the middle of Seoul traffic to translate an address to our driver, we have yet to make it through one meal without being offered more food or to join another table for a drink, and we’ve been given gifts just about everywhere we go. It’s pretty damn refreshing when we are confirmed fools for our assumptions. Like the driver whom we assumed was coming to the back of the bus to yell at us for drinking, or the fella at the bar who yelled at me when I grabbed my jacket – one gave us oranges; the other returned the lip gloss and change that had fallen outta my pocket. It’s surprising, and encouraging. And generosity is contagious.

2. Koreans are bad drivers.
If “bad” means occasionally running red lights, disregarding all lines on the road and carving a random path, and going in 100km/hr spurts on residential roads – then yeah, Koreans are bad drivers. Or we could judge this one on reaction time and maneuvers – ‘cause whether it’s a scooter or a pickup full of caged dogs, the stuff popping out in front of you turns almost every casual drive into an obstacle course. Driving in Korea is unsteady, and driving well is a talent. So reckless, or responsible drivers – your call.And to be honest, I favor the reckless drivers over the lunatics, any day. Spend 20 minutes in a crazy cabbie in Korea and you’ll understand. One cabbie hunched over his steering wheel and cackled like a maniac; another turned around and licked his chops at Julie after inquiring about our husbands in Canada. Picture Anthony Hopkins in Silence of the Lambs, and multiply it. By a thousand. And be thankful we both invested in imitation wedding rings.

3. Koreans are hard workers. [‘tis true]
“Hard worker” is an understatement. Until last week, I thought our school was the only education our students got on a daily basis. Turns out Reading Town is the school where the kids learn ONE subject – all of the kids attend a regular school from 9am-2pm, and then come to Reading Town from 3pm-8ish. And then most kids go home to music lessons. And to think I complained about 8:30am lectures …But in all their discipline, they still somehow find time to be kids [and make Susie Teacher laugh]. Last week I was checking a student’s homework, and he had innocently written “I feed on hores” as his homework sentence [I think he meant “I feed the horse”, but once again, your call]. It’s pretty impossible to not like this job, and equally as impossible to lose a smile.

4. Korean food is delicious. [true]
Last weekend, Julie & I went to a “sushi train” with our boss, his wife, and some coworkers. There’s all different kinds of sushi and it’s literally on a train – you sit in front of it and just grab what you like off the conveyor belt as it passes. And I really couldn’t think of a more appropriate way to serve raw food – it seems only natural for it to be moving in front of you. But when you’re on board the train and your boss asks if you like tuna, take a good, solid look at your surroundings and be reminded of where you are. Replying, “I love tuna!” will only get you a slab of inch-thick raw flesh and a relentless craving for any food that doesn’t feel alive in your mouth.

Last night we went to an “all-you-can-eat, all-you-can-drink” place that served kalbi. The premise is simple: You pick the meat, you cook the meat. You thirsty, you drink. Two hours later, not finished yet? You kicked out. But you definitely do get your money’s worth, though, and the food is amazing. Best meal yet, and it’s already on the “to do” list for you visitors.

Anybody that does end up visiting will be highly impressed with our new apartment. The rooms are fairly large and we’ve already set to work decorating the entire place with a little Korean/Canadian flavour [see attached pics]. We’ve even got a cute little balcony that will serve us well come summer.

As for me, I’m still waiting for this all to sink in. Today was the first time I’ve looked at a map since I’ve been here, but instead of making me feel far away, it only reminded me of how connected I still feel. And I can’t help thinking of The Motorcycle Diaries’ quote, “Is it possible to feel nostalgia for a place you’ve never been?” Maybe it is.

I guess the only thing unsettling about this whole experience is knowing that one day, it will be a memory …

So I think to myself, what a wonderful world …