One of the students gave me a face mask yesterday. One that I can wear to keep the sun's rays from my face. Koreans are so focused on beauty that they have some strange rituals. Many women who go outside wear these full face masks, and sunvisors with a long peak, as well as long sleeves and long pants to keep the sun off of their bodies. They like being pale.
I've written before about these strange women that walk along the river and the streets. Weird.
When the women drive they wear two long sleeves to ward off the rays too.
As well, I've never seen so many people focused on looking at themselves. They judge everybody by their "beauty" and set out to keep themselves beautiful. Most have mirrors in the mobile (cell) phones and can spend all day checking up on the direction their eye lashes are pointing. Really it is weird. Men and women do it.
Koreans and their cell phones are seldom parted. They are constantly talking or texting, or checking on their current state of beauty.
Showing posts with label Korea. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Korea. Show all posts
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Korean Drinking Culture
My course is over and so there was another celebration. I've had at least two farewell parties and several "rehearsals". One of the students was endeavouring to get me drunk! Ha. I said. And so I have survived despite the fact that he and the other students were filling my glass every time I took a sip. I don't drink beer, though would be safe on the local brew, and have been drinking sori. It is like vodka. No taste, but deadly. They have mixed it with Kiwi Fruit (though I suspect it is some sort of Kiwi fruit powder.) Does not appear so deadly and tastes OK.
Still, I remained sober, and with any luck I will avoid any more challenges to my sobriety. I have one more night left in Jeonju.
One starts having dinner, and last night it was in a barbequed pork restaurant where the tiny port slices were cooked at the table on a metal plate over a fire at the table. Everyone helps themselves. There are various side dishes, kimchi, white radish, bean sprouts, lettuce leaves, shredded cabbage and mayonnaise, and other things that I couldn't clearly identify. With the metal chopsticks you select a piece of cooked beef and dunk it in a hot sauce, and then in some soy and vinegar mix and then pop it in your mouth. Or you take a piece of fresh lettuce leaf, add the pork and other vegetables from the side dishes.
It is here the drinking starts. Beer, sori etc.
So when the table is a mess, everyone is ready to move to the next venue. So off one goes to the next place. The drinks come first - the table is soon littered with bottles, and jugs of sori. Then the food comes. Food again???? Well, that is the only way to get to drink in these places. They make money from the food. The drinks are cheap. Not much profit.
Last night an array of food arrived. Some vegetable and seafood mix bubbling on a tray, two trays of boiled eggs, larvae of some poor creature, vegetables, kimchi, and then the noodles, and later "fruit salad" - small pieces of fruit swimming in some sort of savoury dressing which to me spoils the fruit! Later battered fish and chips arrived. The table was covered in bottles and plates of food. The latter is not all eaten.
When I ask about the waste - because at each venue there is so much wastage of food - at no time is it all eaten, the Koreans shrug. You can't drink at these bars unless you have the food.
The bar itself is made up of about 40 small "rooms" - each holding between 10 and 20 guests. Everyone drinks. There is no dancing, but sometimes loud music is played through the sound system.
Later we moved onto the next bar. When we arrived at the bar it was closed. So the others went on to another bar. I walked home. It was a short walk along the street to my house, and after all it was 1 pm. I didn't want to eat or drink, so time to leave them.
I'd guess that they'd drink on to 3 am. Not my style. And all of them have to be at work this morning.
The drinking is alarming. The men in particular drink until they drop. The streets are littered with staggering Koreans, mainly men. Young girls with flimsy clothes strut their stuff amongst the drunks, and some of course end up in "love hotels" where the rooms are available day and night by the hour.
Korean Airlines calls their magazine "Morning Calm" and it is a joke that the morning calm is because everyone is suffering hangovers. I've spoken with a Korean/Australian about the work culture here, and it seems that "work" is very badly affected by the drinking culture. Being out night after night until the early hours, and over indulging in alcohol is not conducive to good work practices. It is not surprising that many Koreans sleep at lunch time. And it is no surprise that many spend their time at work aimlessly watching something (other than work matters) on their computer screen.
I do notice "the morning calm" - it is deadly quiet until after 9 am!
One of my students, who is single and lives at home with her parents describes the days when all family members are hungover. She is a hard drinking hard living lovely girl - but one wonders what they are doing to themselves.
Still, I remained sober, and with any luck I will avoid any more challenges to my sobriety. I have one more night left in Jeonju.
One starts having dinner, and last night it was in a barbequed pork restaurant where the tiny port slices were cooked at the table on a metal plate over a fire at the table. Everyone helps themselves. There are various side dishes, kimchi, white radish, bean sprouts, lettuce leaves, shredded cabbage and mayonnaise, and other things that I couldn't clearly identify. With the metal chopsticks you select a piece of cooked beef and dunk it in a hot sauce, and then in some soy and vinegar mix and then pop it in your mouth. Or you take a piece of fresh lettuce leaf, add the pork and other vegetables from the side dishes.
It is here the drinking starts. Beer, sori etc.
So when the table is a mess, everyone is ready to move to the next venue. So off one goes to the next place. The drinks come first - the table is soon littered with bottles, and jugs of sori. Then the food comes. Food again???? Well, that is the only way to get to drink in these places. They make money from the food. The drinks are cheap. Not much profit.
Last night an array of food arrived. Some vegetable and seafood mix bubbling on a tray, two trays of boiled eggs, larvae of some poor creature, vegetables, kimchi, and then the noodles, and later "fruit salad" - small pieces of fruit swimming in some sort of savoury dressing which to me spoils the fruit! Later battered fish and chips arrived. The table was covered in bottles and plates of food. The latter is not all eaten.
When I ask about the waste - because at each venue there is so much wastage of food - at no time is it all eaten, the Koreans shrug. You can't drink at these bars unless you have the food.
The bar itself is made up of about 40 small "rooms" - each holding between 10 and 20 guests. Everyone drinks. There is no dancing, but sometimes loud music is played through the sound system.
Later we moved onto the next bar. When we arrived at the bar it was closed. So the others went on to another bar. I walked home. It was a short walk along the street to my house, and after all it was 1 pm. I didn't want to eat or drink, so time to leave them.
I'd guess that they'd drink on to 3 am. Not my style. And all of them have to be at work this morning.
The drinking is alarming. The men in particular drink until they drop. The streets are littered with staggering Koreans, mainly men. Young girls with flimsy clothes strut their stuff amongst the drunks, and some of course end up in "love hotels" where the rooms are available day and night by the hour.
Korean Airlines calls their magazine "Morning Calm" and it is a joke that the morning calm is because everyone is suffering hangovers. I've spoken with a Korean/Australian about the work culture here, and it seems that "work" is very badly affected by the drinking culture. Being out night after night until the early hours, and over indulging in alcohol is not conducive to good work practices. It is not surprising that many Koreans sleep at lunch time. And it is no surprise that many spend their time at work aimlessly watching something (other than work matters) on their computer screen.
I do notice "the morning calm" - it is deadly quiet until after 9 am!
One of my students, who is single and lives at home with her parents describes the days when all family members are hungover. She is a hard drinking hard living lovely girl - but one wonders what they are doing to themselves.
Monday, 13 April 2009
High Rise
With a large population and small land mass, many Koreans live in high rise apartments. The above photos are of some of the housing blocks around Jeon Ju. The top two photos I took from a moving car, though I think we had slowed down a little, and the bottom photo was taken when Mr C parked his car in a strange postion at an intersection to talk on his mobile phone. You can see the untidy land in the foreground and the high rise in the distance.
The Koreans are happy to live in high rise - there is no time to garden, so they don't have to bother about the garden there. Many of the high rise have tennis court, probably swimming pool, and quite nice gardens in the grounds of the complexes.
Ginseng Juice
I'm pretty adventurous really, I think, but I'm learning what things I like and what things I don't like. Mr Choi pulled up in front of a little truck selling juice from an ancient tree root. (He said it was an ancient tree root, but I learn that the best gingseng is from trees less than 6 years old.) Beside the truck were two old roots and on the truck were bottles lined up with juice and parts of the root.
He handed me a paper cup full of browny coloured liquid and I gingerly had a sip. Ugh!!!! Yuk!!!! This was freshly ground ginseng, (the juice squashed out in less than ideal circumstances, I'd guess) and to me it was rather awful.
Now I must admit I have had a few ginseng drinks, but I prefer it mixed with something else - for example pear juice. Then I quite like it. Ginseng is supposed to be good for your health but I will be happy to drink it with some flavour rather than straight from the root.
It is interesting to read about Gingseng and how it is harvested and turned into health drinks. Koreans love their ginseng.
Saturday, 11 April 2009
At the temple
The main temple
Inside one of the smaller temples
Ancient trees in the gardens
The golden Budha
The blossoms and people in the parkThursday, 9 April 2009
Strawberry Feast
Heaven Live
There must be a trick to living solo in Korea - for much of the fresh food is packed in big packs. I have had to buy a pack of 12 bananas (I like bananas but there's a limit!!), and I can't imagine eating them all before they get too ripe.
I wanted some strawberries and they too had to be purchased in huge amounts. A kilo of strawberries for just one person?
I was to be taken out to lunch today, so I scurried out to do some shopping and arrived home with my goodies, including my great supply of bananas and strawberries, and not long after received a phone call that lunch was off, so I had a feed of strawberries. I'm glad I didn't have to have lunch AND the strawberries.
The berries are large, juicy and very sweet!!! Yum!
One of the mysteries here in Jeonju is rubbish. I've collected two bags of rubbish (my plastic supermarket bags - which we have to pay for), but I have been told I must have special bags to put the rubbish out on the corner of the street. When I found a supply of bags in the supermarket I discover that there is a variety of bags - and with lots of Korean writing, that doesn't help me distinguish what they are for. I know some are for paper, some are for foodscaps etc.
So this afternoon, when I do go out to see my host, I will take one of the bags I purchased and determine if I can, what I can put in it. The other alternative is to sneak out after dark with my other bags, hope no one sees me, and just put my bags of rubbish on the street corner, and then run!!!
I went a different way to a nearby supermarket today, and noticed that the building on the corner of my street is a bar, called "Once in a Blue Moon". It is funny as there is a lot of English, (or Konglish as funny English is called here!) around. Many shops have English names. Often they are confusing names. "Wellthy Food" is the name of one restaurant.
I know I live near "Once in a Blue Moon" and "Heaven Live." (see the above photo)
Friday, 3 April 2009
Quiet day
After all the hustle and bustle of the last few days and because I have to prepare for a long day tomorrow, I've chosen to stay home today. I also have a rotten cold and I'm trying to get myself better for tomorrow.
I've been working all day on the computer with slight interruptions to answer emails etc. I've sent out several asking things and have had no reply.
I didn't bring an Internet cable with me, but a guy was organised to get me one, and a printer. I like having my own resources printed, and without a printer attached to my laptop it is hard. It all cost more than I thought, but most of it will be reimbursed anyway. I went to cook some bacon for breakfast, but I can't operate the gas stove. I thought if I kept trying I'd gas myself, so I'll try later, and I will venture outside soon as I do have a few things to pick up in readiness for tomorrow.
It is a cool day - around 9 degrees, but I do not feel it here in my cosy apartment. I had a shower in the bathroom but as there is no shower cubicle the whole room is wet, and I have no mop. I have no slippers. I have a long shopping list and it will have to wait until next week, although all the supermarkets are open 24 hours. I just don't trust my sense of direction yet, so will manage somehow.
Somethings I will have to get used to. I have washing machine, (that I cannot operate) and anyway there is no where to hang clothes, I have a wardrobe but no hangers, I have a fry pan but can't cook (until I learn about the gas), and I have a hag of rubbish that I don't know how to get rid of, and so on. All the joys of trying to work out a new country's ways.
I turned on the television last night - there are many many stations - in Korean - but I kept switching and eventually came across The Discovery Channel. What a discovery. The program was all about UFO's and was interesting, but it was just good to hear English!
So far though I am impressed with everything and when I have all my resources (here and for the classroom) I will be happy!
The weather will warm up soon, and I will be glad of the air conditioner maybe, but now it is quite cool.
I will get a meal or two delivered to my apartment tonight - so that I can eat in again, and maybe save some for tomorrow night as I will be quite knackered then. I have not taken many photos yet - next week I'll get out and about.
I've been working all day on the computer with slight interruptions to answer emails etc. I've sent out several asking things and have had no reply.
I didn't bring an Internet cable with me, but a guy was organised to get me one, and a printer. I like having my own resources printed, and without a printer attached to my laptop it is hard. It all cost more than I thought, but most of it will be reimbursed anyway. I went to cook some bacon for breakfast, but I can't operate the gas stove. I thought if I kept trying I'd gas myself, so I'll try later, and I will venture outside soon as I do have a few things to pick up in readiness for tomorrow.
It is a cool day - around 9 degrees, but I do not feel it here in my cosy apartment. I had a shower in the bathroom but as there is no shower cubicle the whole room is wet, and I have no mop. I have no slippers. I have a long shopping list and it will have to wait until next week, although all the supermarkets are open 24 hours. I just don't trust my sense of direction yet, so will manage somehow.
Somethings I will have to get used to. I have washing machine, (that I cannot operate) and anyway there is no where to hang clothes, I have a wardrobe but no hangers, I have a fry pan but can't cook (until I learn about the gas), and I have a hag of rubbish that I don't know how to get rid of, and so on. All the joys of trying to work out a new country's ways.
I turned on the television last night - there are many many stations - in Korean - but I kept switching and eventually came across The Discovery Channel. What a discovery. The program was all about UFO's and was interesting, but it was just good to hear English!
So far though I am impressed with everything and when I have all my resources (here and for the classroom) I will be happy!
The weather will warm up soon, and I will be glad of the air conditioner maybe, but now it is quite cool.
I will get a meal or two delivered to my apartment tonight - so that I can eat in again, and maybe save some for tomorrow night as I will be quite knackered then. I have not taken many photos yet - next week I'll get out and about.
Sunday, 29 March 2009
Korean accent
Here I am sitting at Adelaide airport - and a young Asian girl is sitting near me, and when I hear her talking on the phone, I know it is not Mandarin. Something made me ask her what her nationality she was. I could not believe it - she is Korean.
We had quite a chat - she has been in Australia improving her English and returns to Korea a week after I go.
Amazing world we live in. She is a sweet kind young girl - maybe we will meet again, as she has given me her phone number, in case I need help in Korea.
We had quite a chat - she has been in Australia improving her English and returns to Korea a week after I go.
Amazing world we live in. She is a sweet kind young girl - maybe we will meet again, as she has given me her phone number, in case I need help in Korea.
Monday, 23 March 2009
How do you eat an elephant?
One bite at a time they tell me, though I don't know anyone who has tried. The Korea project is on, and today most of the documentation has arrived for me to apply for the Visa. Not all, mind you, but most.
I am still running out of time though. If the Korean Embassy completes the process within the 5 days, I will still only get my passport and Visa the day before I have to leave. I hat leaving things that late. I'll freak. What if it doesn't arrive on time? I am due to fly out early on April 1st! What will happen if the paperwork doesn't get back to me in time? I hate to think.
It is a 10+ hour flight from Brisbane to Soeul and then about 2 or 3 hours to the city in which I will live and work for 10 hours. Scary. Scary that I will arrive late at night.
Exciting though, and all I can do is resolve to make the best of it.
Meanwhile I fly to Perth tomorrow morning.
I am still running out of time though. If the Korean Embassy completes the process within the 5 days, I will still only get my passport and Visa the day before I have to leave. I hat leaving things that late. I'll freak. What if it doesn't arrive on time? I am due to fly out early on April 1st! What will happen if the paperwork doesn't get back to me in time? I hate to think.
It is a 10+ hour flight from Brisbane to Soeul and then about 2 or 3 hours to the city in which I will live and work for 10 hours. Scary. Scary that I will arrive late at night.
Exciting though, and all I can do is resolve to make the best of it.
Meanwhile I fly to Perth tomorrow morning.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Am I totally mad?
This I am beginning to worry! Why am I doing this? I am about to sign the contract for the position in Korea, despite the scant information. Boy I wish I had more, but time is running out. I am due to fly to Korea in about two weeks, but I have a trip to Perth and Adelaide BEFORE hand, and I have so much to do.
It seems I will arrive in Korea one day and teach for seven hours the next. So why amd I doing it? I don't know, but it sounds like a great adventure and despite the initial hardships I can do it. I know I can. I hope I can!
I will have scan time to prepare - and time is running out to fast. But.....
I have bought a Lonely Planet guide on Korea, which gives me a lot of information. I will buy a phrase book. There is less English spoken in Korea, and I'm not sure what assistance (if any) I will have in the classroom. And certainly getting around I will NEED the phrase book.
Scary!
There are two Koreas - simply South Korea and North Korea. North Korea I am unlikely to visit - sounds a bit scary really, but I will not have time. It would be interesting to see this country which is really under th control of a strict communist regime. There's no internet, and if I did choose to visit I would need two tour guides with me, as it is impossible for foreigners to visit the country without this type of chaperone to ensure one does not see certain things, and that one does not talk unsupervised with the local people. Of course we know much about the nuclear program, and no doubt they have missiles aimed at China, and South Korea. Who knows really.
South Korea is apparently quite a lot more sophisticated. In fact I'm told I should find things more advanced than in China.
I'm glad to see that Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonalds, and Subway are there - so if I don't like the local fare, I won't starve to death. I'm hoping that I lose more weight - another 10 kgs would be nice. No one will know me when I get back.
So, I am scared and excited. A lot of work to do in the meantime.
It seems I will arrive in Korea one day and teach for seven hours the next. So why amd I doing it? I don't know, but it sounds like a great adventure and despite the initial hardships I can do it. I know I can. I hope I can!
I will have scan time to prepare - and time is running out to fast. But.....
I have bought a Lonely Planet guide on Korea, which gives me a lot of information. I will buy a phrase book. There is less English spoken in Korea, and I'm not sure what assistance (if any) I will have in the classroom. And certainly getting around I will NEED the phrase book.
Scary!
There are two Koreas - simply South Korea and North Korea. North Korea I am unlikely to visit - sounds a bit scary really, but I will not have time. It would be interesting to see this country which is really under th control of a strict communist regime. There's no internet, and if I did choose to visit I would need two tour guides with me, as it is impossible for foreigners to visit the country without this type of chaperone to ensure one does not see certain things, and that one does not talk unsupervised with the local people. Of course we know much about the nuclear program, and no doubt they have missiles aimed at China, and South Korea. Who knows really.
South Korea is apparently quite a lot more sophisticated. In fact I'm told I should find things more advanced than in China.
I'm glad to see that Pizza Hut, KFC, McDonalds, and Subway are there - so if I don't like the local fare, I won't starve to death. I'm hoping that I lose more weight - another 10 kgs would be nice. No one will know me when I get back.
So, I am scared and excited. A lot of work to do in the meantime.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Korea on the agenda again.
I did get a message re the Korea job - so on Monday armed with my CV I'm off to Springfield to meet with the recruiter and find out more. As I've written I'm currently indifferent. It is quite appealing, though I need more information to make a decision, and the dates don't suit me, but it is an amazing opportunity.
I've had messages from students in China this week - quite a few in fact, and I think I've managed to reply to them all. Sometimes they come thick and fast and it takes time to create the reply.
I do miss it all - there's something about China. As challenging as it is I can't get out of my head the wonderful people and the amazing history that I wandered through almost on a daily basis. I have plans for when I go back. I know what I am going to take, what I am going to buy, and where I am going to go next time, so I feel far more enthusiastic and confident than I did.
I remember just twelve months ago, I was struggling to keep my head above it all. So much to learn, so many things happening and all too much in the end. I did struggle and I admit it. It was much easier the second semester, and I am sure will be much easier the next time too.
I wonder if I will struggle in Korea. Though I'm more accustomed to the differences in culture now - even though it is quite a different culture to China in many ways. I'd love to see it.
Oh, well, maybe by Monday night I will have some idea of what lies ahead for me.
Meanwhile - back to my writing.
I've had messages from students in China this week - quite a few in fact, and I think I've managed to reply to them all. Sometimes they come thick and fast and it takes time to create the reply.
I do miss it all - there's something about China. As challenging as it is I can't get out of my head the wonderful people and the amazing history that I wandered through almost on a daily basis. I have plans for when I go back. I know what I am going to take, what I am going to buy, and where I am going to go next time, so I feel far more enthusiastic and confident than I did.
I remember just twelve months ago, I was struggling to keep my head above it all. So much to learn, so many things happening and all too much in the end. I did struggle and I admit it. It was much easier the second semester, and I am sure will be much easier the next time too.
I wonder if I will struggle in Korea. Though I'm more accustomed to the differences in culture now - even though it is quite a different culture to China in many ways. I'd love to see it.
Oh, well, maybe by Monday night I will have some idea of what lies ahead for me.
Meanwhile - back to my writing.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Indifference about Korea
After offering my services for the position in Korea I have received only a "we'll be in touch" email, and nothing else. Hopefully they have found someone else, as I'm running out of time to change my plans.
I'm somewhat indifferent about it now. Interesting, but sounds like too much hassle.
I met with a friend (the one who recommended me for the Korean position yesterday) and we chatted for a long time about our lives in China and what we were doing back now in Australia. We'd both like to go back.
I'm somewhat indifferent about it now. Interesting, but sounds like too much hassle.
I met with a friend (the one who recommended me for the Korean position yesterday) and we chatted for a long time about our lives in China and what we were doing back now in Australia. We'd both like to go back.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Korea?
I'm not sure if it will happen but I have been asked to consider a short position in Korea starting early in April. MM seems to think it will be OK, but a few hurdles to overcome - some documentation and the fact that I have plans to go to Perth and return via Adelaide, around the same time.
It will be teaching TESOL - interesting, but I know very little about it.
It will be for about 10 weeks, so not terribly long and it does have some appeal. I will have to make up my mind in the next 24 hours or so, so I guess I will know in the next day or so.
It will be teaching TESOL - interesting, but I know very little about it.
It will be for about 10 weeks, so not terribly long and it does have some appeal. I will have to make up my mind in the next 24 hours or so, so I guess I will know in the next day or so.
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