Cristina A. - Seoul, South Korea - Fall 2010

안녕하세요 (Annyounghaseyo=Hello)
Greetings from Ewha Womans University! I’m enjoying the experience of studying in a foreign country. It’s different being a foreigner in a proudly homogenous society like Korea, but I think I’m learning about its culture the best way; total immersion. I arrived on the 27th of August in a downpour. It’s been humid and rainy off and on for the past few weeks. It’s only in the past few days started to get a little bit chilly. Koreans are taller than I expected and very into their appearance. At least in Seoul, girls come to class in outfits that I would wear to a club: high heels, dresses, make-up. I feel like a tomboy in my jeans and t-shirts. And the fact that I’m one of a few black people for miles adds to my “foreign-ness”. There is a lot of history in the capital city. Even at the school, Ewha Woman’s University, there are reminders of the past everywhere. The way things used to be, the dynasties of the past are all around. There are several palaces in the city that maintain their regalia of yesterday. I enjoy the food; Korean food is spicier than I assumed it would be. I like all the side dished they serve with food. If I order bibimbap, a common Korean rice dish, it comes with two or three sample foods on the side. It’s like ordering appetizers for free. There are a lot of markets here. Shopping, shopping, shopping. I’ve gotten bored with all that. I just want to buy my souvenirs and be done with it. My classes are rather… dull. No one talks, and I can’t really get into the material for some reason. The teachers are helpful and everything, but I still don’t really know what’s going on. As far as missing things in America, the only thing I miss is breakfast. Koreans don’t have a separate food group for breakfast like we do. They eat rice, soup, meats or leftovers. I’m craving French toast and one of my mom’s omelets. Mostly, I just miss things being familiar. It makes me lonesome and frustrated sometimes to not be around things I recognize. More than that, the language barrier is cumbersome. It would be easier for me to assimilate if I spoke Korean and could maneuver the city without hesitation. But not being able to communicate with people and then them staring at you in the subway makes for an awkward set of moments. I’m trying to keep a clear head on this new road I’m walking and learn as much as I can from my surroundings. I think I’ll get more into things as the weeks go on. In spite of the stumbling blocks, I’m glad I came here; Korea is quite a place.