I've read many expat blogs about Koreans who will stare at you, and most of those times, I kind of shrugged it off. First of all, I live on a military base, so I thought that maybe Koreans were used to seeing foreigners and it was no big deal. Wrong.
People stare at you all the time, you can see it in your peripheral vision, you can feel it on the back of your head, and you can tell when you turn around and they look away. A lot of the time, they will stare, you will look at them and smile and they turn away like nothing happened. I find it cute. Some people will smile right back, bow, or wave. It's endearing and sweet. Whatever. Sometimes I end up putting sunglasses on and hoping to dear god that no one can tell I'm white, but I think it's obvious, despite the glasses. Some people glance at you, others ignore you, some will stare for what feels like forever, and school girls will look at you, giggle, and whisper to their friends. Again, sometimes it's quite endearing, and others its just plain tiring. If you see another foreigner, they generally ignore you.
Most of the time, Koreans are kind, generous, friendly and helpful (excluding when they drive.) As I was told by a couple of friends, the Korean chaplain that lives next door is extremely kind and generous, and I feel this is how a lot of Koreans are. They go out of their way, 100%, sometimes. However, even with being here for a few weeks, I have still encountered racism. For example, the time I went to Woobang Land and sat down, a Korean lady looked over, scoffed, and got up to sit somewhere else. It was kind of sad, but I never let it get too me, I can't really change my race, can I?
Another thing about Korea that I thought people exaggerated about, was the change of last minute plans. I hate this the most. The internet guy, on Friday, was due to come at 10. At 10, I got a call saying he'd be at 2, and would call an hour before he got there. At 2, I get a call saying he is THERE. I had to run out in the pouring rain to escort him inside, during which I ended up slipping and banging my head. Another example? Last minute, a lady invited me to go to Beoun with her, which I had to reject because I already had plans for that day. Very frustrating and not something I think I could get used to anytime soon. In fact, I'm glad I'm not a teacher, I've heard of administrators making last minute plans constantly.
On a side note, on the 15th I think I want to go down to a Cafe place called "Vins Avenue" around here. It looks really sweet. I just wish C. Love was here to enjoy it with me.
good to know! good luck to you,hon. Did you tried Korean food? That's my fav all the time. :D ---Blanca<3
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