I. Kimchi*
II. The notion that all Korean food is too spicy for waygooks (foreigners). This one drives me particularly insane. i.e. Korean: "I think this is too spicy for you", when talking about any Korean food that happens to be served. My typical reply: "No, this isn't spicy at all", or "I love this", or "You clearly haven't had hot wings or good Mexican food." This particular instance, when it happens, actually makes me kind of mad. At the same time I want to prove my spicy food courage and swallow a whole Korean chili pepper in front of said person, it usually ends bad.
III. The assumption that all foreigners don't speak Korean. This is particularly true in Seoul where everyone speaks English to foreigners. It is a rather nice luxury but I am not one to be spoiled and enjoy it for long, hence living in Mokpo where few speak English fluently. Why is this amusing? I speak some Korean, I have a rather decent ear for it at this point. So when Koreans I amy or may not know start speaking in Korean when I am with them I have the power to eavesdrop. The great reward is when the conversation is about me or I chime in on a particular subject. Much to there surprise, rarely to their chagrin.
IV. The assumption that all foreigners do speak Korean. Very true in Mokpo, where ajummas and ajushis may walk up to you and start speaking Korean. You tell them you don't speak Korean, they continue speaking Korean like you said nothing. This usually results in me apologizing and walking away. You can have a lot of fun with this by just nodding you head and saying ne (yes).
V. The lack of communication. Every foreigners knows about this. Korean assume and act on their assumptions a lot. Even when the assumption is bound to offend another person. You leave your wallet in you friends car, your friend will return your wallet but take some of the money. This is Korean custom and not looked down upon. You have an appointment/date, your friend shows up thirty minutes late without telling you. Your friend needs to borrow something, your friend takes yours without asking. None of these have happened to me, but these are pretty common stories/examples.
VI. The driving and law enforcement. Bigger always wins and traffic laws are merely guidelines.
VII. The two questions that rack my brain literally everyday. When you talk to any Korean, whether you are passing by on the street, you are in the classroom or in a cab you are bound to get these two deep and meaningful questions right off the bat. First: "Where are you from?" I understand the great curiosity of seeing someone that doesn't look like you. I really do understand that in a mostly homogenous culture this question is very valid. I just always picture myself asking an Asian-American or African-American where they are from. I get a little giggle, it's not necessary in America. My typical reply, "Mokpo".
The second all important question: "Do you have a girlfriend?" Day in and day out I get this question. My students ask literally every single day. I don't know how they can forget, I would think I would have drilled it into their heads at this point. Maybe it's just a deeply caring status update on my life they want. I don't think so though.
This is all I can think of right now. More thoughts to come I am sure!
*In regards to Kimchi and in close relation to item II. Kimchi is an obsession among many Koreans. I have a deep admiration for the proud, the few, the Koreans who don't like Kimchi or don't require it at every meal. There is also the notion that "kimchi is too spicy for you I think." Or there is the ever present and always occurring question of "Do you know kimchi?" Kimchi is great, don't get me wrong. However, it's not worth having at every blessed meal, at least for this waygook. You know it is a problem when you take your Korean friends out to a nice foreign restaurant complete with foreign cooks and servers and they cry out for mercy for kimchi. That is obsession. When I go for foreign food I don't ask for my fatty American side dishes. Enough said, and I really do enjoy Kimchi.
