I stumbled upon this blog entry from my first week in Korea. I didn't know what I was in for when I wrote it but now I have a few stories that proves my survival guide to be accurate!
According to my survival guide, “the temperament of most
Koreans can be likened to a kettle; that is, quick to come to a boil and quick
to cool off.” I might just fit in after
all. Drama of all sorts is apparently
quite common on Korean streets. My
favourite story that this guide has to offer is of the taxi drivers poking each
other through the windows of their vehicles.
Apparently in a society where conservative dressing and a confident
composure is the norm, so are the heated disputes and drunken quarrels on
public streets. It also says that
foreigners should stay out of such exchanges. I’m thinking that I may have
to tone down my own obnoxiousness and bite my tongue even more than usual. Even though my own temperament may fit Korea fairly well, I must remember that I will be better off to
approach such discourse with my head down and mouth closed.
Additionally, my guide suggests packing 3-4
months of painkillers. Luckily, I packed
a bottle of 500 units. Do you think
it’ll be enough? Let’s come back to that
question in a few month’s time but until then, let the betting begin…
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