Korea's Nation Fighting Team

"Daehaminguk!!" The massive crowds cheered intensely together as a sea of red. It was a patriotic duty to support Korea's Red Devils "Nation Fighting Team" in the World Cup Soccer match, 2006. Thousands and thousands of die hard fans were decked out like a bunch sorority girls in matching red t-shirts, devil horns, and other GO COREA paraphernalia.
The moment I heard the rumors about such craziness, I planned to head straight to the heart of the madness. I guess I could blame my internal journalistic nature, but there was no way I was going to stay home and watch the game on the tele. We walked for miles, it seemed, stopping at the endless number of Korea spirit souvenir stands and food stalls, walking through massive hoards of people, to finally find a great seat on the street with a cardboard box beneath my butt. We stayed up all night, waiting for the 4am kickoff. Then followed the numerous screams and cheers and organized chants which kept me awake and entertained until the wee hours of the morn. It was like at CU football game, but an entire country, that sat watching intently. Though Korea's Nation Fighting Team did not win a victory, it was still one of the most memorable nights I've spent in Seoul; spent pushing through millions of prideful Koreans all dressed in red, with no where to go to the bathroom, I might add, and returning home, tired and disappointed at 7am. Korea would go no farther in this World Cup event. But still, I am sure that this does not change the minds of the supporters. Because, if there's one English phrase I think all Koreans know, it's "Korea is number one!"

Photo Update: Gyeongbukgeong Palace

I admit

that for a split second, it was a little strange for me; the first time I was in a room full of Korean Americans. That was when I volunteered to be a camp counselor for the Korean American Adoptees Heritage camp last summer, in preparation for my first trip to Korea. In general, it was quite rare for me to be in the company of other Korean Americans, besides my brother. It never bothered me. I was just not something I was used to; not used to seeing Asian faces and hearing American, unaccented, native English speaking kind of voices like everyone elses. Perhaps, it was a little taste of the small surprise maybe some people feel when they meet me?

I admit it was a little strange, again, to show up in Korea, ready to teach English, and find myself in the company of 30 Korean Americans! To my surprise, most of the summer teachers at this Hogwan are Korean Americans, and so is my boss. At first, I was confused, because I thought I was lucky to work in Korea last year. Sometimes companies do not want Korean Americans to teach at their schools. I'm not sure exactly why. Korea is weird. Last year, there was such a big emphasis on taking pictures; taking pictures with the cute little kids, and having pictures taken with their white English teachers--it was a dream marketing strategy...

So I wonder why so many Korean Americans came here to work. I know my company wasn't selective about hiring only Korean Americans, I mean, there are a some non-Korean Americans too. But it makes me wonder if this shows that Korean Americans are the ones who are most interested in traveling and working in Korea. Maybe, it is because it's easy for people with Korean Heritage to get a work visa (we get a 2 year open entry visa with nearly all of the same priviledges that Korean citizens get).

It is interesting to live in Korea and work with a bunch of Korean Americans. If you saw us walking to lunch on the street, you'd think we OWNED Korea. But, in reality, no one seems to have a full grasp. It's a collective bunch: Some have never been here before, some have. Some are fluent in Korean, others cannot count to twenty (me). Some have grown up eating Korean food, while others haven't tried it all yet. I am one of those who do not know whether to use one hand or two when being poured a cup of water, or what the buttons on my washing machiene says. Though, I have been to most of the famous landmarks and hotspots, I am still learning much from my fellow teachers. My new roommate (oh yeah, I moved!) is an excellent cook and she promises to teach me how to make bulgogi. My other roommate is getting attention for her white skin from time to time, being asked for a handshake or to be in a photograph. It's fun to see how this experience is different for everyone, because everyone brings something different to the table. It is fun to share the things I learned last year...I do remember a lot...and it's mostly fun to build on the knowledge I've already gained, so each new experience adds more and more to the overall picture of Korea.

Nature Girl

Leaving Vail with my "I'm not one of those outdoorsy Colorado nature girls" attitude, I was surprised to find myself in such a quiet frenzy to find a bit of nature around here. It was a big change suddenly become surrounded by miles and miles of highrises, unreadable storefronts and advertisments, and a disorderly traffic flow among the tiny side streets without sidewalks. After spending the winter among the great beauty of mountain scenery, wide open spaces, and warm sunshine, I was quite desperate to escape the cement. I was glad to find out: it exists. I would never had guessed I'd be so happy to rent a crappy old rusty bike, feel the wind in my hair, and pedal alongside the Han River (which separates Seoul into North and South). Later, I sat contently on a plastic stool and admired the view; the endless row of city buildings that lined the riverbed walls. I watched the people rollerblading and biking and picnicking in the grass. What a lovely summer day in June!