Socializing is Rough

Since it got cold here, I've developed an almost unhealthy attachment to my space heater. So, I made a New Years' resolution to keep up with my friends and get out of my apartment more.

Unfortunately (fortunately?), what it leads to is an all-nighter dancing in Hongdae. I dragged myself onto the subway at 5 a.m. and tried not to fall asleep on the ride home. Given the time, my subway car was pretty full  - Koreans once again make me feel like a huge wimp when it comes to partying.

Overall, though, no Black Out Korea moments, so I consider it a win.

Tofu and English Villages

For my winter camp, we are taking the students to Paju English Village on a field trip. So, Kyeong, Mr. Shin and I went to see it before so we could make up some activities.

To be clear, Paju is the name of the city in which the English village is located. So, what is an 'English Village,' actually? Well, I can tell you there is not much of this:

Or, any farms or verdant countryside or fields of yellow rapeseed. In actuality, an "English Village" in Korea looks much more like this:

Yes, that is a castle behind us.

Paju English Village is sort of a hybrid between Disneyland, a British boarding school (Howarts?) and the Imaginarium. In fact, there is Disney music playing constantly.

Would you like to go to Meister Burger? They produce high quality and good service!

In short, it was a bit strange. But that is okay. Kyeong told me not to worry about going so far north, to Paju (one and a half hours north of Seoul), as we would not cross the border. I told her I would not tell my mother (oops).

For lunch, Mr. Shin took us to a restaurant specializing in tofu. I know people is the U.S. do not normally think of tofu as delicious but OMG IT WAS SO GOOD OMNOMNOMNOM. They made it by hand at this place and they had several different types. My favorite was Dubu Kimchi, which is just firm tofu eaten with a warm, spicy type of kimchi.

I have been reading The Ominvore's Dilemna and was talking to Kyeong about traditonal cultural foods being healthier. Kyeong told me that Koreans have a word for this - Umshik Kunghap - which means "food harmony." Tofu and kimchi have umshik kunghap because eating them together is more delicious AND healthier for you. Tofu, while high in protein, produces a chemical that makes humans unable to absorb most of its protein. But, by eating it with fermented foods, this chemical is neutralized so all the protein can be absorbed.

Man, I should watch myself; I think I'm being converted.

School's Out for Winter!

Well, school's out for the students anyway. Tomorrow, I'm supposed to go on an overnight retreat with my school. I think there is only one other English teacher going, so I am bringing a book a two. I've heard these trips end up being a lot of boozing; unfortunately, the thought of drinking makes me feel a little ill after Christmas.

Also unfortunately, my camera got stolen. I would be more depressed since I was in love with my canon point-and-shoot, but this actually happened a little while ago. I might try and go to Yongsan Electronics Market tonight to buy a new one since I hear we are going to the seaside for this workshop.

Diversity in Korea

It's interesting to talk to my students about Korea and diversity. Like the student project contrasting Korea and Western countries in my last post, most seem to have a pretty skewed perception of what America is like. I think the idea of a 'melting pot' (or 'salad bowl' to go with the more current metaphor) is not something they have any frame of reference for. Likewise, even after living here and being surrounded by Koreans every day, it's hard for me, as an American, to conceive of a nation of people in which everyone has the same history and cultural traditions.

Recently, the New York Times posted an article on the increasing number of mixed ethnicity children in Korea. Interesting read.

Now You Know

Differences of Korea and the English Circle Countries

...
2. Appearance

Korea
Koreans are the yellow race. Although on average Koreans are shorter than The English Circle Countries' people, they have a few fat people than The English Circle Countries' people. Koreans have black hair color.


The English Circle Countries (America, England)
The English Circle Countries' people are two kind of race. One is the white race and the other is the black race. Although on average The English Circle Countries' people are taller than Koreans, they have more fat people than Koreans. Also they have big nose and golden hair and the multiplicity of eyes color like brown eyes and blue eyes.
...


Now you know. That is the difference.

I read this student report on one of the classroom walls and was vaguely amused.