Dear Korea

Dear Korea,

We have officially been together for two months! While these two months have been among the most fascinating and wonderful in my life, it is safe to say I don't really understand everything about you. Marie really says it best, "oh Korea and your many contradictions". When moving to Mokpo I had not anticipated the lack of shoulders that women would show. It doesn't matter how stifling hot it may be; you can always count on Korean women covering their shoulders completely, tank tops are a no go. Which runs us into contradiction number 1, why such tiny skirts and shorts? It seems a little odd that there isn't a shoulder in sight but butt cheeks everywhere.

Walking around in the grocery store and trying to avoid all possible butt cheeks is difficult enough, but than you have to also avoid being pushed! Well Korea, this is where your 2nd contradiction confuses me. Why would a Country that focuses on manners such as bowing find pushing and shoving socially acceptable? I think bowing is sweet and all but I would rather you skipped the bow and didn't push me to get to the dried squid quicker.

I had a meeting a few weeks back and I was held after so I could be "learned" on Korean manner. Apparently Ms. Lee thought I should be informed it’s considered rude to cross my legs in front of those older than me. Ok, I get it; it's just a little cultural difference in terms of what is polite and what is not. But than contradiction number 3 Korea...tell everyone in your Country to stop slurping their food and smacking it around in their mouth.

The topic of food is also an important thing to mention. Note: your traditional Korean food has really grown on me. What I am confused about it is how the people stay so skinny. Contradiction number 4. The people here love their ice cream, candy, and iced coffee. When they do sit down for any traditional Korean meal, though it is considerably healthy they eat a massive amount. Ramen is a definite favorite and white rice is eaten with all 3 meals, these are not exactly healthy choices. I mean it really just doesn't make sense to me, how are these people so thin with this type of diet?

Most people know that Korea is advanced in terms of technology and it has a reputation for having great cell phones. I have learned that is in fact true, most people talk on their cell phones via video chat and often times there are antennas coming out of them because they are watching TV. Contradiction number 5, why the heck aren't there any dryers?!? Hang drying your clothes while watching TV on your cell phone is not exactly in the same decade in terms of "convenience inventions".

Speaking of decades and evolving cultures I am more than confused about another socially acceptable "behavior". In Korea you are supposed to hold out two hands to receive something that is being given to you. Well that seems like a nice tradition, one I am happy to adopt. Contradiction number 6, those same hands can be used for hitting your wife... in public. The same person who thought up the two-hand pass should probably spread the word that hitting your wife isn't exactly polite.

I walked out of my apartment and went to my composting bin to dump some old food; I am being "green". Composting is a great idea although not exactly pleasurable when you prop open the bin to drop your goods. However, it's great that Korea is partaking in such acts and I am happy to contribute. Contradiction number 7, why aren't there any garbage cans or dumpsters anywhere? Were supposed to leave garbage bags under a light pole but most of the time since their are no public trash cans the light poles turn into a giant trash pile. Well Korea, composting is wonderful but I think some proper waste bins would actually be a better start.

Overall you aren't perfect but nothing is. Your scenery is beautiful and the people are kind. We have only been together two months and although I miss my family, I already feel like it's going too fast. I have been making great friends while teaching awesome kids. Your many contradictions are amusing but I have grown to really respect this tiny Country.