One Word to Summarize Korea
By: Daniel Koong, CAS ’28
GRIP: Media in Seoul, South Korea
Welcoming. If I could choose one word to describe my summer experience in Korea, it would be welcoming. From getting recommendations on where to visit from my taxi driver to sharing a drink with the group of people next to me during Korean barbecue, many Koreans that I have met so far have been very welcoming, making my experience here much more enjoyable.
Maybe, as a Korean American, I lucked out in being able to speak the language to a certain extent and being familiar with certain customs and the overall culture. However, my friends, who had never even been to Asia before, shared similar experiences with me.
This welcoming spirit of most Koreans is definitely reflected in the country’s culture as well. Typically, Koreans eat in a very social manner. For example, it is often looked down upon to pour your own drink when eating with others, side dishes are shared, and the oldest person always needs to take the first bite. Apart from these traditions, however, I also noticed that Koreans love to converse when eating. Whether the table is filled with some of your oldest friends or fellow coworkers, there is usually shared laughter among those eating together. The combination of good food, good drinks, and laughter, however, usually ends up spreading to the entire restaurant.
When I visited Busan, Korea’s second-largest city, my friend and I decided to go to a pocha – something similar to a bar with very good food – to grab a late-night meal. While there, we started talking to the two men sitting next to us. While, in the United States, for example, this may seem unusual and maybe even dangerous, in Korea it is much more common. After talking to these two men, we learned that they are Busan locals and actually have a KBBQ restaurant of their own, which they invited us to for some free food and drinks. Once again, this welcoming spirit and willingness to become friends with American college students is what really stood out to me while in Korea.
This is just one of many encounters that I have had in Korea where I’ve felt welcomed by the locals. For instance, other times when I’ve often felt welcomed are interestingly in a taxi. Although some drivers are quiet, many also enjoy conversing with their riders. It has been through these conversations that I have learned a lot about Korea. Many Seoul taxi drivers love to give recommendations on places to visit. Similarly, taxi drivers in Busan love to give food recommendations. With all of the hospitality I have received, Korea is definitely a welcoming country.
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