Let Me Go
015B

Let Me Go” - 015B

Album Art: Hajin Bae

Why do Koreans…

THE WHY

The other day while eating lunch with two of my co-workers, I found myself sharing my thoughts and observations about “Koreans” and the differences that I really now notice between the culture I grew up in and the societal atmosphere here. I was not really saying anything that I felt was special, but my two co-workers were so fascinated. They egged me on: “Really? What? Wow, what else is there? Tell us more!” So I continued for the whole lunch hour.

On our way back to the office, they jokingly told me I should have my own column on the company’s newsletter called “Why do Koreans…” I laughed, but I actually thought it was surprising because I had really believed this whole time that the things I said were obvious points. Apparently, they were not. In fact, it was so weird to me that they suggested that I have my own column about it. I thought about it for awhile and thought, “Hey, not a bad idea.”

Even though I hate to admit it, as a Korean American, I get more annoyed by things “Koreans” do than perhaps a foreigner may. Foreigners can at least brush it off as “that’s just how they are” or “they’re so different.” But for me? Half the time I’m saying number one, number two, or both.

1. HULLLLLLL (Oh my god…)

2. FOREALS? (Really? Really?)

P.S. It may range from serious to silly! :)

A message from Anonymous
Can you make a video of shopping at the markets and how much things generally are?

I’m guessing as in street markets, right? Hm. That is a good idea! Haha I just may.

A message from Anonymous
How did you get to meet hajin? That's so cool!!! :D I love her art.

Hello, I just messaged her on Tumblr! :) I introduced myself, told her I was in Seoul, and left my contact information. And of course, she was kind enough to contact me back. I love her art too! <3

artist | Hajin Bae

Here is a teaser clip to my written interview/short piece with HAJIN BAE :) Stay tuned, spread the love.

A message from Anonymous
You seem like such a beautiful person inside and out!!

Oh my goodness. Thank you so much for saying this! I appreciate it (: But the truth is - I’m just a big hot mess all the time. Both inside & out. Hahaha truth. 

A message from Anonymous
hello, just curious.. but what are you doing after you leave korea? like plans and things like that. also are you going to keep blogging? :3 i love your blog, music, vlogs, and everything. just wondering since this blog is obviously for your year in korea..

As soon as I get back, I’m planning to get right into the swing of things again. I’m finishing off my undergrad degrees and probably going to just juggle a lot of internships, jobs, etc. As far as blogging, I most certainly will! :) In fact, after this, I’ve got a feel for what it may take to run a full-time blog. I actually won’t be having another tumblr based blog though and I’ve started to set up my own site. It’s still in the works, but I’m excited about it ^^ I’ll keep you posted.

A message from Anonymous
hello! I plan on studying abroad at Yosei for a year and I was wondering how did you find your internship? Was it hard to find and would you recommend it? If it's not too much trouble, can you describe your internship experience? Thank you so much for always kindly answering al the questions :) I hope you wrap up the last couple months nicely!! :) God bless

That’s wonderful! I’m sure you’ll love it. Well, I was lucky enough to find it through my school’s program with Yonsei. I just had to do a simple application process, go for an interview, and such. As far as recommendation, I really would suggest doing an internship that you know will teach you something and be worthwhile even if you don’t get paid (bc that’s most likely what will happen).

My personal internship experience was a bit overwhelming for me at first. This is bc they knew I spoke Korean and simply would hand me things expecting me to know how to do it. Although they were kind and tried explaining things, I would just get bits and pieces of instruction. Of course, it’s bc the Korean work environment at my office is pretty fast paced and things need to get done on their deadlines with no excuse. I am planning to do a full post on it once I complete it. However, on a side note, I know that foreigners do get an easier time than maybe I do haha.

I would ask and see if your school has any programs with Yonsei, but as far as searching for an internship without a program, it’s all hunting / networking. Ask around, talk to people, show them who you are, and never stop applying. You never know what you’ll get! :) Hope that helps.

A message from Anonymous
hi, you've probably answered this before but i couldn't find it :C approximately how much did you spend to study abroad? thank you ;u;

Hey there! Well, as for school tuition, it was approx what a regular UC tuition is per year. Altogether, I actually am not sure. I spent quite a bit but that’s bc I’m not that thrifty haha plus I worked a bit so it wasn’t exactly that I saved enough money before going ahead of time. I would ask people around you that have been abroad. :)