Now the good stuff. I was talking to someone about this (I usually process my thoughts and run them through someone else before I can put it in writing) but this is what my take is: Koreans as a mass are terrible...individually, I think they are second to none (and BETTER than Americans). People you get to know individually really are gracious, helpful, and will go out of their way to make your life easier. As a mass, I dislike them. But once you get to know each individual at a personal capacity, the dynamics change completely.
First, my family. Of course family is different and I don't have non-Korean family but hear me out. My mom has four sisters and though they're usually all over the world, this summer, all four of them are in Korea. I love it! I think this is the best part of my stay in Korea-- the opportunity to spend time with my mom's four sisters. I appreciate them so much more than when I was younger. They have really gone all out this summer to make my stay here pleasant. I guess because I'm older, they've also been dispensing some of their personal take on marriage and their personal philosophies about what it's like to live as a woman. I had the opportunity to spend one on one time with all four of them and it's been great. They're great women. They are all so different from each other but the common thread is, they're proud of me and they care for me deeply (I really felt this...and it's the first time I felt this too). I think my relationship with each of them changed dramatically since the last time I saw them. Maybe it's because I got older...or maybe it's because we're spending more quality time together. Each one of them serve different needs. Number 1 is the caretaker. Number 2 dispenses advice and really just pours out love. (My mom is the third daughter.)Number 4 is the most practical and can solve any and all logistical problems within the hour (she's like the super secretary that people would kill for). Number 5 is like a friend. I can talk to her about what's on my mind and she gets me.
Second, the people at the law firm. I didn't really expect this...but I ABSOLUTELY love the people here. I love my secretary. You would think Koreans would be awkward people at the workplace. No! They're so friendly. They really go out of their way to make your experience better. They're gracious. They are humble and though nosy, they really do look out for you. Even strangers at the firm are so polite and make sure they say hi (and this is bowing and the whole package!). I might be a little too American for all that deference but it's really really nice. My mentor is a little too Korean-American to be in this mix but she's ultra-friendly. Okay, skip. Lawyers who have given me work have been absolutely wonderful. They thank me too much (I think it's a Korean trait...I also over-thank) and they take me out to lunch frequently. Anyway, that's work. Another great thing about work in Korea...is that because everything is so centralized and controlled, you don't fight or ask for work if you're very junior (and I'm v. junior). You would think this is bad...but actually it's good. You can't take ownership of your career early on...but this means that people will look out for you. You do the best job you can but you don't have to trample on other people to get the best work. Some higher authority will figure it out for you. It's all a mystery...and maybe I won't like this model since I'm pretty Americanized in how I view my career, but for someone at her second internship...this model is uber nice. You just wait for work and do your best when you get it. You also don't feel bad for sitting around. It's never your fault. It's just the way it is.
Third, my friends! I have quite a number of friends in Korea. Some of these friends were really close to me...some weren't. Yet, all of them have been so helpful. Jessica solved my cellphone problem within the first week I was here. My friend from middle school who I haven't met in over a decade and I had a great time talking. We really talked about the things that were going on in our lives...and it wasn't superficial chatter. Maybe it's me...but I really do appreciate it when you can pick up from where we've left off...even though we have time against us. I think it's something Koreans are especially great at. The ability to move on but still maintain that bond (kizuna, in Japanese). Maybe it's the language? The informal speech really does give a sense of friendship, closeness, and intimacy. I don't know.
And finally, I hinted at this from my post yesterday but this country is awesome if you're willing to spend some money. You can get anything done at any hour (almost) if you plan it out right. People will extend store hours for you if you tell them in advance. You can get appointments with doctors that work around your schedule (late at night or even on weekends). If you're dressed properly and have the right attitude (as in, snobby attitude), you can walk into any luxury store and touch and hold anything without getting any of the passive-aggressiveness you get in the states. People are ready to accommodate any and all needs you have. The people working at coffee shops are extremely pleasant too. (But you pay...tea and coffee here is so expensive compared to other things in Korea.) So actually, this final point isn't really a compliment. It's just an illustration of capitalism at its best (or worst).
I overwrote.
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