Yesterday was the first of 5 days of lectures regarding teaching, life in Korea, and other things of that nature. A lot of it I had already read about, but a lot of it was new and very helpful. The Koreans have many customs and traditions in not just the household but also the workplace. They permeate all levels of society, making the Korean culture far more interesting than American culture in my opinion.
Apparently, when we first arrive at our places of employment, the school at which we work will hold a welcoming party, probably on the Friday or Saturday that we arrive. It will most likely be held at a restaurant and involve heavy drinking. However, drinking is a very special activity for Koreans. It's not just about getting drunk, although that is definitely what's going to happen; it's about bonding with one's co-workers. For men, getting drunk with another man or group of men is a sort of initiation of friendship. Also, it is not proper for you to pour yourself a drink. Instead, one must wait for another person to fill their glass, which will usually happen once the glass is empty. After someone pours you a drink, you return the favor. It's an unending circle of alcoholic bliss.
We were told that there are three types of people in Korean society: Men, Women, and Ajuma. Ajuma are essentially older women that have been wizened by years of motherhood, and now act as mother-like figures to everyone around them. The Koreans joke that Ajuma are the strongest beings on Earth, and you never ever argue or fight with them because they will embarrass you.
Today is our trip to a Korean folk village. I will be taking pictures, but they won't be up for another week or so probably.
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