Some more observations...
1. Korean Pride
Okay, that might seem like a very obvious statement, especially if you observe the kyopo (Koreans living abroad) or even the simple fact that even I feel proud to be born in Korea when I didn't even grow up here... BUT, you really have to observe Koreans to realize fully how proud they are of their country and how united they are, despite the occasional fights and fusses you can observe in the streets. For example, I had countless conversations with Koreans, who love their country (of course). Now, when I'm in Canada with exchange students and I talk about Canadian norms, I refer to Canada as... "Canada". Of course. But Koreans don't refer to Korea as "Korea", they refer to it as "uri nara" (our country, our nation). Not 30% of the time, or 50% of the time. Every single time they refer to Korea, they refer to it as "Our Country". Even though I know I'll never be entitled to say it, I love to hear it...
2. Fan Death
Sounds funny, doesn't it? Koreans firmly believe that if you leave an electric fan on at night with your windows closed, you will die. A few years ago, apparently a couple died and it went on the news and they blamed their death on the fact that they left the fan on all night and it sucked up all oxygen from the room, causing their death. It sounds silly and even some Koreans know it's silly... but if you ask them if they believe it, their answer is usually "Oh no, I don't believe in that, but just in case, it's better to keep the window open or to set a timer". Yeah, if you look at Korean electric fans, they all have a timer you can set (for an hour or two)
3. Men
Korean men are very traditional. I never thought I'd say that, since I know a lot of kyopos (Korean abroad) who are not quite like that... And of course, there are a lot of different types... but you can definitely observe a traditional type of guy. The kind of guy who gets jealous when you hang out with other men (even in a group), who holds you tight when you walk in the streets together to make sure people know you're his, the guy that calls you constantly and asks where you are and texts you a dozen times a day to remind you you're his and he's yours.... Haha, it's a special feeling, really. I don't know if I'll get tired of it, but for now I find it kinda cute.
