Can't go wrong with dumplings and rice Hey,
Thanks for the comments to my blog! I really appreciate the info and that you took the time to write. Luckily, I have figured out a handful of korean foods that I enjoy, so at least I know I will survive through the winter...:)
So, have you lived in Korea since you were little? Or do you just visit occasionally? Been to Taejon? Would love to hear more of your encounters, as a Korean American. If you have a blog, let me know. I just had to make mine private, due to the things I write about etc., so if you want me to add you to the list, let me know as well!
Best,
TVT
Basic foods you might like Here are some foods that you might like when you go to a restaurant. Although in Korea, most of the restaurants seem to be specialty places serving only one type of meal.
If you liked the noodles you might want to try: (I'm spelling these phonetically, i'm sure the waiter will know what you're asking for if they have it)
Mool-Neng-Meyun - it's buckwheat noodles in a cold beef broth
Chop-chea - clear cellophane noodles with a mix of vegetables in a light soysauce and sesame seed oil
BBQ
Gahl-bi - rib meat, usually beef but sometimes i've had pork served to me
Bool-go-gi - thin sliced ribeye
Rice dishes
bi-bim-bap - there are all kinds of variations on this but this one is the basic. If you find on a menu xxx-bi-bim-bap it will consist of rice topped with sliced vegetables and maybe 1 type of meat but only as a flavoring. They will give you a red chili paste on the side to stir into the dish. Add a tiny bit and taste if you dont' like spice. I'd add a little though for the flavor.
Kim-bop - korean style sushi roll but it's all cooked ingredients. This is nice for lunch
There are a lot of things that might interest you. I'd suggest going out to eat with your co-workers and explore new tastes.
Oh here, i found a restaurant site that explains what food is - I hope it wont be stripped by the commenting program:
http://www.koreanrestaurantguide.com/meet_dishes/dish_0.htm
Culture shock! Hi Trista
I can commiserate with you on your experiences in Korea with the lack of fluent Korean under your belt as a Korean-American. I came to America when I was 4 years old and have lost 99% of my ability to speak Korean. I know it's hard to NOT take the looks of confusion and disappointment personally but as I get older and have more experiences with this, I think the Korean people are very proud of their heritage.
We, as Americans, take it for granted that the rest of the world understands and strives to learn English. When we travel abroad we can get by without knowing one stitch of that language because everyone else had been trained in English since they were small children. I'm definitely not making excuses for them because even though I know, intellectually, that it's not a personal attack, I feel as if it is. Of course this only happens to people who have the facial features of Korean people. Caucasian people are welcomes with open arms and are bombarded by Korean people who want to practice their English on real live white folk.
For the duration of your stay I wouldn't let it get you down so much. It's a learning experience, not only in the workforce but also culturally and personally. Just seek out those who will give you a positive experience there and let all the nay sayers float on by. Over time you will pick up a lot of Korean just by being immersed there.
If it makes you feel better, when I travel to Korea with my mom and sister who both speak Korean fluently, I'm relegated to the back and told to not speak a word because the price of items skyrockets when they hear English at the open markets LOL
Enjoy your experiences there!!!! Don't let this one aspect get you down.. it's not worth it to ruin your whole trip there :) Don't worry, there are other people out there who are in the same boat as you!!
Challenges Wow, the unknown challenges take shape! Such expectations of "Korean-American's"...and how the meaning of those words are changing for you.
I suppose those who don't know your history may figure you have "Korean" parents back in the states and you haven't kept the language, who knows. You are American, very American, but you do have Korean genes. Gene's have something to say, although I'm deaf to mine and can't hear a thing they're saying. :) Hang in there. I love to read your experiences!
Better than the 24 HollyWood Diet Well it's well eating... Lots of healthy food that is straight from the market of growth... Don't eat the rice lol.
Inside joke of the Rice patty workers don't run off to the loo they just go as they go.
I was going to be thoughtful etc. and think of you for the Mid-Autumn festival but I ended up quoting international airfare for sending out mooncakes but, it would of cost friggin over 150 USD for a usual 20ish USD inventory. I really am evious and wish I could be able to experience everything you are though it may seem strenuous ever since your arrival. Good job so far before you know it you'll be 30lbs lighter and Soon you'll find a Mc D's lol.
helpful things Trista, sounds like you have had quite the experience. If you can I would buy colored pencils and a notepad. This will help you with things that you need in a specific color like green garbage bags until you find out the word for them. Also if your not a great drawer it may help the locals to figure out what you are drawing.
thank you Thank you for providing me with highly interesting reading material while i'm bored at work. Seriously though, I am so proud of you and jealous, this is amazing!
P.S. You are a really good writer, do I see a book deal in your near future?
Trista,
Enjoyed the pictures and details of your first day. Sounds like there are alot of differences between the US and Korea even though Korea is very westernized.
I am an adventure seeker. I like to live in the moment and although it has resulted in some unnecessary stress in my life at times, I don't think I could do things any other way. I love learning new things and experiencing diverse cultures and people, which is what led me to Korea for the next 12 months. I need to feel there is value in the work that I am doing, otherwise I won't be doing it for very long. Don't get me wrong, I am also very ambitious and hard-working, but it is important to me to be happy and enjoy the world around me as much as I can, no matter what occupation or city I may f... full info
TVT
TVT
Can't go wrong with dumplings and rice
Hey, Thanks for the comments to my blog! I really appreciate the info and that you took the time to write. Luckily, I have figured out a handful of korean foods that I enjoy, so at least I know I will survive through the winter...:) So, have you lived in Korea since you were little? Or do you just visit occasionally? Been to Taejon? Would love to hear more of your encounters, as a Korean American. If you have a blog, let me know. I just had to make mine private, due to the things I write about etc., so if you want me to add you to the list, let me know as well! Best, TVT