Getting Ready

Even though I'm not in Korea yet, I'll give you an update. There's already a lot to talk about!

First of all, do you have any idea how much shopping this has required? Oh my goodness, it's unbelievable. I originally planned to check one huge suitcase and have a carry-on and a backpack. Right now that one huge suitcase is about a third full with stuff. Not really clothes or shoes, just stuff - host family gifts, Rotary trading pins, school supplies, paperwork, contact lens solution, vitamin C drink mix, a bunch of toiletries, etc, etc, etc. Luckily, my host mom reassured me that their car is big and that most exchange students bring 2 suitcases, so I should "not worry" and "pack to my heart's content." Thanks, 엄마!

My (highly disorganized) pre-packing

My host mom, 엄마 (mom in Korean, pronounced uhm-ma), seems so wonderful. We have regularly exchanged emails since the family sent me their introductory message at the beginning of June and I have printed and saved each one. My host family seems very genuine and interesting - the kind of people who truly experience life. I'm quite ready to meet them. 엄마 even said that she had seen and liked 사랑비 (Love Rain; One of my favorite dramas ever)! 엄마, we're going to get along so well~

                                                              사랑비 ~ Love Rain


There's not much time until I get to be in Korea, meet my host family, go to school (most people aren't so excited about that ... ㅋㅋ), and make some new friends! It's very surreal, actually. I mean, I know that I'm going, but since it's next to impossible to imagine living abroad, reality hasn't quite set in. It's totally exciting to get an email from 엄마, to start packing, and to practice Korean. However, it's not as if I spend all my time thinking or worrying about going to Korea. Strangely, it just feels normal. Like this is what God has planned for me and it's going to be fabulous, so. . .great, let's do it!!

Where? Korea!! South Korea. 부산!

I'm going to Korea this for the 2012-2013 school year as a Rotary exchange student.  The city where I will live, Busan (부산), in the southeast of South Korea, is by the beach and is home to the world's largest department store (!!!) and fifth busiest port.

Home, as of August 2012!

신세계 백화점 (Shinsegae Department Store)

Busan during fireworks festival :)

Why Korea?

South Korea may be a little country (smaller than PA), but it is a country rich in culture, history, and innovation. I've been interested in Korea more or less since I was nine. To have the opportunity to live in a foreign country, especially Korea, is an immense blessing!

The Korean hanbok (한복, traditional clothing) is one of Korea's most beautiful traditions.
Koreans wore hanbok daily for centuries, and now it is worn for special occasions. A few people (especially elders) wear hanbok as everyday clothing. I'm lucky enough to have been given one of my own :)

한복 (hanbok)

Korean tradition is also quite evident in its cuisine. Korean food uses a lot of meat, vegetables, and seasonings. Many people have heard of the 'staple' Korean food, kimchi (김치, fermented cabbage). I will probably eat that with almost every meal.  Since Busan is a coastal city (with Korea's largest fish market), I am looking forward to trying some incredibly fresh seafood!

김치....yum!

자갈치 Fish Market

Korea is the home of some very common brands in our everyday lives in America. Do you recognize these companies? They're from Korea!

Internationally, Korea is becoming increasingly well-known for its popular culture, namely dramas and "K-Pop" music. It's surprising how many people around the world know about K-Pop or have seen a Korean drama. For those of us who are learning Korean, they're an invaluable resource. For many who find them, they actually become the reason to learn Korean. The extreme K-Pop fan base, though, is like no other. Search "kpop" in Google Images and you'll see what I mean. If you want to learn more about this particular topic, please see the corresponding websites listed on the "Links" page or wait for future posts... it's pretty inevitable that I'll write about this at some point. 

So that's a bit about Korea for you! I hope you will visit here again soon and I promise to do my best to keep you all posted on what happens! I know that this upcoming year is going to be very exciting, so hopefully that will show through in what I post here. Please feel free to leave comments and follow the blog by email! See you :) 안녕!!