Cultural Differences: a Glimpse of South Korea
by A small glimpse into the unique cultural lifestyle of South Korea.
Also of a seemingly less modernized nature, was the notable observation of the cultural food preparing.
From the moment that my friend and I woke in the morning, her female relatives would be busily preparing breakfast. Cooking items were spread out over the wood floor: vegetables, meats, spices, utensils, and other various tools. They sat Indian style in front of their working endeavor, picking and pruning, cutting and mixing away. This was continued until approximately six to seven dishes were satisfactorily completed.
After breakfast was served, they would quickly whisk away dishes and leftovers and begin preparing after-meal fruit plates. When this was pleasantly consumed and cleared away as well, they would not stop and kick up their feet for a well-earned moment’s rest. Instead, to my surprise, they dove back into preparing the next meal. This ritual was repeated for dinner as well. It was a lifestyle that was completely beyond anything I had ever been exposed to before. Their lives seemed to literally revolve around food, with everything else being secondary.
There were many other interesting notable moments from this trip – but, this was, of course – just a glimpse of South Korea.
Joie Schmidt © Copyright 2007 All Rights Reserved.
==================================================================
Dreams of the Heart – volume I by Joie Schmidt is available:
* Volume I: Amazon Kindle, Adobe Reader, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad and iBooks
Dreams of the Heart – volume II is available:
* Volume II: Amazon Kindle, Adobe Reader
———> Stay tuned . . . vol. II will soon be available on iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad and iBooks!
(*In memoriam of the tragedy in Japan all proceeds from – volume I – sales will go to the relief efforts until 3/11/12)
==================================================================
For more great reading:
- Silence is Golden
- How to Remain Inspired
- You are Rising to the Top!
- Innovative Visualization Journeys
- B12 Shots: The Newest Energy Booster
- You Must Lift Others Up to Be Successful
- Limitless Capabilities Lie Inside All of Us
- Your Writing Success: It Will Surprise You
- Successful People Open Their Own Doors
- How to Keep Your Articles in Constant Circulation
Do you have a story, poem, artwork or photography you’d like to share and earn residual income for life? Please check out this site to earn limitless income for life: Triond
Liked it
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Post CommentJennifer
On July 19, 2007 at 5:14 pm
What a different world!
drcrazy911
On September 23, 2007 at 2:32 pm
i wanna go
tamara
On October 7, 2007 at 9:37 pm
very true
Lucy Lockett
On November 24, 2007 at 4:15 am
Interesting and informative article.
Judy Sheldon-Walker
On November 24, 2007 at 9:38 pm
Fascinating. I am glad you were granted the opportunity to go. and that you shared the experience with us. Thank you. It’s the first vacation I have in years. LOL.
Rana Sinha
On April 7, 2008 at 5:53 am
Good article. Makes me want to visit there.
Judy Sheldon
On April 13, 2008 at 8:31 am
I am sorry that people try to force their opinions on others. Sometimes people need to learn to keep their mouths shut until they have more information.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
Dee Huff
On April 13, 2008 at 3:58 pm
What an eye-opening experience that must have been. Your descriptions of the street scenes and the kitchen are so vivid, I can picture them in my head (also hear the taxis aiming for pedestrians).
IcyCucky
On April 13, 2008 at 6:02 pm
I enjoy reading this. It is like a vacation for the mind.
Ruby Hawk
On April 13, 2008 at 6:36 pm
Very interesting, I am always interested in learning about different cultures and you gave me a clear picture of the Korean people.
Gerlaine
On April 14, 2008 at 4:18 am
You were so descriptive that I was there.
quiet voice
On April 14, 2008 at 11:49 pm
..Hi, you write so well, I was
right there, while they were
preparing the food. What you
stated about the simularities,
is so true, the more we are
different, the more we are the
same. Great, vivid article.
Aimee
On September 28, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Hello,
I am an Asian American who was born in South Korea and lived there for nearly 11 years.
Much of what you wrote is true: the rules of driving are very different than those in America, life oftentimes circles around food, and there are indeed still places that require one to “squat” over a hole in the ground which serves as a restroom.
In all actuality, this was a great glimpse of Korea. But if one should take the time to really learn, rather than merely glimpse, at Korea, they would undoubtedly uncover the values which oftentimes set Koreans apart.
For instance, you noticed that much of life in Korea circles around the preparation and consumption of food. However, you may have not known that this tradition is about much more than merely food; food acts as the medium which allows Korean families and friends to work together, bond, and cherish each other’s company. The preparation and consumption of food is often bound by traditional values of respect, charity, and a collectivist attitude.
I hope that, if you desire, you may to Korea one day to experience not only the glimpses of Korean culture but also the true underlying wonders of the Korean people.
Good article.
Aimee
On September 28, 2008 at 8:30 pm
Whoops! It was supposed to say: I hope that, if you desire, you may return to Korea one day..
Paula Mitchell-Bentley
On September 29, 2008 at 9:07 am
Great article. Thanks for sharing! It’d be cool to see pictures too. Maybe you could write a Part 2 version with images from your trip?
No Later
On March 13, 2009 at 10:31 pm
I loved how you described the wood floor and how the food is served. Honestly, I would be happy enough to see the food served, let alone eat it. You truly have a gift for words.