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PT 1 (http://www.teamliquid.net/blogs/viewblog.php?id=185748)
After doing a heavy bit of contemplation, and talking with my parents. I REALLY, REALLY want to go to Korea to study for a semester.
I've been watching SO many Korean variety shows and game shows that I'm basically picking up Korean already, and learning and using certain mannerisms. I fear that my Korean culture "research" is turning into an obsession.
I love the music, I love the language, I love the FOOD.
In the beginning I wanted to go to Korea because of Starcraft. Now it's turned into something else. I want to envelop myself, immerse myself into Korea.
I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.
I realize how ridiculous this sounds considering I have never been there before, but I really have never wanted something so badly in my life before.
I do not know what will happen if I get rejected from this study abroad program. I feel as if I have already invested so much interest, so much heart into this that... I don't even know now.
I'm actually choking up thinking about it, how manly.
I've thought to myself why this has taken such a strong hold of me, and now I have no idea why. People might so it's something new, perhaps. I've been to Japan and China, and I absolutely loved Japan. But this is something fresher, something more in tuned to my own persona.
I will apply wholeheartedly, trying my best on the application, pouring my soul into the essay, sincerely inquiring of the professor whom will write me a recommendation... and... we'll see how it goes from there.
Wish me luck. Korea... hwaiting!
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interesting
koreans love foreigners (even japanese!) who love korean culture so in that aspect, you should be welcomed heartily
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I don't understand how you can love their music...it's not even conceivable for me. o.o
Good luck in Korea, though. I wish you well!
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On February 18 2011 06:10 PH wrote:
I don't understand how you can love their music...it's not even conceivable for me. o.o
not all korean music is shitty k-poop..
ever heard of bands like nell or clazziquai?
personally i'm thinking about studying abroad in japan for a semester and i'm korean-american hah
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Calgary26004 Posts
This blog is really uncomfortable and borderline creepy to me. It's good to dedicate yourself to something I guess. I had fun in Korea so I'd recommend spending a semester there if could can.
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Dedication is uncomfortable and borderline creepy?
Congratulations on finding something you really want to do, I'm jealous~
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On February 18 2011 06:39 Navi wrote:
Dedication is uncomfortable and borderline creepy?
Congratulations on finding something you really want to do, I'm jealous~
"Dedication" and "obsession" are completely different things and they should not be interchanged. For example if you're "dedicated" to a girl who wants nothing to do with you, that is clearly creepy and borders on obsession. You may call it "dedication," but it is clearly obsession.
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On February 18 2011 06:03 mizU wrote:
I've been watching SO many Korean variety shows and game shows that I'm basically picking up Korean already, and learning and using certain mannerisms. I fear that my Korean culture "research" is turning into an obsession.
I love the music, I love the language, I love the FOOD.
In the beginning I wanted to go to Korea because of Starcraft. Now it's turned into something else. I want to envelop myself, immerse myself into Korea.
so far so good
I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.
I realize how ridiculous this sounds considering I have never been there before, but I really have never wanted something so badly in my life before.
okay now it's creepy
but at least you get back to normal later.
i don't think you can be anybody but yourself and it's kinda ridiculous to throw away the past 20 years you've experienced to replace it with the experience of a country you haven't even been to and experienced yet that seems founded on starcraft and variety shows. that's the impression i get when you say "i want to become korean."
living abroad sounds like a nice goal though.
i myself want to get to japan somehow, as long as it fits within my career goals (i do not want to teach english.) it'd be cool to just be someone there and live.
i would be careful about having an obsession though.
i've had lots of explosions of interest that have lasted for merely a few weeks. sustaining and tempering that obsession and turning it into something positive is very difficult.
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Having lived in a few different countries, I will tell you that if you are able to master their language, you'll understand Koreans a lot better. And like phosphorylation said, if you show an eagerness to learn their culture, they'll welcome you. Just make sure you do a lot of research before you go there. About proper manners, customs, transport etc.
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This is pretty shocking coming from a Japanese. When it comes to culture from both countries, they are very similar, yet they rarely act with each other.
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On February 18 2011 06:53 kaisen wrote:
This is pretty shocking coming from a Japanese. When it comes to culture from both countries, they are very similar, yet they rarely act with each other.
Why is it shocking that I'm Japanese and saying this?
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Calgary26004 Posts
On February 18 2011 06:39 Navi wrote:
Dedication is uncomfortable and borderline creepy?
Yes, because that's what I said.
Why do you think love is creepy?
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On February 18 2011 06:53 kaisen wrote:
This is pretty shocking coming from a Japanese. When it comes to culture from both countries, they are very similar, yet they rarely act with each other.
Rly?
Japan tried to invade Korea twice, and succeded in one case.A huge scarr remained in Korea's history, which hasn't completely overcome.
Koreans and Japanese are not alike, especially when it comes to women. Korean (young) women are cold and proud, while Japanese women are affectionate.
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Perhaps my post was a tad misunderstood by a few.
When I say I want to become Korean. That doesn't mean I'm ditching my Japanese culture, or American upbringing.
Simply put, I want to immerse myself in their culture, and learn the language well enough to... assimilate smoothly I guess...
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Yes we know what you meant. But don't many japanese people hate koreans and vice versa?
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On February 18 2011 07:09 kaisen wrote:
Yes we know what you meant. But don't many japanese people hate koreans and vice versa?
Not that... I... know of?
WWII was a long time ago.
I'm a Japanese stuck in the middle of Colorado, but I haven't been approached by Americans screaming at me for the deaths in Pearl Harbor.
Are you talking about the rift between Asian countries because of WWII?
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On February 18 2011 06:57 Chill wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 06:39 Navi wrote:
Dedication is uncomfortable and borderline creepy? Yes, because that's what I said. Why do you think love is creepy?
The guy's obviously really excited about going to Korea, I don't personally find it creepy.
We can nitpick all we want into the thread, but I'm sure we all wish a good time for you 
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Nevermind. I mentioned this because whenever I go to youtube video that has anything to do with korea and japan, there is always a massive flame war between the two, not to mention whole bunch of different forums/boards bashing each other....
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On February 18 2011 07:16 kaisen wrote:
Nevermind. I mentioned this because whenever I go to youtube video that has anything to do with korea and japan, there is always a massive flame war between the two, not to mention whole bunch of different forums/boards bashing each other....
Well really, on youtube, there's flame wars between pretty much anyone.
But what I'm aware of so far, most Koreans are pretty polite and welcoming to Japanese and vice versa. (As per my previous blog answers')
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I spent a summer in Korea and I had a blast. If you embrace the culture, Koreans will welcome you with open arms. Food and liquor is dirt cheap. Soju is like a dollar and 50.
Obviously, try out the nodae bangs (karaoke bars). Also, here's a little secret. If you do get a girlfriend/girl and you need a place to smooch, take her to one of the DVD bangs. You get your own private room to watch a movie (wide selection including porn) and the couches are very comfortable.
Good luck on your application  .
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EPT
