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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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Calgary25980 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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Calgary25980 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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Korea (South)17174 Posts
to live as a korean
is a hell of a life
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On February 18 2011 07:30 Rekrul wrote:
to live as a korean
is a hell of a life
Work, drink, get fucked up, wake up, go to work, work, starcraft, eat, drink, starcraft, etc...
Yup. I don't think those koreans ever sleep in their life time.
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On February 18 2011 07:30 Rekrul wrote:
to live as a korean
is a hell of a life
So, who's the lucky girl? 
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On February 18 2011 07:32 kaisen wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 07:30 Rekrul wrote:
to live as a korean
is a hell of a life Work, drink, get fucked up, wake up, go to work, work, starcraft, eat, drink, starcraft, etc... Yup. I don't think those koreans ever sleep in their life time.
Yeah, you need to know how to drink if you really want to fit in Korea. Social gatherings revolve around liquor, more so than a lot of the other countries.
Tidbit: In Korea, after a hard days work, many Koreans go out for drinking. These are the only times you can really criticize your bosses and supervisors.
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Sounds like you're really dedicated to this, good luck on your application! I know a guy who's doing a similar program at Yonsei but his intentions for going to Korea were um... not as noble as yours lol.
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On February 18 2011 07:32 kaisen wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 07:30 Rekrul wrote:
to live as a korean
is a hell of a life Work, drink, get fucked up, wake up, go to work, work, starcraft, eat, drink, starcraft, etc... Yup. I don't think those koreans ever sleep in their life time.
Well actually apparently a lot of business peoples go to PC bangs after they're done working...
So sounds pretty accurate. :o
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I've been through a similar phase, although not with Korea, and the best piece of advice I can give you is that the grass always looks greener on the other side. It's very easy to fall in love with the idea of being a Korean, but however great it appears to an outsider, I can assure you it's much different on the inside. My advice for you would be to spend a summer or something studying Korean properly to get a feel for it, and to spend a good amount of time to learn more about the Korean culture before committing for a longer period.
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Kpop and Kdrama are not the real Korea  . Just as Jersey Shore and MTV Cribz is not the real America... Korea is a cool place, like many other places in the world, but I wouldn't ever get obsessed with a single place. There are lots of awesome places to explore in this world. And I wouldn't get all broken up over it if you don't get to go just yet. Colorado is a pretty cool state.
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
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MrHoon
10183 Posts
Just because you're Japanese no Korean will 'hold' a grudge over you in a real life scenario. Although it's true like 60% of Koreans still hold a grudge against the Japanese people, nobody really scolds them in real life.
If you love Korea that much, I would suggest you atleast take classes in Seoul (or pusan). Alot of foreigners come to Korea expecting the glamorous sc life only to realize the college they signed up for is 3 hours away from seoul excluding traffic time. People who wanted to see the city life get disappointed and by the time their trip in Korea ended they go like 'damn wtf this shit sucked'
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On February 18 2011 09:14 Rekrul wrote:
no it is not
Man, there is some great snow skiing in Colorado. You look out at the vast prairies full of cattle with sharp blue mountains looming in the background,and you know somewhere out there--within driving distance--Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger were bumping uglies in a tent.
What more could you ask for?
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I had an ex who was like the OP. It was a bit weird to be around, but I did enjoy that he immersed himself in it so completely. It was nice to see that sort of commitment.
I won't say that I want to be Korean, but I would enjoy going there, quite a lot. I also enjoy the food quite a bit, but don't get to eat it as often as I would like.
But, nonetheless, if you get to do what you want, enjoy! ♥ Have lots of fun and ignore all of the comments of creepy and so on~
I'm planning a vacation for this summer to Korea, hopefully. ^__^
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I know a lot of Kids like you into Japanese culture. A word to the wise, dedication to something is good, just remember Korea is just another country. If you go thinking it's going to be magical Starcraft and K-Pop land. you will be crushed.
Home sickness hits a lot of people because they go to other countries expecting it to be something it isn't. I'm studying in Japan atm, and I see it a lot, on everyone who went thinking they'd get to live everyday like it was an anime.
Be realistic in your aims and goals, becoming a Korean, living like a Korean when you've never even visited, is not a good aim. Go, have fun, be realistic, then evaluate, otherwise your going to go, have your the image in your head that is "Korea" popped and you'll be crushed and you'll end up hating the whole experience, which would be a shame and a waste.
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
On February 18 2011 09:25 StorkHwaiting wrote:Man, there is some great snow skiing in Colorado. You look out at the vast prairies full of cattle with sharp blue mountains looming in the background,and you know somewhere out there--within driving distance--Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger were bumping uglies in a tent. What more could you ask for?
yeah but at the bottom of the hill in korea they have soju and clubs
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Despite the doom and gloom in this thread, I would maintain Korea IS something quite special, especially coming from Colorado, and he won't be too disappointed, regardless of his expectations.
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I'm not expecting a K-pop/Starcraft world when I get there.
As I did not expect a J-drama/manga world when I went to Japan.
Japan was fantastic though, everything was SO clean, and the food was amazing.
I do have kind of a city landscape in mind, but I won't be disappointed to see the country side of Korea either.
I'm kind of in the pits of Colorado, so it should be a nice change. (No mountains, flat farmlands.)
I'm also from Hawaii, and I never get homesick, so that shouldn't be much of a problem.
I do hope to visit Seoul a couple times at least though. :3
And maybe take the subway to watch GSL/MSL/OSL events. 
And also hopefully see an SNSD concert.
Plus I hear soju is great. :DDD
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Good luck and hope you get in.
If you have a tv, you can sure watch a lot of starcraft.
It really helps if you know some Korean language, because the OSL commentators are really entertaining and informative. MSL and proleague commentators are not as good as OSL, but still pretty good.
I'm pretty sure college students drink more beer than soju, but when it comes to Korean alcoholic beverage, makgoli is the best in my opinion, but unfortunately, its not something college students drink a lot of, not that I know of.
And in case you didn't know, SK is 70%(maybe more) mountains
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On February 18 2011 09:44 Rekrul wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 09:25 StorkHwaiting wrote:On February 18 2011 09:14 Rekrul wrote:
no it is not Man, there is some great snow skiing in Colorado. You look out at the vast prairies full of cattle with sharp blue mountains looming in the background,and you know somewhere out there--within driving distance--Jake Gyllenhaal and Heath Ledger were bumping uglies in a tent. What more could you ask for? yeah but at the bottom of the hill in korea they have soju and clubs
But is Jake Gyllenhaal there? That's the essential part.
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NeverGG
United Kingdom5399 Posts
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene.
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On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene.
Haha know that I read back on what I wrote...
I suppose I was really enthused by the idea.
But I do realize, that it is impossible to be accepted as a Korean. I would however like to be accepted in some manner as I am.
I guess we'll have to see what happens if/when I go.
And OMG Akihabara was ridiculous. And it's really hard to find trash cans in Japan... and yet it's so clean. Perplexing.
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the reason why you should temper your expectations is not because you expect it to be kpop/starcraft heaven, but because it could wildly change.
i went to japan twice.
the first time i loved tokyo.
the second time i hated tokyo and yearned for the countryside.
and i only spent about 2 weeks for each trip, who knows what could happen in a whole academic semester?
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene.
Going to have to disagree with that one, once you speak korean fluently they treat you just like one of their own (after getting to know u), which is as close as it gets.
Being accepted as part of a group only has to do with the ability to communicate and shared feelings. Has nothing to do with appearance.
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rekrul, spoken like a true expert.
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Since you're ethnically Japanese, if you speak fluently enough, you can fake around like you are Korean!
Some Koreans get a little creeped out when they see a white man speaking fluent Korean.
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NeverGG
United Kingdom5399 Posts
On February 18 2011 16:21 Rekrul wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene. Going to have to disagree with that one, once you speak korean fluently they treat you just like one of their own (after getting to know u), which is as close as it gets. Being accepted as part of a group only has to do with the ability to communicate and shared feelings. Has nothing to do with appearance.
I think being able to speak Korean definitely helps and it goes a long way to showing Korean people that you really want to be involved. However, from a physical and cultural standpoint there is literally no way you can 'become' Korean. I've heard of many peoples' experiences of believing they were accepted here, but actually finding out that they were only being used as language tools or the token foreign friend. Also of families who refuse to accept non-Korean spouses for a long time after marriage or even child-birth.
Also I think that unless you have specific features that Korean people like they're going to consider you too weird to hang out with. I've tried to make friends with quite a lot of Koreans in the past, but even if I pretend to like drinking etc and don't mention any of my other hobbies at all they always seem to suddenly go quiet and never contact me again.
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On February 18 2011 16:40 don_kyuhote wrote:
Since you're ethnically Japanese, if you speak fluently enough, you can fake around like you are Korean!
Some Koreans get a little creeped out when they see a white man speaking fluent Korean.
Haha I don't know if you watch WGM We Got Married but one of the episodes where an Afghanistan guy was pretending to be a foreigner when he is a medical school student in Korea visited JoKwon(2AM) and GaIn(Brown Eyed Girls). It was very funny.
On February 18 2011 17:23 NeverGG wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 16:21 Rekrul wrote:On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene. Going to have to disagree with that one, once you speak korean fluently they treat you just like one of their own (after getting to know u), which is as close as it gets. Being accepted as part of a group only has to do with the ability to communicate and shared feelings. Has nothing to do with appearance. I think being able to speak Korean definitely helps and it goes a long way to showing Korean people that you really want to be involved. However, from a physical and cultural standpoint there is literally no way you can 'become' Korean. I've heard of many peoples' experiences of believing they were accepted here, but actually finding out that they were only being used as language tools or the token foreign friend. Also of families who refuse to accept non-Korean spouses for a long time after marriage or even child-birth. Also I think that unless you have specific features that Korean people like they're going to consider you too weird to hang out with. I've tried to make friends with quite a lot of Koreans in the past, but even if I pretend to like drinking etc and don't mention any of my other hobbies at all they always seem to suddenly go quiet and never contact me again.
Not everyone is like this~
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
On February 18 2011 17:23 NeverGG wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 16:21 Rekrul wrote:On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene. Going to have to disagree with that one, once you speak korean fluently they treat you just like one of their own (after getting to know u), which is as close as it gets. Being accepted as part of a group only has to do with the ability to communicate and shared feelings. Has nothing to do with appearance. I think being able to speak Korean definitely helps and it goes a long way to showing Korean people that you really want to be involved. However, from a physical and cultural standpoint there is literally no way you can 'become' Korean.
Much as I couldn't walk into the ghetto and fit in despite me and them both being "american."
I've heard of many peoples' experiences of believing they were accepted here, but actually finding out that they were only being used as language tools or the token foreign friend. Also of families who refuse to accept non-Korean spouses for a long time after marriage or even child-birth.
Yeah, that definitely happens, but thats due to the white person being oblivious to whats happening to them in their own world. I mean, how many *real* friends do you have in the world? If you ask anyone that question the number isn't often higher than 10. Every new 'friendship' begins due to some common interest or usefulness from one person to the other, or both. I mean, imagine a foreigner new to Korea obviously they will be more than glad to meet and hang out with any new friends they can find and learn about Korea and do some social networking. Much as the Koreans that meet them might think yeah he/she is a nice guy plus I can learn some english plus I can look cool with the token white friend. It's mutually beneficial (foreigners can learn korean from the korean too ....) and I don't see how that is them being "used." Sounds more like normal to me. It is through the initial 'not real' bonds that people loosen up and show their true colors then truly decide if they like the person.
Also I think that unless you have specific features that Korean people like they're going to consider you too weird to hang out with.
People are superficial everywhere in the world. Though I will agree slightly as I do believe it is korean culture to be more openly superficial in general, I think they are truly no more superficial than anywhere in the world. They just don't 'fake it' to be nice as often as people from western cultures do (this being a very broad statement..I think in general koreans are very warm and accepting of anyone if you can communicate with them.)
I've tried to make friends with quite a lot of Koreans in the past, but even if I pretend to like drinking etc and don't mention any of my other hobbies at all they always seem to suddenly go quiet and never contact me again.
Well, if you're pretending to be someone you're not and not showing them any of your true qualities of course they are going to think you are weird. Even the dumbest of people can instinctively pick all that up subconsciously and be turned off.
Anyways, to the OP: Anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a culture can do it. One thing I am 100% positive about in Korea is that once you demonstrate to Koreans that you actually care and want to learn and respect their culture and social norms, they will totally accept you.
Just don't go overboard and start listening to K-pop and watching K-dramas and trying to talk about that trash with Koreans. Just chill out, nibble on their kimchi, sip on their soju, learn a lil of their language, keep an open mind, and you'll be treated like a Korean in no time.
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well if you're Japanese, you can just blend in lol. I'm hoping to do the same while I'm in Japan
edit: someone said it already =/
On February 18 2011 16:40 don_kyuhote wrote:
Since you're ethnically Japanese, if you speak fluently enough, you can fake around like you are Korean!
Some Koreans get a little creeped out when they see a white man speaking fluent Korean.
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when I studied in Japan, I noticed Korean media was extremely popular among youth. A lot of people I talked to followed Korean TV shows, and didn't follow Japanese shows at all.
On the other hand, some older people I talked to had their own opinions about Korea(ns). Living one of the most korean districts, Okubo, one old Japanese man lamented, "Those koreans, always wearing their sweat pants and baseball caps...
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
if u don't like sweat pants and baseball caps u got a serious problem
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On February 18 2011 21:48 pr0bez wrote:
when I studied in Japan, I noticed Korean media was extremely popular among youth. A lot of people I talked to followed Korean TV shows, and didn't follow Japanese shows at all.
On the other hand, some older people I talked to had their own opinions about Korea(ns). Living one of the most korean districts, Okubo, one old Japanese man lamented, "Those koreans, always wearing their sweat pants and baseball caps...
It's probably because Korean TV shows, while cliche as hell, are still much better written and acted than Japanese shows. I don't know what's wrong with Japan culturally that they produce such abhorrently bad actors/actresses. Maybe it's their tradition of Noh or something, but all their acting is so exaggerated and hyperbolic. I feel like I'm watching some kind of freakshow adult Sesame Street every time I watch a Japanese flick.
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Working on my app now, also e-mailing a previous prof to see if she'll write me a recommendation.
I think after I get my recommendation done, get my transcript, and finish my essay, I'll be golden.
Oh and I have to pay the $300 application fee.
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Good luck. And wow thats a hefty application fee.
Also, take everything anyone says about Korea with a pinch of salt. It's a beautiful mess of a country that is completely confused about what it wants to be, lying on a mind-fuck border between holistic traditions and hypercapitalism; everything everyone says about it is true, but never the whole story. Hopefully you can go and write your own accounts
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On February 19 2011 02:37 FireBlast! wrote:Good luck. And wow thats a hefty application fee. Also, take everything anyone says about Korea with a pinch of salt. It's a beautiful mess of a country that is completely confused about what it wants to be, lying on a mind-fuck border between holistic traditions and hypercapitalism; everything everyone says about it is true, but never the whole story. Hopefully you can go and write your own accounts
I'm assuming that they make it such a high application fee so people don't just apply on a whim, and they get legit, serious applicants.
After all, studying abroad is a fairly large commitment, and if you decide to withdraw, the university gets f***ed over also.
And thanks. I do hope I'll get the opportunity to. :D
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On February 18 2011 06:28 tube wrote:Show nested quote +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?
Nell♥ Just had to throw that in
On February 18 2011 06:59 blubbdavid wrote:
Koreans and Japanese are not alike, especially when it comes to women. Korean (young) women are cold and proud, while Japanese women are affectionate.
I don't think you know Korean women lol
You've never been bombarded with aegyo before, have you?
On February 18 2011 16:21 Rekrul wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene. Going to have to disagree with that one, once you speak korean fluently they treat you just like one of their own (after getting to know u), which is as close as it gets. Being accepted as part of a group only has to do with the ability to communicate and shared feelings. Has nothing to do with appearance.
I have to agree with NeverGG on this one.
Speaking Korean fluently will not mean that they treat you "just like one of their own."
No matter how good you are, you'll always be "the foreigner."
I think you're making the mistake of assuming that the ability to communicate and share feelings is only about language.
Being Japanese does not mean that it'll be easy to pretend to be a Korean. Trust me, Koreans can tell. It's not just about appearance or language but.. it's like a feeling you get. Most Koreans can tell if a Korean has lived for an extensive period overseas as well, not just foreigners.
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Aegyooooo~~
Sunny<3
I look forward to Korean aegyo. Hopefully I'll have the chance to be bombarded by it sometime or another. :3
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On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene.
OP you should take this with a grain of salt...it seems like a very isolated incident.
To say it's ' not even worth trying ' is kind of insulting. Going on to say its physically and culturally impossible is pretty ridiculous.
I find it hard to believe someone can make blanket statements like this without having a decent grasp of the language, or even participating with people who drink without giving 2 shits about drinking culture which is huge in korea.
What rekrul said is what most foreigners should experience if they put in effort to embrace the language and keep an open mind. Think of all the famous foreigners on TL who went to Korea. A lot of them ended up staying a long time. Even further, when they go back home they know they are leaving with some good friends and experiences. Sure you may never be as korean as a native korean but you can get damn close if you try.
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Thanks, I'll try to be optimistic about it. :D
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On February 19 2011 08:10 Ack1027 wrote:Show nested quote +On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene. OP you should take this with a grain of salt...it seems like a very isolated incident. To say it's ' not even worth trying ' is kind of insulting. Going on to say its physically and culturally impossible is pretty ridiculous. I find it hard to believe someone can make blanket statements like this without having a decent grasp of the language, or even participating with people who drink without giving 2 shits about drinking culture which is huge in korea. What rekrul said is what most foreigners should experience if they put in effort to embrace the language and keep an open mind. Think of all the famous foreigners on TL who went to Korea. A lot of them ended up staying a long time. Even further, when they go back home they know they are leaving with some good friends and experiences. Sure you may never be as korean as a native korean but you can get damn close if you try.
Alot of the famous foreigners you speak of also had tons of cash from playing poker. Rekrul goes without saying but elky espcially I rmemeber he won a ton of money from winning tournaments. Food and soju is cheap in korea too so they have extra money to spend going to bars and stuff. I'm not pretending I know rekrul or anything but this is the jist i got from reading his many threads.
I doubt Mizu who is only going there on a limited bugdet for a study abroad program will be able to experience korea as rekrul has and no matter how much he embrace the language, i think he has to acutally learn it if he wants to "become" a korean.
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To "become" a korean, you must act like them, think like them, drink like them, and get fucked up like them...
BTW, what is your japanese name? There is a name converter which you can convert japanese name into either chinese or korean and vice versa.
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On February 19 2011 13:38 MaRiNe23 wrote:Show nested quote +On February 19 2011 08:10 Ack1027 wrote:On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene. OP you should take this with a grain of salt...it seems like a very isolated incident. To say it's ' not even worth trying ' is kind of insulting. Going on to say its physically and culturally impossible is pretty ridiculous. I find it hard to believe someone can make blanket statements like this without having a decent grasp of the language, or even participating with people who drink without giving 2 shits about drinking culture which is huge in korea. What rekrul said is what most foreigners should experience if they put in effort to embrace the language and keep an open mind. Think of all the famous foreigners on TL who went to Korea. A lot of them ended up staying a long time. Even further, when they go back home they know they are leaving with some good friends and experiences. Sure you may never be as korean as a native korean but you can get damn close if you try. Alot of the famous foreigners you speak of also had tons of cash from playing poker. Rekrul goes without saying but elky espcially I rmemeber he won a ton of money from winning tournaments. Food and soju is cheap in korea too so they have extra money to spend going to bars and stuff. I'm not pretending I know rekrul or anything but this is the jist i got from reading his many threads. I doubt Mizu who is only going there on a limited bugdet for a study abroad program will be able to experience korea as rekrul has and no matter how much he embrace the language, i think he has to acutally learn it if he wants to "become" a korean.
I was talking about TL people because that is probably ones the OP is the most familiar with. Don't get me wrong, you don't have to be rich to follow this path to ' korean-ness ' if you will. Progamers like Legionnaire weren't ' ballers 'and they got along just fine.
Honestly don't think you read too carefully. Money doesn't matter. How you present yourself and where you put your effort matters. I'm korean-american whose been to korea many times and I've seen soooo many people interested in korean and asian cultures. This is the same advice I give them and they end up just fine.
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I just think it's funny how half the thread took your "I want to become Korean" thing literally.
Going to a foreign country is always a great experience. GL on the application.
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On February 19 2011 13:47 kaisen wrote:
To "become" a korean, you must act like them, think like them, drink like them, and get fucked up like them...
BTW, what is your japanese name? There is a name converter which you can convert japanese name into either chinese or korean and vice versa.
I don't think I have... a Japanese name.
People call me Nate.
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Korea (South)17174 Posts
On February 19 2011 15:55 Ack1027 wrote:Show nested quote +On February 19 2011 13:38 MaRiNe23 wrote:On February 19 2011 08:10 Ack1027 wrote:On February 18 2011 13:21 NeverGG wrote:
I came here with crazily inflated visions of Korea as some kind of amazing promised land. It's alright here and you can do some really uniquely Korean things - plus a lot of necessities such as public transport/food etc can be really cheap and yet still awesome. However, it's the same as anywhere else in the world - it has its good sides and bad sides.
'I want to become... Korean.
i want to live... as a Korean.'
Sorry to burst your bubble, but you (as a foreigner) will never be fully accepted as one. It's not even worth trying and I can't see why anyone would want to assimilate themselves so completely into another culture. I was a total koreaboo before I came here, but as the years pass I've found myself watching more British/American/Japanese things, focusing far more on my foreign-based hobbies and not going out of my way to see/do anything typically Korean.
I loved Japan too - it was amazingly clean as you mentioned. Also it was really fun to try some different food for once, and to experience Fukuoka's shopping scene. OP you should take this with a grain of salt...it seems like a very isolated incident. To say it's ' not even worth trying ' is kind of insulting. Going on to say its physically and culturally impossible is pretty ridiculous. I find it hard to believe someone can make blanket statements like this without having a decent grasp of the language, or even participating with people who drink without giving 2 shits about drinking culture which is huge in korea. What rekrul said is what most foreigners should experience if they put in effort to embrace the language and keep an open mind. Think of all the famous foreigners on TL who went to Korea. A lot of them ended up staying a long time. Even further, when they go back home they know they are leaving with some good friends and experiences. Sure you may never be as korean as a native korean but you can get damn close if you try. Alot of the famous foreigners you speak of also had tons of cash from playing poker. Rekrul goes without saying but elky espcially I rmemeber he won a ton of money from winning tournaments. Food and soju is cheap in korea too so they have extra money to spend going to bars and stuff. I'm not pretending I know rekrul or anything but this is the jist i got from reading his many threads. I doubt Mizu who is only going there on a limited bugdet for a study abroad program will be able to experience korea as rekrul has and no matter how much he embrace the language, i think he has to acutally learn it if he wants to "become" a korean. I was talking about TL people because that is probably ones the OP is the most familiar with. Don't get me wrong, you don't have to be rich to follow this path to ' korean-ness ' if you will. Progamers like Legionnaire weren't ' ballers 'and they got along just fine. Honestly don't think you read too carefully. Money doesn't matter. How you present yourself and where you put your effort matters. I'm korean-american whose been to korea many times and I've seen soooo many people interested in korean and asian cultures. This is the same advice I give them and they end up just fine.
If Legionnaire isn't a baller nobody is.
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Replace 'Korea' with 'girl' in the OP and it makes sense.
Good luck with the studying abroad, if you get in.
One semester sounds like a good deal to see the Korean culture and life for yourself, then you can make more informed decisions on how you want to play your life out. Don't decide before you've actually seen it.
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On February 19 2011 20:42 quirinus wrote:
Replace 'Korea' with 'girl' in the OP and it makes sense.
Good luck with the studying abroad, if you get in.
One semester sounds like a good deal to see the Korean culture and life for yourself, then you can make more informed decisions on how you want to play your life out. Don't decide before you've actually seen it.
It actually makes less sense using girl...
But thanks, I'll try to use that experience kind of as a tool I guess. If I really like it, yay for me.
If I don't, I guess we'll see that not everything is as good as we hype it up to be. :D
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EPT
