The Interns

Discussing observations, ideas and findings with the other interns. We had three hours each morning to devise lesson plans for that day, and would often share ideas about conversation topics.

The Traditional Cultural Experience

We had the opportunity to visit a Traditional Korean village. This photo perfectly portrays one of the prime cultural differences. My student Ryu points out the different shoes that are worn inside and outside, as Korean people keep their living areas clean as they are customized to sit on the floor, sleep on the floor, and work and eat at low tables instead of raised tables with chairs

The Food

Meal times and table etiquette play a huge part in Korean Culture.
It was in these contexts that I was able to witness the unspoken
rules of the hierarchical system that pervades all aspects of Korean culture.
Examples of this include that no one starts eating until the eldest
person starts eating first. You never pour your own drink first. Everyone
leaves the table at the same time. Most dishes are shared. The hospitality
of Korean hosts shower their guests with is second to none. These photos
are of my students and I eating at a traditional Korean BBQ place
in Pyeontaek. It was delicious - however they knew that as I was a guest
they didn't expect me to know their table etiquette - it was at this restaurant
that I was informed.

The Popular Culture

Matching Couples fashion is huge in Korea. When a guy and girl are wearing the same style and colour of clothing - it shows that they are a couple. It is a way of showing affection in public - seeing as though kissing and hugging is generally frowned upon. I found it cute and novel, and tried to think of any of my coupled up friends who would pull it off, let alone try this trend.

The Religion

After our first week of teaching, we ventured out into Seoul to do shopping and sight seeing. One of the sights that was memorable for me, was that my students wanted to show me the first Christian Church that was made in Korea, in saying that Namseoul University is a Christian University. I actually had to ask my students to show me if there were any Temples - seeing as though Confuciansim still underpins the majority of societal values, norms and beliefs.

The Frying Pan Game

This was one of my favourite cultural experiences - learning this Korean group rhythm game with my students. It's a fun, quirky way to learn names, so I managed to learn my students names in no time at at all, especially because most had chosen to adopt English names. It was also useful as a team building exercise.

Free time!

Taking photo booth photos in Myeongdong, Seoul.

Food & Beverage

Kimchi - a staple in every Korean meal we had.

Chopping our lunch with scissors - a concept that was so incredibly crazy at our first meal, but makes a lot of sense.

Korean rice wine - Makgeolli

Bingsoo

Bacon and eggs and a hot chocloate. A well needed western style breakfast after a morning of exploring Seoul.

Cathy and I having cold noodle meal.

The food was such a huge obstacle to overcome for me personally as I was not a fan of spicy food, couldn't use chopsticks and had trouble eating seafood that was completely unfamiliar. All of the best Korean meals we had over there where off campus and most were absolutely delicious.

Places of Interest in Seoul

The streets of Myeongdong, Seoul.

Insadong, Seoul.

Buildings in Gangnum

The Cheonggye Stream which runs through Seoul and is an old motorway. This is at the very beginning.

Interns and Students outside of the Sungnymun Gate in Seoul

Students explaining the history to Sarah and I.

Korean Folk Village with students. A really interesting place that had a small amusement park area and also some traditional Korean shows.

Glass blowing and other glass activities. Five interns, Dr Paul Mountfort and NSU staff.

In the three weeks we were in South Korea, we were exposed to so many culturally rewarding situations. We also met some amazing and lovely people who were such great hosts during our stay at Namseoul University.

The opportunity to blow our own glass was such a unique experience and is such a cool trinket on our travels.

This video proved to be incredibly helpful as it got closer and closer to the departure date.