I can now say that I have. At first, I though this would be a an easy thing to do since I am living in a country that is home to Koreans. However, my idea of having Korean friends was met with some difficulty.
First and most obviously, there is a language barrier. Although I know a few Korean phrases, it doesn't make it easy to communicate. I have found that many Koreans know a little English too, but they are SO shy when it comes to using it. Some even apologizing after they speak English saying, "Oh sorry! My English is so bad." Then I remind them their English is quite good, because nearly all the things they are saying in English, I cannot say in Korean.
Second, there is a cultural barrier. I want to learn so much more about Korean culture and simply by living here I have learned a lot. But it doesn't replace interacting with the people and having discussions with them about life around the world.
Luckily, in the past month I have met Koreans brave enough to use their English skills and spend some time with me. The first people I met were Fred (Seung Hun) and Daniel (Changhui). They were friends with other foreigners in Changwon and they helped us around Jinju for the lantern festival. Both guys attend college in Jinju AND it was nice to meet people my age. (I have met foreigners my age but many are a few years older.) These guys have awesome English skills and I am excited to hang out with them in the future.
Fred and I
Daniel (yes he likes to be silly and make jokes)
Next, there is Hojun Kim, an orchestra conductor in Changwon. I met him after a concert I attended in October. He approached me and ask why I was at the concert and I told him I studied music in college and just wanted to enjoy some music. He was so impressed that I had studied music, so he gave me his business card and told me to contact him. I emailed within the week and he was thrilled. One Saturday, we went to a play in a town outside of Changwon and had some dinner. It was so fun to talk with someone about music and to know they understand what you are talking about... and they don't think you are nerdy for knowing those things. He is a funny middle-aged man and I am excited to talk music with him again.
Last, there is Jay Jung, an english teacher. Jay grew up in Changwon, but after college he met a Canadian woman and moved to Canada for 7 or 8 years. Now he is back in Changwon teaching English privately. I met him through some other friends in Changwon, because he was looking for some to do language exchange with. Now we meet 1 or 2 times a week and trade language skills. Since he is fluent in English, I just assist/correct his language when he makes mistakes. I have also helped him learn many American English idioms. In return he helps me to develop my Korean skills, which is great to have! The other day I even used my Korean without even thinking about it, which was so COOL! I was only introducing myself, but it just rolled off my tongue before I even thought about what/how to say it.
There are many others I have met in passing and through school, but these are the ones that I would consider my Korean friends. They also provide such great insight into Korean culture that I would not know without have native friends.
Also, my birthday is this week and the weather is still in the 50s. WHAT? This would never happen in Minnesota for my birthday. I have decided I am going to take part in a big Korean trend and go to a 노래방 (noraebong). aka: Korean style karaoke. When you got to a noraebong, you get your own room with your friends. You can bring in drinks and food as well. Then you get your own little karaoke party.
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