Even though we lived in Koreatown in Los Angeles, Ca, it had been nevertheless unbelievable for Koreans and Korean Us citizens to consider that i will be half Korean. Once I relocated returning to Korea in 2016, we still went to the exact same battle despite the fact that we knew the language and tradition, sometimes better still than Korean-Americans, yet ended up being nevertheless perhaps not viewed as section of their community. Was it truly my skin tone that made Koreans not accept me personally as “Korean”? Does my skin tone need certainly to be described as a lighter color? Should I be skinnier?
Everyone loves my caramel slim dense thighs and size that is nice cups. Therefore the real and genuine battle lies somewhere else and never within me personally. I adore whom i will be both regarding the inside and out, a lady whom attempts her utmost to mix the very best of her two worlds. I’ve learned to come quickly to terms with this specific “battle” to be accepted as a “Korean”. You can’t force you to definitely start his / her head.
Southern Korea is nation established upon rich tradition, traditions and values that date back to the GoJoseon Dynasty (est. 2333 B.C.).
Korea prides it self on its history and tradition, but during the same time, it really is little by little breaking the mold of specific traditions in terms of accepting “foreigners.” Much more modern times, Korea happens to be inviting foreigners to become a part of its tradition at each change. Staying in Korea, we cannot recount an occasion once I wasn’t expected to take part in activities to delve much much deeper in to the culture that is korean. Events can be held through the entire year and may be enjoyed by foreigners and citizens alike.
A event that is favorite had the pleasure of taking part in is the “Yeon Deung Hoe” (м—°л“±нљЊ, Lotus Lantern Festival). This festival that is 3-day spot through the 2nd week-end of might. The event desires the planet great joy whenever lanterns are lit and fill the roads, permitting the brightness into every single one of y our hearts. Stunning music, party shows and a show that is splendid of parade down the roads through the night. The roads are filled with the performers and paraders hands that are holding chanting and dance alongside one another. Exactly like the way the lanterns of various shapes, sizes, and colors fill the roads, Koreans and folks of different nationalities come together to enjoy their time. Experiencing this might be therefore pressing for me personally because I’m able to tell there was a bridge being created between Korea as well as other countries. Seeing this, i understand I’m perhaps maybe not the only 1 who can build a connection. Literally anybody who places their heart to it may.
Traveling While Korean
The question that is dreaded “in which are you from?” had been being asked kept and appropriate through the summer time of 2017 when I had been traveling throughout Southeast Asia for 2 months. I’d response them by saying, “I’m from Southern Korea.” Blank frozen stares, accompanied by, “WHAT? South Korea… However you don’t look Korean. You’re Ebony and dark just like me.”
I’m sorry, but exactly what is the fact that likely to suggest? You asked me personally a relevant concern and today don’t just like the response you received? Can it be too hard to think away from package of what you’re so accustomed to? It is irksome to learn that individuals reside in a global as big and connected since this and folks perform ignorant to your undeniable fact that the idea of breeding one competition with another procreates a breed that is mixed. This misconception that is common me personally most of the time.
Various nations get me differently based on exactly exactly exactly how familiar they’ve been with black colored people as opposed to Korean individuals. We get every person with a available head until proven otherwise. Nonetheless, I would ike to state that the thing that is best of traveling while being Korean is assisting Koreans whenever in a nation where English could be the main talked language. It is usually good to provide a hand that is helping! And genuinely, the surprise and shock on the faces to visit a Black girl talk proficient Korean is obviously a additional bonus. They’re therefore thankful that some body may help and provide clarification. They are the occasions that i really do feel a connection between two worlds, whether it is Korea and America, or Korea and a different country. With my assistance, they could experience nation that other Koreans might not be in a position to experience.
Travel in my situation is just a written guide with pages full of adventure and experiences waiting to be embarked upon. It is constantly enjoyable visiting another national nation and seeing and experiencing their tradition, meals, and life style. As being an individual that is mixed a pretty homogenous country, in my opinion among the best approaches to carry on bridging the gap would be to be a part of it. It will always be great to understand fundamental social distinctions and traditions. Learning a couple of fundamental words like “hello” and “thank you“ make a difference. It permits the country’s people to see a side that is different of world through you. At the conclusion associated with the being an individual, whether mixed or not, shouldn’t stop you from spreading awareness of different cultures and people day.