Visa! and a Confucian School

I got my Chinese Visa today! After weeks of uncertainty about being able to get my visa before I leave, I finally can say that I am bound for China! I will not have to adjust any of my airline or hostel reservations, which is a huge relief. Now I can make plans of what I would like to see in Shanghai before my mom and sisters arrive. I am so excited to travel to another awesome country and share the experience with the girls. I am also excited to meet with my Chinese friend from school Xiao Chen. She left Korea about a month ago, so it will be great to catch up with her and spend some time touring Beijing together. She has offered to be our guide in Beijing, which is such a blessing.

Today, I went with Kyunghye and her friend Eun-Jin to see a few sights in Seoul. We went to the northern part of Seoul to see a few places. We went to a museum filled with artwork from Gyeomjae Jeongseon, a famous late Joseon Dynasty artist. We also went to see a 500 year old Joseon Dynasty Confucian School that still holds classes.

The museum had both artwork from Gyeomjae Jeongseon and some contemporary art. It was very interesting to learn more about Gyeomjae. Before going to the museum, I only knew that he was the most famous artist in Korean history. It was interesting to learn more about his life. He lived to be 84 years old, and continued to paint as he went blind. His later paintings shared so many similarities with Monet paintings, blurred lines and impressions of objects. One thing about his life that I thought was really amazing was that he traveled to every Joseon province, and painted landscapes of every region he visited. It was unusual for a person at that time to travel beyond their province. He was a traveler!

After browsing the portion of the museum about Gyeomjae, we went to see the contemporary art. They were based on seasons and times of the day using only colored squares. Sometimes I really don't understand some art, but it was still pretty fun to try to guess what each group of colors represented. I think we only got two right.

We began our walk to see the Confucian school, and we stumbled across one of the "workout areas" that I have seen all over Korea. In parks and along pathways, there are groups of workout equipment that are open for people to use. I think it is interesting that Korea is very health conscious, and they put that into action by building means for people to make healthy choices. A few other examples of this health awareness include: American style junk food is expensive, there are sidewalks everywhere, and there are many TV commercials encouraging living a healthy life.

The Confucian School was very close to the Han river. There was a pavilion overlooking the river, which had an awesome view of Seoul! The school looked very similar to other Joseon Dynasty architecture. There is one gate to enter the walled three building complex. The buildings were green (a sacred color for Korea) with flowers and other designs painted on it. When we got to the school, a class had just started, so we were quiet as we explored the grounds. It was a neat experience to walk around this 500 year old school, listening to a Confucian scholar lecturing in the background.

The focus Korean culture has had over the course of history has not been conquering other nations or other means of power, but the quest for more knowledge. This remains the focus of Korean culture to this day. I have never seen a country so hungry for more education. Korean students have a two month break from school right now, but for most students, this break is filled with more coursework then when they are in class. There are "winter break classes" that focus on a certain subject that most Korean students attend this time of year. There are some families that use this time to hire a tutor to teach their child six days a week for most of the day. Some of my Korean friends have told me that students look forward to school beginning again because the classes they take during the break are more difficult. Education philosophy here in Korea is so different from the USA. It is your duty as a student study hard, respect your teacher, and do well in school. There are many things that have changed for Korea over history, but education remains the focus of Korean culture. This still amazes me even after five months of living in Korea.

A Week with Friends

Wow! I haven't blogged about anything post Japan! I guess the craziness of the week is the reason. It's hard for me to believe that just over a week ago, I was in Japan. It seems like we were running around Japan a long time ago.

I got back from Japan last Tuesday. Wednesday I met with Woosik, his mom, and his cousin with Kyunghye. We went to lunch together and spent some time remembering some memories from Woosik's time in America. It was so nice to meet some of his family and to spend some more time with him before he left for London. It turns out his cousin went to the same school as Kyunghye, not only that, but Woosik's house is within a few miles from the Byeons. Small city and a small world. His mom is so sweet, she has offered to help me if I need anything while I'm here in Korea. It is great to have such an amazing support system here in Korea while living abroad, I can't imagine what it would be like without them. After having lunch, we went back to Woosik's house to watch some movies and snack on some Japanese food. The love and hospitality that I have received here in Korea is beyond words, I am truly thankful.

On Thursday, I went down to my school to try to get some paperwork worked out. There are some conflicts with my Alien card that are preventing me from being able to get my Chinese Visa. Not good considering I leave in a week! I was able to spend some time with my friends that are in the GKS program. GKS is a group of the international students that are sponsored by their home country's government to come and study in Korea. Most of them are fluent in Korean. I really enjoyed hearing about their new Winter Break classes and all of the activities they have been doing this winter. We talked and laughed about memories from last semester. I am truly going to miss them when they go back home in February. They are some of the closest friends I have here in Korea. On Friday I was unable to get my paperwork, so I would have to come back the next week to complete it.

On Sunday, I went to the International Lutheran Church and met with Mike Kersten and his friends Matt and Dee Dee Wasmund. Mike is one of my dad's former youth who has been working in Asia as an LCMS missionary. Currently he is teaching in Hong Kong, and stopped in Seoul to visit. He met Matt and Dee Dee while working in Taiwan. They recently moved to Seoul with their two adorable daughters: Lily and Olivia. Matt works as the East Asia LCMS missions coordinator. After worship at church, we went out to lunch at a local Korean restaurant. It was great to spend time with Christian Brothers and Sisters that are working here in Asia. After lunch, we went back to the Wasmund's home in downtown Seoul. I chatted with Dee Dee about homeschooling (she would like to teach the girls at home while they are young) while the girls settled in for some reading with Mike.

Both Lily and Olivia (ages 5 and 3) were adopted from Taiwan, so they speak Chinese. Not only that, but they also speak English, Spanish, and they are learning Korean. Matt only speaks Spanish to them, while Dee Dee only speaks English to them. They learned Chinese from their time in Taiwan, and they are enrolled in Korean preschool. I was astonished! Here are these two little girls who have a better grasp of languages than I could only dream of. They are so smart and very friendly, greeting me for the first time with a big hug.

I have so much respect for the Wasmunds. Not only have they taught their girls at a young age multiple languages, they have also exemplified their compassion for others. One of the ways that they do this that I thought was fantastic is that every Tuesday they have Compassion Day. They eat a small bowl of rice for dinner, and talk about how for many people in the world, this bowl of rice will be their only meal for the day. They then place money in a jar, and when it is filled, use that money to help a charity. Dee Dee explained that they do this because they want them to understand even while they're young the world they live in. Our world isn't a perfect place: there is so much pain, injustice, and poverty that we in Western countries forget at times.

While Dee Dee was putting Olivia down for a nap, Lily decided to teach Chinese. I have never felt so intimidated in a classroom in my life. She had the "what kind of answer is that?" and the "you can't be serious?" glare down perfectly. Luckily Mike was also enrolled in Lily's class, so I was able to get a little bit of help between flashcards. Sadly this wasn't enough. I was sent to the "naughty corner" multiple times because my tones were completely off. It was fun to see Lily's imagination soar as she lectured in Chinese. It was definitely worth a few times in the "naughty corner" to see her infectious smile as she taught.

It was great to spend time with Lutheran friends. It was encouraging for me to meet with other Christians who share so many similar experiences that I have had living abroad. Matt and Dee Dee attend the church that I attend here in Seoul, so it will be wonderful to see them every Sunday. I hope in the summer to be able to serve on a mission trip here in Asia through LCMS.

Today, after returning from school for the second time (with paperwork in hand), I went to visit the Byeon's Aunt, Uncle, Jinyoung, and the infamous Eujin. For those who don't know, Eujin has every wild habit imaginable for a five year old boy. He bounces off the walls of his family's apartment, destroying anything that looks important to Jinyoung in his path. He is very sweet when he calms down however. We were able to get him to build domino paths with us, and I was surprised how steady he could keep his hand. It was so nice to visit and spend some time with them again.

Hanging Out with My Brother

Yesterday, I met up with my brother Woosik (Derek). I haven't seen Woosik in almost five years, so it was great to catch up and hang out in Seoul. Derek is finishing University in London. After graduation in the summer, he is hoping to move to the USA to get a PhD. He may also move back to Korea and complete his required two year service in the Korean army.

I don't know if I have mentioned the two year service policy so here is what I have learned since coming to Korea. All Korean men have to serve a required two years in the army. This policy has been around since the end of the Korean War. Most young men serve either right after high school, or after university. Because of this requirement, most men do not begin their career until their late 20's. I think requiring all men to serve in the army for a short period of time is a good idea. It teaches discipline and patriotism. I have talked with many Korean guys from my school who say that after serving, they stay up to date with what is going on in their country more than before. On the other hand, South Korea is a nation that has a very dangerous neighbor that is ruled by a madman. It is not like Korea is a nation at peace with required service in the reserves. All men in the army learn learn how to fight in combat, because it is a possibility with an unpredictable neighbor. It is the constant worry of families with sons in the army that they will never see their sons again, especially since the Yeonpyeon Island hostility.

I met Woosik downtown Seoul in some of the college towns. Hyesun came with me to see Woosik, and the three of us went to get some coffee. It was great to catch up and for my two Korean siblings to meet and swap stories about America. It was so funny to hear them compare teachers and classes at Lutheran North. Hyesun had to leave for a while, so me and Woosik went to a nearby theaters to see a movie. We saw this movie called "The Next Three Days." It starred Russell Crowe, and was about a man who breaks his wife out of jail. I knew nothing about this movie before I saw it, so I was surprised at every twist and turn. It was a good action movie.

After the movie, we met up with Hyesun to go eat dinner together. We went to a fusion restaurant near Hanyang University. The area around the University is filled with coffeehouses, unique restaurants, and other shops geared towards students. It has a great atmosphere, there are always a lot of people hanging out. The fusion restaurant was really good. It was a mix between European and Japanese food, a mix that I would never think would be as good as it was.

Next week when I get back from my trip, I'm going to meet Woosik and his parents for dinner. It will be great to meet his family and hang out more before he leaves for London again. I'm hoping that I can make them some American food.

Now I'm packing for my trip to Japan. I leave tomorrow morning for the Ferry Terminal. The ferry ride will be about ten hours, luckily it is an overnight ferry, so the time will pass quickly. I'm excited to go explore a new place and culture. I will not be blogging during my trip, so I will tell you guys all about my trip when I get back.

So this is Christmas

Merry Christmas from Seoul, South Korea! I am having a wonderful time celebrating this time of year with the Byeons. Derek just got to Korea a few days ago, so we are going to catch up later this week after Christmas. I miss all of you back home and thinking about you especially at this time of the year.

It has been interesting for me to see how Korea celebrates this time of year. In Korea, Christmas is mostly a couples holiday, a sister holiday to Valentines Day. It is so strange to see a lack of red and green, wreaths, and nativity sets, but rather flowers, chocolates, and teddy bears dressed as Santa. I miss the family aspect of Chistmas, it doesn't seem the same without families together.

In addition to that, Christmas Day is the Korean version of "Black Friday." I woke up this morning and Kyunghye told me we were going shopping. I was really confused because in America everything closes on Christmas. She told me it was the largest sale weekend of the year. After Skyping my family before they left for Christmas Eve candlelight service, we went shopping. It was madness! There were clothes, toys, and I don't know what else flying all over the place. I think everyone in Korea came to the department store we were at to go shopping.

Even though Korean Christmas has been over commercialized just like in the USA, I did find a way to celebrate the Reason for the Season. Last night me and Kyunghye went to the International Lutheran Church in downtown Seoul for Christmas Eve service. There was even candlelight singing! This was the first time I have attended an English speaking church in almost five months. It was a great encouragement to my faith to meet with a diverse group of people from around the world to worship together. It was heaven to be in such a beautiful, peaceful place that had its focus on the true purpose of Christmas: to celebrate the birth of the Savior who came to save all mankind. Amidst all of the chaos Christmas brings even here in Korea, it was nice to let time stand still while worshiping the Savior. Me and Kyunghye are planning to go to this church every Sunday when we are in Seoul.

Being in a foreign country during Christmas time has shown me the true meaning of Christmas even more than before. As a child I would read the Christmas story and hear how Jesus came to save the people of the world. That message has resounded even more this Christmas as I live in a new culture. I have learned the magnitude of the purpose in which Jesus came to this earth. He came to save the people of every nation and culture. It is hard for me to comprehend this concept, but I have come to appreciate it even more this Christmas. It has been such a blessing for me to be in Korea to celebrate Christmas.

Merry Christmas once again! I hope you have a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Limbo

Woo hoo! Today was my 20th birthday. I am in the year of "Limbo": no longer a teenager, but not yet 21 when you are completely "legal." It's the transition year from being a teenager to becoming a young adult. As I look back to where I was a year ago, I have seen how much I have matured and grown as a person. I have learned independence while being true to who I am. I am so excited to see where I will be when I turn 21, what new experiences I will have and what I will learn.

Today I made lasagna for my birthday dinner. Yesterday I went to a Western Market with the Byeons to buy all the supplies and ingredients. We had to search through three Western Markets to find Lasagna noodles, but we did find some. It was so strange to go to a store that had all of the products that I buy at home. One of the stores looked just like the Schnucks that my family goes to back home. It was so weird yet so normal at the same time. I don't know how to explain that feeling: going somewhere that resembles a place you have gone to your whole life, yet being away from such a place for a time in such a different environment makes it seem so foreign. It was nice to know it is there for when I plan to make another "Western Dish" for the Byeons.

The Byeons Aunt and Uncle came along with their children: Jun-Young and Eu-Jin. The Byeons aunt made this awesome salmon salad and made me a cheesecake for my birthday! I was so surprised to receive so many presents from the Byeons and their relatives. It was so overwhelming after all of the generosity they have already given me. It was a great birthday. I think the lasagna was a hit. I made two seven layer lasagnas, and a Seung-Young pan. Seung-Young is Hyesun and Kyunghye's brother. He is super shy but is very funny once he warms up to you. It has been almost six months and he is finally leaving his hiding place (his room) to come and hang out with me and the girls. He is also 16, which means he eats...a lot. I made him a three layer pan of lasagna because I knew that he would plow through at least half a pan of a seven layer lasagna. He ate the entire three layer pan...I was shocked! Not only that, he proceeded to eat a piece of the other lasagna as well. I think it is a new favorite for him.

After dinner, I went to see Harry Potter with Hyesun, Kyunghye, Seungyoung, Junyoung, and their uncle. We had to sneak out one at a time because Eujin wanted to go, but seeing he is only five and the movie was rated PG15, he wasn't going. The movie was good, but was kinda depressing. I still liked it, and it was fun to go with the Byeons on my birthday. Definately a great birthday memory. Tomorrow, me and Kyunghye are going to continue our Japan plans, we leave in a week...AAAAHHHH! Hopefully, we get everything planned in the next few days so we can have time to hang out more in Seoul.

I'm Going to Japan!

It has been quite a process to get things in order, but I do have a trip planned before I leave for China in January. I am going to Japan with Kyunghye for a week after Christmas. We will take a ferry from Busan to Kyushu, the southernmost main island of Japan. It is home to several famous cities including Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kagoshima, and Kumamoto. It is famous for Japanese ceramics, Hot springs, Samurai, and Volcanoes. I am super excited to go to such a diverse place, but it will be even better because I will get to share the adventure with Kyunghye. Neither one of us know a lick of Japanese, so I am sure there will be some pretty funny moments.

This afternoon, we went to eat at the restaurant that is owned by the company that Hyesun worked for as an intern and will soon work for after graduation. It was an American grill so I got to eat pasta for the first time since coming to Korea.

After we ate, we went to visit the Byeon's cousins and Aunt and Uncle. It was the older cousin, Jinyoung's 11th birthday so we got to eat cake and play games with the family. It was great to catch up with them since the last time I saw them at Chuseok. I have a video below of Jinyoung's younger brother, Eu-Jin singing for me and Hyesun. He was too shy to sing in front of the camera so he sang from a distance, rolling around as he sings. I couldn't understand him, and Hyesun couldn't either. It is super cute.

I'm Back at the Byeons

I left school yesterday with five bags in tow to travel back to Seoul to stay with the Byeons. I couldn't leave anything in my dorm room because they use them for the Winter English Camp for high school students. I took a taxi to the Asan bus terminal and then took a bus to Seoul station. I met the Byeons in the terminal, from there we went to their house. I am so thankful to Hyesun for allowing me to stay in her room (with all my stuff) until the beginning of February when I will be able to move into my new dorm.

Derek is coming to Korea on the 21st (just in time for my birthday!). I am very excited to see him and meet his parents, we are planning to go to the largest church in Korea on either Christmas eve or Christmas day.

Today was a relax at home day, tomorrow we are thinking about going to see a movie or to do something in the city. I don't know my plans for my birthday, Christmas, or New Years, but I will keep you updated