소희
-
An unexpected Korean dinner invitation
Last week while I was at work I suddenly received an email from the Korean embassy. The Korean ambassador was asking if my husband and I were available for dinner the following Tuesday evening! I was completely surprised, honored, and overwhelmed. After reading it numerous times to make sure that I had indeed read it…
-
Meet one of my Korean friends
Since yesterday was the internationally proclaimed “Blue Monday” meaning the most depressing day of the year, I think we could all use a heartwarming story about happiness. On that note I’d like to introduce you to one of my Korean friends. Last summer I had the pleasure of meeting an awesome Korean guy for the…
-
The fast track or the slow lane? – How to learn a language
The internet is flowing over with “fast tracks” to language learning and tips on how to become fluent in no time. I once heard someone say “Everybody is talking about learning languages fast, what’s wrong with learning steady and slow?” While some may say that I have acquired a decent proficiency in Korean quite fast,…
-
A note on Korean language learning
In my journey toward mastering the Korean language I inevitably question and evaluate my strategy on a regular basis. What works, and equally important – what doesn’t work? This past fall semester which I spent studying with my very own Korean “Tiger teacher” taught me a lot about language learning. The countless times my LP…
-
Korean “sign” language
My two weeks in Korea have obviously given me a lot of exposure to the kind of Korean you don’t necessarily see in textbooks. Back home again I’ve had the time to look over the many pictures I’ve been taking during my trip. I’ve taken quite a few pictures of signs I’ve seen around Seoul…
-
Seoul subway self-esteem
I’ve now been in Korea for 10 days and even the smallest thing like taking the subway can be a cultural experience. While I usually consider myself to be on the prettier side of the average (not counting waking up with panda eyes and witch hair) I can be sure to second-guess myself and my appearance…
-
Korean seconds and firsts
This time is my second time in Seoul and I’ve already been here for almost a full week (meaning only one week left *sobs*) and I absolutely love it. It feels so great to visit well-known places like Gwanghwamun and Kyobo Bookstore for the second time, and compared to last year there are so many things that…
-
My Gangnam style Christmas… with a little Rain
Yesterday was Christmas Eve, and since this holiday is far more low-key in Korea than we’re used to in the west we figured we’d do something completely un-Christmassy (not sure if I’m ready to commit to that word). We had booked our tickets a month in advance and were über-excited! The concert was held in…
-
In Seoul… At long last
I wrote in my previous blog post that I had a layover in Frankfurt. Well, that was what was supposed to happen. After having had the most pleasant trip to the airport, breezed through security, and enjoyed a fairly decent not too over-priced meal we were ready to board. The plane to Frankfurt where we…
-
Next stop: Seoul
…Well actually there’s a brief layover in Frankfurt first, but that’s a technicality. Anyway, I’m going back to Seoul tomorrow for two full weeks. I’m so excited and cannot wait to once more eat a piping hot bowl of bibimbap with a cold Cass beer and a shot of soju. I’ve compiled a comprehensive shopping list…
Sofie to Korea 