Korean friends
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Week two: Slapped by Seoul, hugged by Ilsan
My second week in Korea has been quite a bumpy ride and definitely anything but boring. I started my week by attending the conference of the Korean Economic Association and saw this as a great opportunity to be introduced to my new colleagues. I did get to bow and shake hands with many people including…
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My favorite Korean word
Granted, there are many beautiful Korean words and finding one favorite is not easy. Nonetheless, sitting on the train on my way to the airport (yes, I’m flying to Seoul tomorrow – squeeee!) I started pondering on what was my favorite Korean word. I’ve been learning Korean for exactly two years now, and one word…
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Girls’ talk and wine
Yesterday I met with my best friend for a long overdue catching up session over good food and wine. We stayed up until late talking (and sipping wine), which at some point even led to singing(!), and I must admit that I’m definitely paying the bill today. My entire body is aching and I haven’t…
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Cute Korean
While it may certainly be argued that the Korean language may sound cute just on its own, there are several ways to make your Korean sound even cuter. Many Koreans, especially young Korean girls, like to add a little aegyo 애교 (special Korean type of cuteness) to their speech when they want to sound cute,…
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Are you eating well?
밥은 잘 먹고 있어요? Are you eating well? These words just flew out of my mouth when my language partner called me up yesterday around midnight Seoul time and told me how stressed he was because of his midterm exams and endless applications for summer internships. Without knowing it, I instantly went into complete noona-mode and started…
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How I improved my Korean writing
누가 도와준 거예요?! “Who helped you write this?!” Those were the words greeting me as I picked up the phone when my LP called to give me feedback on an essay I had sent to him. 제가 알아서 썼거든요!!”No one, I wrote this alone!!” I exclaimed, not knowing whether I should feel offended at his accusation that I would “cheat”…
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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…
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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…
Sofie to Korea 