The Perks of Being a Foreigner

I've learned a lot about Korean culture and traditions over the past year. I try to respect and follow them as best I can. But, ultimately, I am a foreigner and I generally stick out like a sore thumb in my small town. Being a foreign has it's drawbacks at times: gawking, pointing, awkward silence, and racist remarks. I've also had many instances of being the novelty act. I've:

• Sang awkward karaoke on the street at a grocery store opening. And no, I wasn't busking...it just happened (curse that pushy clown!).


• Been on TV as a model teacher for English textbook memorization. We all know how that went... (PS - video coming soon!)


• Taken promotional photos for the provincial newspaper.


• Performed at my school's holiday talent show.


• Taken countless pictures with random Koreans who just want a picture with me and my friends. What do they do with photos of strangers?! I assume they have a shoe box full of foreigner photos in the back of a closet. Or maybe it's just one big-lifelong-pub-crawl-scavenger-hunt-thing...

However, being a foreigner also has it's perks (compliments, random smiles, and free stuff). That's right: free stuff.

Yesterday, I went to a local grocer for some bananas, almonds, and tofu. This is the same grocery store that had me perform karaoke on the street 10 months ago. Luckily, the store is under new management since it's initial beginning. Anyway...I've managed to walk into the store countless times and get what I need without any fuss.

However, upon walking in, the man on the mic, who usually speaks rapid fire Korean, changed his sales pitch to English. "Welcome to Nong Min Mart! Tomato, sale! Watermelon sale!" I smiled and said the watermelon was too big and heavy. I opted for bananas..."Sale on ba-na-na!"

I made my way around the fruits and spotted some delicious looking pineapple and thought I could buy half of a pineapple for me and my co-teacher to enjoy. With no price on the fruit, I went up to woman working and asked how much it was. She looked puzzled over my wishes for half of a fruit. The man with the mic smiled and said, "500 won!" (the equivalent of $0.43). I looked at him with disbelief, but graciously accepted the fruit. (Score!)

After finishing my shopping, I went to the cash counter where a group of laborers were standing around on a small break for water and plum juice. As I finished paying, the man with the mic came to me and offered a plum. "Service!" (free). I thanked him again and then his friend offered me a large glass of plum juice. I tried to decline but it was inevitably forced into my hand with a "건배!" (Korean cheers) and we drank together - though he did his in one shot. I asked, "One shot?" He looked at me with a face that said 'obviously.'

We shared another two glasses of plum juice toasting and shooting as the store clerks and laborers looked on with confusion and smiles. And I walked out with  cheap fruit, a smile on my face, and a stomach full of plum juice.

Eat Your Fruits and Veg,
-Bets