The First Waygook

As you know, I live in a small Korean town. It has all you need to survive and lead a healthy lifestyle: doctors, gym, dentist, pharmacies, herbal care, eye doctor, etc. I've heard of many people not trusting the local professionals as their English is poor. And yes, sometimes the results aren't what you want (sugar water injection, bad hair cuts, etc.). But really, I would rather try a local and make a relationship than drag myself to Seoul for a 20 minute doctor's appointment with someone who won't remember me from the last guy. You just need to have the gumption to try a local professional and know that it could flop or be a great find.

I believe this is why I was the first foreigner to grace not one office, but FIVE establishments! I popped the waygook cherry at the doctor, herbalist, dentist, public clinic, and hair dresser. Crazy! Each one offered a similar experience, and I returned to each one a happy customer. Here were my experiences:

The Doctor: I get sick fairly often, and it sucks. I asked my co-teacher for clinic suggestions and she gave me two options. Seeing both offices from the street, I opted for the clinic with cleaner windows (that's a good sign, right?). The nurses were very welcoming and escorted me to the doctor with minimal wait. Little did I know that my doctor got his medical degree in South Carolina and practiced in Tennessee. He explained he hadn't seen a foreigner in his office since he moved his practice from Seoul. He was essentially fluent in English and got better and better each time I saw him as we developed a great rapport. I would highly suggest him to anyone living in the area.

The Herbalist: Seeking further assistance with an illness, I decided to give acupuncture a go. When in Korea? My coordinator took me to see him and it appeared that we were both just as nervous to meet the other. We got through the first appointment fine without English (my coordinator translated) and then I went alone for my follow-up treatments. His English, too, blossomed and I'm told he now has more foreign patients than ever. Seriously, be kind to one foreigner because we will tell our friends!

The Dentist: After asking many of my co-workers what dentist they recommend, there was a clear consensus to visit one specific place not far from my house. When I arrived, I felt like I was in a ritzy hotel with a spiral staircase. The staff greeted and stared as I made my way to the dentist's chair...a chair that looked out over a view of the city. Already learning that check-ups were a bit abnormal, I gave it a try anyway and received a cleaning and check-up. Luckily, one woman was able to help me a bit as she was a dental assistant in the US for a number of years. She was shy, but very kind. After the doctor confirmed one cavity, I arranged to go in for a filling (cheap!). However, when I arrived a second dentist explained there wasn't a cavity, so instead I got another teeth cleaning for free! I didn't know why, but that's just the kind of service one doesn't expect!

The Hair Salon: Perhaps the experience I was most apprehensive about going into, was the hair salon. Whatever happened I was essentially stuck. She explained in Korean that I was her first foreign client and she appeared nervous. A woman shampooed my hair and then three people surrounded me looking puzzled by the mane before them. 'Oh boy,' I thought... In the end, everything turned out alright and the price was right! I could see everyone breathed a sigh of relief when I left.

Pop Pop!
-Bets