For the most part I would have to say that Koreans are fairly reserved people. They are not overly boisterous or outgoing. This is a huge generalization, but it is something that I've observed over the past three months that I've been here. In their jobs and daily life Koreans seem reserved. Throw some alcohol in the mix (mostly at the men) and that will quickly change - it's quite enjoyable! It must be worth noting too, that I don't have very much contact with "young" Koreans. I have heard that the younger ones (like my age or younger) know how to party, and that things in this culture are changing....
Koreans know how to laugh, but are not boisterous. This is something that I seem to struggle with a bit. I am not always boisterous, but I can be energetic, and I do like to laugh and have a good time. There has definitely been some adjusting here. (In Uganda I fit in well. The people there were joyous and laughed a lot despite their hardships.)
There is, however, one woman here who makes my day. She is the parent of one of the kids at my school (I'm not sure which one) and she has such energy. When I pass her on the way to school she almost jumps with excitement and greets me with a huge "GOOD MORNING". I love it. It makes me so happy to see someone with such a zest for life. On our school walking day she was one of the parents who was stationed along the route and when we passed by she was SO excited. Again, so happy and joyous. I think that's what I'm missing here - the joyousness (is that a word?! Maybe jubilation is a better word...) that I found in Uganda.
I am quite happy when I chance upon this mom in the morning. She definitely brightens my day. I just wish that there were more Koreans here who outwardly demonstrated their excitement for life.
~Jen
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