Adaptation to customs and cultural formalities

Since being in South Korea, there have been certain things that when you first arrive are so odd, but you start to unconsciously adapt to.
For example, it is a custom that whenever you enter a shop they say hello (anyong-ha-sey-yo) to you and you say hello to them. Also when you leave you say goodbye. It's very impolite to blatantly ignore them, like we might do at home. They say hello or goodbye and you go about your business. They will also go out of their way to welcome you...and this is everywhere.
At E-mart (the Walmart of the SK) they bow to you when you walk in the doors. I don't think I will ever get used to this cultural phenomenon though.
Another thing is when you pay for an item (credit card or cash) you need to show respect by either handing it to them with both your hands or by extending your one hand while the other hand touches your arm. This isn't just with money either. Anything you either give or receive needs to be taken or given with both hands. This can be difficult at times, especially if you're trying to maneuver your wallet etc... However, it does force you to plan your actions ahead of time. Just handing someone something with one hand is impolite. If you are capable you should never take the elevator in the subway. It is purely reserved for those who are handicapped or elderly.
Always get out of the way of the elderly. If you don't, you will get pummeled.
Younger students will bow to their teachers.
South Korea is not referred to as South Korea, but just Korea.
They don't like the fact that they are divided.
Hm...I am quite sure there are plenty more differences, although, I cannot think of anymore at the moment.

This past weekend I went to Seoul tower in Namsam. I went with some other teachers from Avalon that work in my building, but on a different floor. I'll attach some pictures.
It was pretty awesome. We took a ski lift type thing to the top of the mountain and then an elevator to the top of the tower. You could see the whole city, it was spectacular. At the top of the mountain they had a "light show" which was not so spectacular. Basically just a lot of laser lights pointed to this big circle outlined on the ground, that many of the Korean people were standing on. I thought it looked kind of like a target and was kind of joking about how it was a point of fire for N. Korea.
Also, at the top of the tower, a really interesting thing they did was told you what direction many different countries were located, So, you could look at the window and know where they are. They made a small error though, and said Russia and Columbia were located in the same direction. Which is something that, unless we had some kind of new Pangaea earth shifting occur within the 2 months I have been here, I don't think is possible.

Happy Lunar New Year!!

So I suppose it has been a while since I have posted.

I have not been doing too much with my time lately because we're in a period at work called, intensive period. In intensives I have to be to work at 7:30am and I get done around 4:00pm. Then I have lots of grading and planning to do. So I'm spending the majority of my time working. Intensives will be over next week though.

This weekend is also a big deal for Asian culture. It's Lunar New Year. Everyone goes to their grandparents and parents houses for this holiday. Apparently, Seoul empties out a lot. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do. All my students tell me they like this holiday because everyone gives them money. Kids are all the same everywhere it seems.

I've been teaching writing, creative writing, and power point presentation this winter semester.
Because of the inaugural festivities we had an in class elections today. It was pretty funny and it went over really well. The girls even helped their girl candidate by drawing a poster for her on the white board. I wish I had taken a picture of it. They drew a not so flattering picture of her and then had her "stance" on Avalon policy written up very nicely next to it. First thing on the list: Fire all Avalon teachers.
At first I had favorite classes, but now I'm really liking all of my classes.
What's slightly upsetting though is that as soon as intensives are over all the classes will be switching around. So the kids will be mixed up again and some of the students I had before I will not have again. :(
Teaching is bittersweet in that respect, I suppose.

I went to a light festival last weekend with my friend, Hyelim. She's actually the girlfriend of one of the guys I work with. We met him and her randomly one night while they were walking on the street. His girlfriend and I kind of hit it off and ended up exchanging phone numbers. Now we'll talk and occasionally hang out. The light festival was really awesome. It was located on the river that was restored. The one I had previously put pictures up of. So I think that pretty much sums it up. I'll definitely have more to say after Lunar New Year...and once intensives are over! Hope you're all doing great!