Showers of Surprise

I figured that studying Korean culture off and on for seven years would mean I am no longer suprised by things. I am think that I would already know all of the differences between Korean and American culture. The biggest surprise this time around has been the shattering of this belief.

This last weekend I stayed with some close friends down in Busan. As it is getting late they, being the wonderful hosts that they are, offer me the first shower. I brush teeth, wash face, and use the toilet; all of my usual bedtime preparations. A few minutes after I return they discover that I, alas, have not taken a shower. A few weeks ago this group was smaller and I received suprised expressions but nothing beyond that. But now that I call one person in the group "big sister" and another person in the group "big brother," things are different; I have a deeper relationship with them than I did before.

Fast-forward 45 minutes and I have discovered that normal nighttime preparations always include washing your feet; this is a must. People sit on the floor, sleep on blankets on the floor, shoes are left by the door in a sunken area so the real floor of the house will not get dirty, in older days the woman of the house would daily clean the floor, sometimes have dinner or a snack sitting on the floor. As you can see the floor being clean is a very big issue. Even if you take a shower in the morning (like a good Westerner) it is a must to wash your feet at night so they are clean before they get into your bed.

I kind of feel proud that all of the big culture shock items I already know about and respect. I know all of the culture shock items on websites. I know all the culture shock items in books. I am now getting into the unspoken stuff. The things where Westerners never slip-up on because they never get this far into the culture. Honestly how many Americans do you know have spent multiple nights in a Korean's house? And even if they do make a mistake (like the feet thing) they must be in a very close relationship with the people for them to be that honest and open.

Goshdernit, I feel mighty proud~