Korea and Culture

We landed in Jeju and were picked up at the airport by JJ’s father.  I was looking forward to getting out and about in Jeju, but the first couple of days of our trip were spent inside due to Typhoon Muifa that struck Jeju.  We spent the time hanging out with JJ’s parents, eating great homemade food, and playing go-stop.  We did venture out to hit a PC Room, but we were only able to do this after pleading with her parents that the weather was not that bad.

I am a big fan of Korea food and have been looking forward to my mother-in-law’s food since we left Korea almost two years ago.  I even did fine with the Korean style breakfast that we were served.  I am not a big breakfast eater, and have always had trouble with eating soup and fish for breakfast in Korea, but I think that I missed Korean food so much that it was not a problem. The only issue I had was trying to explain that I was full and could not have seconds or thirds.  If you have ever tried to tell a Korean mother that you are full, then you know exactly what I am talking about it.  My claims that I was full were always met with more offers of extra food.  I pretty much spent the whole time in Jeju stuffed from being fed great meals that were always followed by some kind of fruit.

I need this at my house.

옥돔 or Okdom is probably one of my favorite Jeju meals.  The fish is caught near an island about 10 km away from Jeju.  My MIL always serves this at breakfast, and usually for dinner as well.

Okdom (옥돔) every morning for breakfast

Homemade Kongguksu (콩국수)

JJ making Bipimbap

Galbi JJim

Seaweed soup

Go-Stop is a very popular Korean card game, and it has played an important part in building a relationship with my mother-in-law. When my wife told her parents that she was in a serious relationship with a non-Korean in 2007, I was invited down to Jeju for a visit over the Chuesok holiday.  My MIL was impressed that I could eat her Korean food, but I also think that she was really impressed that I knew how to play Go-Stop and would actually take her money. (Actually, it was usually her taking my money).  Whenever we talk on the phone, MIL and I always joke about playing Go-Stop.  After two years, it was great to sit down, play a few hands, and give her all my money.  I am not the fastest player and am always reminded to hurry up and “eat” my cards.  JJ and I forgot to buy a few sets of the cards before we left two years ago so I picked up a few decks so that we can start playing more often.

Mother-in-law shuffling after taking my money

JJ with her Mom

Kids all over the world are the same.  Give them a writing instrument, and the wall is the first thing they turn to.  My niece decided to do a little redecorating on her last trip to Jeju.  My niece, whose last name is 박, must have recently learned how to write her name. Unfortunately, she and her mother live in Dajeon, and JJ and I were unable to visit them.

Glad to see that in my absence I have not been be removed from the fridge.

The bad weather actually worked out pretty well.  It gave us a chance to spend some great quality time with JJ’s parents, and there was not worrying about feeling guilty about not getting outside, but after spending a couple days cooped up inside, we were ready to get out.  More photos to come later today.