First of all, let me specify what I mean when I say “super obvious.” In Austin, you can walk down the street and see people of five different nationalities in under five minutes. It’s relatively difficult to pick out “foreigners” in a crowd based off appearance. Here, of course, it’s different: non-Koreans stick out. Especially me. I will never, no matter how hard I try, look like anything but an American of vaguely European ancestry.

I have been in Korea for a little over a month now, and I’ve realized there are some significant benefits to being painfully, glaringly Western… and a few less desirable consequences.

Pro: Awesome random friends

People like meeting and talking to foreigners. I’ve gotten used to people I have never seen before excitedly saying “hi” to me on the street. On campus, Korean students love to ask me about my experiences in Korea and in the United States. When I’m out shopping, little kids run up to me, say “thank you” or “nice to meet you,” and give me candy. I can live with that.

Con: Awesome random racism

I’ve gotten used to this, too. I don’t even blink when an older Korean woman on the subway curls her lips at me in disgust and moves purposefully to another seat. I no longer take much offense when a middle-aged man shakes his head when I speak English or curses me under his breath. If someone makes a face at me, I make an even funnier one back. It’s a great game for those longer bus rides.

Pro: I have no shame

Since I have literally zero chance of ever blending in, why try to? This gives me the mental freedom to take as many pictures as I want, ask stupid questions, and generally make a fool out of myself on a regular basis (within reason). It is fantastic.

Con: Everyone stares at me

I know I’ve mentioned this in earlier posts, but I’m still amazed by it. I am not exaggerating whatsoever when I say there is never a moment in public when I’m not being watched, especially in less-touristy areas. Sometimes it’s just a curious, neutral stare, other times, it’s more of the I’d-prefer-you-breathe-elsewhere variety.

Pro(?): Everyone stares at me

Sometimes, if I’m dressed cute or wearing sunglasses or something, I can pretend I’m a celebrity in my head. Is that international superstar Jenna Jaco? Oh my gosh, look! She’s ordering coffee! Alert the media!

Pro: I can take forever deciding what I want on a menu

The waiter will just assume it’s because I can’t read said menu, not because I’m a naturally indecisive food orderer.

Con: Sometimes I actually can’t read the menu.

When this happens, I just slowly sound out any item and cross my fingers. Food roulette!

Pro: In general, people are exceedingly, overwhelmingly nice.

I know my comments about the staring and the subway trolls might make it sound like I’m living in some kind of hostile land. This is far from the truth. On the whole, people I’ve encountered in stores, restaurants, and on the street are friendly and welcoming, especially to people like me who aren’t from here. They make even the most obvious foreigner feel a little less foreign, and for that I am grateful.