Will you be my loverly?

Happy Pepero Day, or should I say “Happy Marketing Ploy Day?” Pepero is a chocolate cookie stick that’s made by Lotte, South Korea’s sixth largest conglomerate that deals in candy manufacturing, beverages, hotels, and many other products. The clever little candy schemers came up with the idea to create a Pepero Day on 11/11, since the numerical date resembles four Pepero sticks. It’s kind of like a Valentines Day of sorts, in that you are supposed to buy Pepero for, as the box says, “your loverly.”




In other news I went to an all Korean church with Pink today. We had to take two buses to get there, and I felt like it was in a more authentic area of Daejeon. As I was riding the second bus, it finally hit me that I was in an Asian country far from home. Perhaps because it was the first time I had actually ventured far from the Dong without my Western friends. For a second, my heart rate rapidly increased, and I felt a bit anxious. However, once we got to the church, I was immediately put to ease. Everyone was so kind and generous. I had my first experience of feeling like a celebrity rock star. They made me stand up during the service and everyone clapped. I awkwardly stood there and bowed, until Pink pulled me down. I didn’t understand the sermon except when the minister said, “Kam-sa-ham-ni-da” (thank you), “yeo-gi” (here), and of course the occasional “Amen.” I did follow along in an English/Korean Bible, and got chills when they closed the service by singing “Amazing Grace.” I love how that song is able to transcend across different languages and cultures, and still touch my heart.

After the sermon, Pink introduced me to everyone and we had lunch on the pews. Two high school boys gave me a coffee in a can, and a Pepero stick. I think some of the older guys wanted me to be their “loverly”, because they got all excited when I said I wasn’t married. I met an interesting lady, Mrs. Kim, who lived in San Antonio for nine years, so we chatted it up about Texas. Yes, even in Korea, she still has the Texas pride…Everyone was so sweet, and was excited when I said I would come back. I really want to start cracking down on learning Korean. On the ride back home Pink taught me how to say, “My name is –“ and “Nice to meet you”.

I’m glad I stepped out of my comfortable circle this weekend and emerged myself in a bit of real Korean life. Everyone says it’s hard to truly be accepted into the Korean culture, and I’ve even wondered if my friendship with Pink is just because I’m an American and that automatically makes her cool by association. I hope not. I felt so welcomed and at home today, and I truly want to learn more about their lives. Maybe, that’s all they want…for people to have a nonjudgmental interest in their culture. Who knows? I guess it can’t hurt to try.