Cross Cultural Interactions

Unexpected, Lasting Moments

A PHOTO ESSAY
MARIANNA MERCER | C&T 491 | 27 JUNE 2017
The students invited us high school teachers to tteok-bokki and cooked it for us I had never tried it before,
and it was delicious. The real surprise, though, was later in the night. After dinner, we stood briefly outside
of the restaurant, unsure of what to do next. Some of the students suggested getting bingsu, but quickly
decided they did not have money, and opted for the park instead. Finding a spot in the grass, we formed a
circle and I suggested a game I asked if they were familiar with concentration they were not but they
quickly caught on. After several rounds, they introduced us to their Korean version of the game. Then, it
made sense, of course they could play concentration so easily! Their game was even more difficult. These
games were followed by duck duck goose, both in Korean and American types.
We ended with their variety of freeze tag, falling and laughing continuously in our little grass section
of the park. The sun was about to disappear completely at this point, so we gathered up our belongings and
headed back to the school the police stopped us first, though. I was alarmed were we being too loud? But
no, they were smiling and taking pictures of us, saying that they were glad to see us there, and they hoped
we could come again soon. A stop at the discount market on the way back for ice cream, and then we
returned, finally, to the school. One cross-cultural experience that will last, and one of my favorite nights
without a doubt.
First week at Kyunghwa, I had a student ask to interview me for one of her classes. I readily agreed, and
she shyly set up her phone to record our conversation. I learned much from this exchange how important
annunciation and careful consideration of word choice is. I learned what negotiation of meaning is. I began
to learn her story, too. She warmed up quickly, growing more confident with her English, and we made a
trip to the snack shop on campus, after. DaBin is now close with all of the high school teachers, and I
continue to learn much from her. She says that we encourage her, but truly, her sweet notes and kind
words are what helps us to remember why we are here, some days. I am thankful for her.
I didnt know the caf just down the mountain would be the basis for some of the most memorable cross-cultural
interactions. My first cappuccino from Korea was from caf TOV roasting; it was a taste of home something I
would get at my favorite coffee shop in Lawrence. What was even more significant, though, was the immediate
hospitality of the baristas who work at TOV. Whoever is working accommodates our occasional large groups with a
smile and arranges the small space to allow us to charge our laptops. Once, a barista recognizing that we were
there for the third day in a row, gave us chocolate. Another time, even though we did not purchase a thing, the
barista blended tomatoes and offered us tomato smoothies.
One evening I went to TOV alone, wanting to read and decompress for a bit. As I ordered, I noticed that
the owner of the caf was training a new barista. He spoke some English, so I mentioned that I am a barista back in
the U.S. After I ordered, I sat down and began to read, but a few pages or so into my chapter, the new barista
walked over and asked if I would like to make a pour over. I was taken aback, but obviously said yes! They had all
the equipment set up, and nervous to mess up in the front of the owner (who is an expert on coffee she roasts
her own), I carefully made the measurements for the pour over. Held my breath as they tasted it, and then
approved. The new barista then made a pour over, too, and we talked about coffee for close to an hour. While the
owner speaks very limited English, the new barista could translate for me, and it was a wonderful exchange about
the worldwide trade of coffee. As I left, the owner laughed and said she would come to Kansas someday and make
a pour over at my caf. I said she should.
From the beginning of my stay at Kyunghwa, I was telling students I wanted to play soccer. I finally,
finally had the opportunity one Sunday night at 10pm (the students have one free hour before they
either go to bed or study almost always study). One student rallied her roommates and friends and
found a soccer ball at home to use and we played! Despite the lack of light and a slippery dirt field to
contend with, we set up the goals and played 3 v. 3. I taught them the I believe chant and they loved
it. Some of the girls had played soccer in middle school and were very talented it was a joy to see them
excel. We laughed a lot, scored a lot, and of course, shouted the I believe chant over and over.
Before the trip, I read about Myeong-dong
Cathedral. As it is the birthplace for the Roman
Catholic Church in Korea. It was a dream to go,
but I did not guess that we would actually be
staying in Myeong-dong on our Seoul excursion!
Even when I knew it was so close to our hotel, I
was worried I still would not be able to locate it.
However, it was much easier than expected. I
asked the staff at the front desk for directions
one morning, and sure enough found my way
there. It was less than a ten minute walk away.

Catholic means universal, yet this was my first

time experiencing this definition in the most
literal sense. I was thrilled to hear Mass in
Korean and participate, despite the language
barrier. At the sign of peace, a part of the mass
during which the congregation shakes hands and
says peace be with you in the U.S., the Korean
congregation bowed to one another. I caught on,
and bowed, even though I could not respond in
Korean. However, I was surprised when the old
woman next me smiled and said peace be with
you in perfect English.

Halfway across the world, the Church can still

feel like home and I was so glad I was able to
experience this beautiful, universal
understanding and connection.