I went to Busan yesterday with some friends.  We wanted to eat Mexican near the beach and go to Costco.  We had a great time until the bus ride home.

I should start by saying that I’m used to people staring at me, point and laughing at me, coming up to me and using the three words of English they know, and almost everything else.  It doesn’t bother me.  I know I’m somewhat of a novelty.  I’m white.  I’m a foreigner.  I’m heavy.  I have large breasts.  You name it.  Almost everything about me is different.  Really.  It doesn’t bother me.  I’ve been here too long.

So we were on the bus coming back to Ulsan.  The three of us were having a fun conversation.  There was an older gentleman sitting in front of me.  All of a sudden he turns around and starts commenting on my chest.  Then he turns to my friend and does the same.  He would not quit.  I don’t know a lot of what he was saying.  But then he starts poking me in the leg.  I didn’t appreciate that at all.  After a half a dozen pokes or so, I finally told him to stop in Korean.  I’ll admit.  It may not have been in a respectful form, but it was the only one I knew.  And it should have gotten my point across.  It didn’t.  He kept poking.

Finally the bus driver got involved.  He started taking to the gentleman (and I use that term loosely).  The man was getting belligerent with the driver.  The driver finally stopped and called the police.  I started freaking out.  I thought the driver was upset with me.  The lady behind me apologized and told me the driver was made at the man.  The police finally came and talked to the man.  I guess they told him to sit and be quiet and get off at his stop.

He finally got off.  Our stop was like two down the road.  I got off and was never so glad to see Ulsan.

Even though so many people here think they can treat others, especially foreigners and especially those younger than them like crap.  Not everyone does.  There are people who will stick up for others and do the right thing.  I’ve never been put into a situation like this.  I hope I never experience it again.  But it is proof that there are still good people in the world.

I should also add that one of the wisest pieces advice came from my high school US History/Government teacher.  Dr. Franks told us that we should judge another culture based on the standards of our own.  That tidbit has kept me sane over here.  I don’t make a habit of feeling sorry for myself or feeling mistreated.  Although Korean culture doesn’t necessarily say that this man’s actions are right, they are accepted.  Are things changing?  Probably.  Change is universal.