For me the Korean alphabet represents a doorway to a new world, one that had been completely foreign to me prior to this. When I started learning Korean I did not even know how to say "hello" and now I can make small sentences, do some small talk and read text. As we all know, language represents the gateway to the culture itself and having been immersed in Korean language for the last few years has also inevitably introduced me to deeper aspects of Korean culture. 

I did have and still have my ups and downs with the cultural differences, various experiences (both good and bad), ex friend who was Korean and current friends that I have met throughout COVID, so I can say that my plate is full when it comes to this. 

Am I a Koreaboo? Definitely not! I don't even think I fully understand that term but, sadly, many foreigners are grouped into that category because of the exaggerated interest in Korean culture. 

Sadly and happily, COVID has built this bridge and opened its gates widely for everyone to come in. This led to overtourism and all the current issues seen in Asia now. Despite my deep love of Asia, I have never been there (crying internally!!!!) but one day maybe I will live there? Who knows right? 

All this to say that Hangul Day is a special day since it is a constant reminder of the new journey I began in my life by getting to understand to some extent the Korean culture and, implicitly, more of the Asian culture that I have always been drawn to. 

I did receive scorns and under the belt insults from others regarding my love of Asia and interests in a different place on this planet but I stand strong in my beliefs still and have returned once again to learning the Korean language after taking a break from it. 

I sort of missed it and then I realized that the language itself posseses a form of uniquess that is attributable to the alphabet created by King Sejong. 

I think out of all Asian languages, Hangul is the easiest to memorize and learn...however, its grammar and pronounciation is an entirely different story...but it's all part of the journey. 

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Here is to Hangul Day this year and many more to come!!!

#hangulday #한글날 #koreanculture 

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