Seoul Subway Speaking Session

I read before coming here that Koreans were friendly. I read they ask questions that we might find intrusive or taboo. I read they would talk to me so they could practice English.

But I had no idea that were actually right. Until Saturday that is.

On the long subway ride from the mall to the welcoming party, I sat down between an older adult male and a younger female student. The man started talking to me first.

"Where are you from?" .... "Texas"
"Why are you in Korea?" .... "I'm teaching English"
"How long have you in Korea?" .... "Two weeks"
"How old are you?" ...."24"...(no typo- they go by the lunar calendar, so I'm 24)
"How much you pay?" .... "Uhh, you mean how much is my salary?"
"Yes, yes!" ...."Ummm...2.1 million won." (I don't mind answering the American taboo question at all. It just feels weird as the secret words are coming out of my mouth.)
"What is your religion?" ....UGH these theological people are annoyingly Southern... "I don't have a religion."
I won't go into further detail, but many more religion questions and tip toeing answers followed ...
He then gives me his business card, and asks for mine. I also read that Koreans were obsessed with business cards. He was a little disappointed when I said I don't have any. But then we arrived at his stop...

The girl gave me no breather. Before he was off the subway, she was already talking to me.

"Excuse me, you engish teacher?".... (very smiley) "Yes, I am!"
"Oh, I want to go to school for flighhhdde addentantey." ...."You want to be a flight attendant?"
"Yes! I have interview for school soon."...."Are you already in university?"
"No, high school."....after I get over my shock from this professionally dressed mature looking girl, I say "Oh well that's great!"
"Can you practice me English?" ....We exchange phone numbers and agree if I can we'll have to meet in between our subway stops as they are pretty far from each other.


No complaints here. Peace out girl scout.