Do Gay Koreans Exist?

This week has been pretty uneventful, which in a way, I am grateful for. However, yesterday, I was approached by a Northern Ireland woman called Ailse. She seemed quite nice but a little lonely. I think Paula and I might pay her a visit some point soon.

Today, after a week of frustration of trying to find a PC Bang whose computers have something closely resembling Word, I managed to get a couple of formal letters typed up and printed. This morning I popped into the post office to post these letters. I was approached my a rather handsome guard who wanted to help me, and seemed to fancy me (asking me how old I am, body language etc). But then, I noticed a rather girly-looking stud earing in his left ear (despite the fact that both ears were pierced. Back in England, this is a statement of homosexuality. Yet in Korea, the most men of my generation seem to be pretty boys, and are not afraid to dye their hair, wear jewelry, clense, tone and moisturise. You see, I have been told that homosexuality is not recognised here in Korea, most believe that it does not exist. Surely it must exist though???

As I started to walk out of the building, I began coughing. "Cold'? he asked. "Yes" I replied, not bothering to get into the finer details. He reached into his jacket and pulled out a handful of sweets. "pumpkin candy, and pumpkin jelly" he proclaimed. "for you, my friend". I was bowled over. I gracefully accepted them, hiding my awkwardness and embarrassment. At this point I couldn't resist, I had to find out. "do you have a girlfriend"? I enquired. "No" he replied simply. Hmmmmmmm.
"see you again soon" he called after me, as I walked out the building.

How sweet. But I have noticed that Korean's in general, even my generation, stick to old fashioned values that seem to be dying in Western society. They are extremely caring, considerate and helpful, even towards foreigners. These are values I believe in myself; shame Western society is becoming more arrogant and selfish with each generation.

As for me asking outright if he had a girlfriend,I knew Icould get away with it without embarrassing myself, as these questions are normal to ask a stranger. Korea is still confucious in many ways, and men and women alike will ask you certain questions straight away so they know where to place you in their ranking system. (Also, if a Korean man is interested in you, your age is important, as the man needs to be around 3-4 years older than the woman in order to be considered as a love-interest/potential wife).

"How old are you?"
Where are you from?"
"Teacher?"
"Do you have a boyfriend?"

(After that, taxi drivers complete the inquisition by telling my that I am beautiful/ilpon etc).

Its a routine that I am used to now.