Culture shock!

Usually this kind of word combination gets a negative connotation. Before going to South Korea, I did an extensive research. I am a person who usually does not listen to the feedback (especially negative one and the one that is not constructive) or read comments, and I am glad I followed my intuition this time as well. All I heard, read or saw about Korea on SNS was: Yeah , it is good, but ...Koreans do not like foreigners; if you dont speak the language, you will struggle badly (I do by the way, at least enough to have a polite conversation); you will struggle with food; Koreans are very reserved towards foreigners; culture will shock you - bowing, giving and taking with two hands etc. The list was endless. Now, I understand that anybody with self respect and common sense will have the best time in places like Korea, Japan or Vietnam. I have never ever met nicer, more polite, friendly, helpful and welcoming people in my life. Not even in my home country, where obviously I know the language and culture. Koreans will go above and beyond to help and show their appreciation. The most fascinating, unbelievable and shocking situation happened to me on some rainy day in Busan. We had decided to go to Taejondae Resort Park. The weather was not the best, but when we left the home, we had a hope that it would change for better. Unfortunately, it did not. Halfway to the park, being in a bus, we had to make a decision - turn back and loose the day or risk it. Loose a day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Not in Korea. There is so much to do and see, that loosing a day compares to a crime. So, when we got our 10 min walk in a park, it started pouring down; we decided to rush back to bus. As I was walking back quickly with my daughter, trying to hide under trees to avoid the rain, I saw a van slowing down and stopping nearly next to us. Two thoughts crossed my mind 1. They want to ask me something , but my Korean is not THAT good. 2. They are workers, maybe emptying the bins or something else. They were workers and they stopped. One of them got out of the car, gave me an umbrella, wished us great day, smiled and left. I stood there speachless, stunned and smiling. 3 words and emotions I remember up till this day. What a cultural experience!!!! Our girls were the luckiest kids, they made so many "friends" on a bus, in a cafe, in a park, climbing mountains and on a beach. They got sweets and cookies from ahjussi and ahjummas told them that they were pretty. People showed us directions in rare times when we looked lost, they helped us read the ingredients in shops and gave us seats in metro. Even Jimin's dad shook our hands :) My husband recieved a bow from a gentleman 2 times his age, just for giving up seat in a bus. I am so glad I got to experience this culture shock. It just proved how easy it can be to get lost in somebody else opinion, because 99% of the time , it is subjective. We all have situations to deal with when abroad, it just how we deal with those and what impact they leave on us. In Korea you will always get more than expected. Especially, if talking about cafes and restaurants. Each one of them give just that little extra, whether it is extra side dish or just a glass of water. Koreans like foreigners , but they like self respecting and mannered foreigners. Believe me, I know, because I experienced the difference how they treated us and others (who by the way were not so well behaved) in the same situation. I like this kind of opinion and attitude. I wish to be presented with another umbrella and get more yellow raddish 😍