In this week’s episode, we speak to ex-Korea resident, Alison Lihalakha. We cover the genesis of the Korean Kim and Vietnamese Nguyen surnames, differences in culture in Korea compared to the Middle East and Saudi culture being different what Westerners imagine (Alison lived in Saudi pre-Korea).

We also discuss Apartment adjoshis (old retired Korean fellas who act as caretakers at big apartment buildings), being able to blend in in Korea as a person of Asian heritage and older Koreans staring at foreigners.

There are also bits and pieces about Korea for expat kids, the lack of expectation on Westerners to speak Korean and Alison’s memoir (Salted Plums) about growing up Asian in the States.