Koreans are big on their days to celebrate different groups of people; today was Teachers Day.

As a reward for their efforts as teachers public school teachers across the country enjoyed a relaxing day off in the sun but us hakwon (private English school) teachers slaved away extra hard because the parents sent their kids to school early to get them out of the house.

On teachers day it is traditional for the kids present their teachers with carnations to commemorate their efforts in the classroom. But kids will also give other gifts, shower gel and toothpaste were among the things I saw on the Korean teachers desks.

Throughout the day kids arrived with gifts for the Korean teachers, but Katrina and I fared less well. When I left at seven Katrina hadn’t amassed any gifts from her students but I had managed a two whole carnations and a beautifully gift wrapped present.

The present had appeared on my desk whilst I was in a lesson and I have no idea which student put it there. Upon finding it I was desperate to know what it was. But it is impolite to open present in front of people in Korea so I had to wait until I got home. As soon as I was through the door I ripped off the wrapping expecting to find something either useless or made of rice but it was a very pretty traditional Korean fan. It was a really nice gift that I will definitely take home with me. I just wish I knew which student put it there.

* Posted by j150vsc on 15/05/2007.