Common Baby Related Words in Korean

I'm not too proud of the fact that I don't speak Korean. Believe me, I've tried. I took some classes when I came to Korea and despite being in the lowest group at the Migrant Center in Suwon most of my other classmates were much better than I was since they were migrant workers and used Korean at work. As an English teacher, I didn't have much chance to practice. I'm not new to language learning either. I speak Spanish very well and my Chinese is much better than my Korean despite the fact that I lived there for only a year and a half. I feel like in China they applaud your effort more and actually make an effort to try to understand. Here in Korea, I usually get "no!" with arms crossed in front of their chest or have them switch to English.

After a year in Korea, I started my second MA and then I got pregnant and in my spare time just wanted to sleep. After having a baby my priorities changed. As a single mom living in Korea with no family other than a second cousin down south, I've become very good at miming what I want or knowing who to call if I really need help. I realise that speaking Korean would help me, but I've also come to realise that in this day and age of smartphones and translators literally at the our fingers it's not the end of the world if you don't speak Korean. My cellphone contains a dozen numbers, such as Global Centers and Migrant Centers. Here is a complete list of useful phone numbers and websites for foreigners living in Korea.

In addition to calling, you can also use translation apps if you have a smartphone, which most people in Korea have. It's not going to be 100% correct, but it's better than nothing.

You can also prepare a list of common words and expressions and just carry it with you. Mama Seoul has a list of some Korean words and expressions on her blog.


-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tender Embrace Birthing offers childbirth, breastfeeding, and newborn care classes and support.