The Ajuma

I've used a phrase a couple of times in my writing that I guess I never really defined: Ajuma. Ajuma is a Korean word that simply refers to any older lady or married lady. It's a respectful term that is akin to Misses. However, in a certain context, it refers to a certain type of older Korean lady that carries certain characteristics. I'm by no means Korean, so my definition will be a culmination of conversations with foreigner community, co-workers, and my students. So that makes my definition 2/3 Korean and 1/3 objective observation. Observing the ajuma is easy, but taking pictures is incredibly difficult. Ajumas have an instinct about impending photography and will do anything they can to prevent having their picture taken.

1. The ajuma is old. Current estimates put her in the 47 and up category. That's a direct quote from our students.

2. The ajuma proudly sports a perm despite genetic hair thinning and common male pattern baldness. According to our students, they get a perm at age 47, thus cementing their status as an ajuma. (see observation 1)

3. The ajuma has purple tinted hair. Similar to the "Bluehairs" of the USA, the obvious sign of dyed Asian hair shows up as a purple hue.

4. The ajuma sports a huge visor to protect her fragile face from the evil sun. Having a really white complexion is envied in Korea. It stems from the idea that the upper class does not work outdoors, therefore has no tan or signs of being in the sun. I had to borrow this image from this website. Like I was saying, the photos can be hard to get.

From Things to blog about

5. The ajuma wears a pastel jacket. Here is a common sight in Korea. Here, several ajumas hang out on a park bench, each wearing the identical jacket in a different color. I had to pretend I was talking on my phone and take this picture with the phone's camera.

From Things to blog about

(This photo also reinforces observations 2 and 3)

6. The ajuma is under five feet tall when standing normally, over five feet tall when standing erect.

From Things to blog about

(This photo reminds me of those optical illusions that asks you to determine which line is longer)

From Things to blog about

7. The ajuma is the most gracious person in Korea when you offer a helping hand off of the bus, with a heavy bag, or simply opening a door.

8. The ajuma will look on you with great favor if you have gone through the trouble of learning a few Korean phrases such as "Thank You" or "Excuse Me."

9. The ajuma will carefully place a high velocity elbow into your hip bone if you do not react to her "Excuse Me" on the bus.

10. The ajuma wants your subway seat.......always.

11. If you give the ajuma your subway seat, she will reserve any opening adjacent seat for you with the tenacity a wounded cornered mother wolverine uses to protect her babies.