This was not a problem though, as everyone understands hand signals and pointing, and there was a menu on the counter as well. She rung up my order and repeated the total back to me in Korean, so I looked at the monitor and handed her about five thousand South Korean won, then waited.
My struggles weren’t over, though! The worker making my drink shortly came up to me to communicate that it was sold out and asked what other flavors I might like. We had a hard time understanding each other for a bit, then she finally offered a suggestion-- “peachy?”— and I went with it. It is hard to convey in words how challenging it can be to communicate with someone when you are speaking two different languages, but it really does require you to flex your brain muscles and try to come up with ways to get over the barrier. I am still very grateful she knew how to say “peach” in English!
Later on, after checking into my hostel in Seogwipo on Jejudo, I headed to Arang Joeul Food Street. The food street is an entire block of restaurants, where both sides of the streets feature shops that all boast delicious foods. Lots of the signs outside had graphics of pigs as well, and I learned that Jejudo is famous for its black pork. After strolling along the streets and checking out the menus outside, I happened upon a small shop operated by a husband and wife and ordered some barbecue black pork. The wife cooked it in front of me on a hot plate, and it came with tons of side dishes like fungi and kimchi. Once the pork was cooked, she mimed to me how to prepare it on a lettuce leaf, and I would follow her instructions then give a questioning thumbs up to make sure I understood correctly.
