Five things we can learn from an Ajumma

What do you think of when you hear the word “Ajumma”? Most of you might think: “nothing because Ajumma is not a word”.

 Well for most living in Korea, the word conjures images of curly “ramen hair”, colorful clothes and a no-nonsense attitude. For some, the word may even conjure feeling of fear and apprehension.

 

Ajumma (아 줌 마) basically translates to “auntie” which is what you would call a woman of marriageable age.  Technically an ajumma could be your 25 year old sister, your mom, or grandma. However, when Koreans and foreigners alike hear the word Ajumma this is what we imagine

Ajummas are notorious is Korea. Although they often get a bad rep, we can learn a lot from Ajummas. Thus, I’ve composed a list:

 

Five things we can learn from an Ajumma

 1.     Be so eccentric that people want to mimic your eccentricity

There is such a thing as the “ajumma” look. This look usually consists of brightly colored, printed clothes that don’t match, a large visor atop a mop of wild curly hair, large shoes and weathered features. The ajumma look has become somewhat of a fashion statement. To achieve this look, pay close attention to the picture below.

 

 

and bonus

 

 

2.     Be a boss in your own world

You will often see Ajummas crossing the street in the middle of traffic, LIKE A BOSS. Cars usually stop and let them cross without the usual screaming and yelling that would occur if a regular person had done it. If you’re in an ajummas way, don’t be surprised if you are shoved, moved or displaced to accommodate said ajumma. Although most people may think it’s rude, in an adjummas head, you were in the way and thus needed to be removed. The next time someone is standing in your way, figuratively speaking, take a bit of direction from an ajumma and shove their a$%es out of the way.

 

3.     Family first

In Korean culture, family is very important. Everyone takes care of each other. It’s why you rarely see homeless people. It’s also common to see grandmothers and grandfathers taking care of young children. This is extremely helpful for a household where both parents work. I think western society could benefit a lot from this mindset. Too often we see family members struggle while others prosper.

 

4.     Work Hard/Play Hard

I can’t count the number of times I’ve looked at old, hunched over, extremely weathered Ajummas pushing large carts filled with recyclables, carrying 5-10 pounds of vegetables on their heads or hoisting a baby on their backs. These Ajummas put old people in western countries to shame. Instead of lying in bed, or being confined to a wheelchair or walker at the age of 70, these women are still out working, living, supporting and providing for their families. It’s truly admirable. Initially I felt sorry for them and an urge to rush over and help them cross the street or push their carts or whatever inane/insane task they were doing that I though they were just too old to do. What I soon learned is that Ajummas are truly self-sufficient. They don’t need you. And when they are not working hard, they are outside with their other ajumma friends hiking, running around with their grandchildren, or being social in general.

 

 

5.     Work-out like a champ

I was amazed when I first arrived in Korea to see how mobile the older generation was. As, I mentioned before, having a hunched back or even bowed legs doesn’t stop an ajumma from doing what she has to do. More often than not, I see ajummas doing what looks to me like acrobatics on the outdoor gyms and I can barely manage 10 push-ups without collapsing. Don’t be surprised to enter a gym in the morning and find most of its patrons to be over the age of 50. This is a country that values healthy living and I’m guessing this “ideal” was passed down through generations.

 

To sum it up: Live your life “like a boss”. Do what you like, wear what you want, work hard, but play harder.