supplanting culture.

supplanting culture is the worst way to live abroad.  for instance.  

u cannot eat korean bbq as if you're eating american sirloin steak.  the fat content is just too high and when your stomach cools down, that same fat congeals in your stomach.  i know you must think u know food and you want to eat meat without the salad wrap to fully taste the meat, but there's a method to the madness.  there's a reason you have pickled vegetables, vinegar soup chasers, and you end the meal with a cold noodle.  palate cleansers and grease cutters actually add to the flavor of the meat.  soju and beer is made for the meal.  cheers and be merry and stop trying to not eat carbs.  just do as those around you and stop trying to create your own rules.  

you cannot dip food in the chili sauce as if you're drenching your fries in ketchup.  cuz that chili sauce, no matter how much of it you think you can take, will disrupt any plans you immediately following the meal.  you cannot finish everything on the table in one fell swoop because asian food comes in many courses, not in an entree and an appetizer.  stop being a glutton, chew your food and balance the courses.  buy into the madness and then re-create tradition to fit your life or u'll either live in a bubble or never enjoy your new surroundings.

once u grasp this basic principle, it will help you learn the language.  stop looking for that direct translation.  just feel the language.  feel the meaning and the underlying tone...speak with a purpose and study the grammar.  the korean language even though it sounds quite brass and barbaric with his tenor staccato notes, is a very intimate language.  korean is very descriptive and can perfectly pinpoint emotion because of its many levels of expression alongside intricate levels of respect.  

adapt. live and learn.