Get Your Fingers Away from my Bum-hole!

Written by Bessie about Korea, Republic of. Feelin' annoyed
Bessie_annoyed
Among the many transferrable skills I've picked up as an English teacher in Korea, none are more vital than being able to mime: "No, actually, it's not funny to point your fingers into teacher's butt." In case you find yourself in need of protection, it involves a lot of angry finger waving, eye squinting and bum protecting. 

Think I'm joking? Someone bothered to make a statue.
ddong chim


"What am I talking about?" your wondering. I wish I wasn't able to tell you. 똥침 or Ddong Chim is a practical joke of sorts Koreans young and old enjoy. Wikipedia says it roughly translates to "poop needle" and that it's also famously known in Japan as kancho. Simply clasp your hands together pointing your 2 index fingers and sneak up on the bum of your nearest friend. Kids do it in school, and I even saw 30-something year old waiters doing it passing time during a slow shift. Awesome.

Although, not so awesome at the start of a new school year when 4 year olds think it's a fun way to joke around with teacher. I could be telling you about the sweet little round faced angel with black pig-tails high on her head hugging teacher, but she's no angel and this was not a hug. As part of having fun with kids to ease them into English-immersion pre-school, I get to teach them to stay away from my bum-hole. One of the many life-changing skills I'll impart on them over the next month I'm sure.

I'm not the first English teacher in Korea to find myself snuck up on with little poking fingers, and I know I won't be the last. All I can say is watch out, or you might find yourself a ddong chim victim.

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