Beware...the power of the ajumma

Its not often that a day would pass in the life of a citizen of this fair country, whether Korean or foreign, that one would evade the wrath of the 'ajumma'. A being so powerful, that it will leave dispair and wonderment in its wake.
To the mere persecuted common creatures of society such as myself, the 'ajumma' and the power that follows her is an entity that warrants awe and envy and in this instance; an attempt at an explanation and description of their existence. I find that to delve into an exploraion of this social phenomenon may spark off a certain debate as to the commonly overtly discussed sociological issues in modern Korean society. I'll try to do so without too much disdane to society or boring opinions :)

1) What is an 'ajumma'?

The word 'ajumma' is often used to address a woman of marritable age and she would more than often work in or run a business. There is a stereotypical aestheitc image of an 'ajumma' which is a woman of short, stocky build who wears trousers in outrageous plum colours and has tightly permed hair. I'm not too sure where this stereotype emerged from and I can't find any reference to its origin but I assure you, stereotypes are there for a reason....... and the fact is that such a stereotype fits in with the commonplace judgement of people by their appearance.....
....... it even may be a case of the chicken and the egg here.
The term ajumma is shortened from the original 'ajumma pama' which identifies these individuals with their 'pama' or permed hair. It is, in all of its elements; a label. A label which omits negative conotations to most people. The fact sadly is, that 'ajummas' are busy hard working women, women that care not for themselves but for their families.

2) When can I call someone 'ajumma'?


The word conjurs up confusion and bewilderment in the face of foreigners in Korea. When do you call somebody 'ajumma'? and 'When do we encounter a situation where we deem it ok to address someone as 'ajumma'? We find ourselves working on our concept of age and the traditional binary of old and young. If an ajumma is simply a woman of marriage age and 'older' than you, then wouldn't it be ok to use it many circumstances? Its the pre-determined linguistic baggage associated with the word that causes us to pause and more than often not use the word.
It is also used to call women when in a restaurant, but it is better to be sure of their 'ajumma' status beforehand as you may cause offence...... of course.

3) Why such negative connotations?


It is probably fact that the permed hair and stocky nature of the 'ajumma' have not resulted in her being the bum of many jokes in Korea. Nor is it the fact that they run and work in businesses. It is more than likely their persistent elbows. Their elbows of stainless steel. They will not think twice before knocking you out to take what was presumed to be your seat on the subway. They may stare at you with eyes of a similar steel to persuade you to give up your already coveted seat. And believe me, they are a 'they', an entity of their own. By themselves they may be frightening and powerful but as a group........ ....... ........

4) Can I keep one?

Altough the stereotype of the ajumma is on a large basis outdated, their existence is futile in the functioning of Seoul. I would like to have my own ajumma, as for all of their previously mentioned bullish features, they are a wonder. They will help you and always remember you. The ajumma is an ultimate cog in society and should be admired and respected as such. But, keep those elbows to yourself.