General Description

A true Korean ajumma goes beyond the literal translation of “aunt” and delves further into the stereotype of creating a third Korean gender: man, woman, ajumma.  She, the candidate, will possess a broad knowledge of traditional Korean recipes and mothering, as well as grandmothering and possibly great-grandmothering depending on experience.  If successful, candidates will contribute greatly to the ajumma cliche providing irritable customer service while somehow maintaining the public’s respect.

Required Skills

• Must be constantly in a rush and willing to shove innocent bystanders out of the way.
• Must have the ability to sit on the floor (preferably in the way of pedestrians) for hours on end.
• Must be able to eat twice the amount of food of an average person.
• Must maintain a perfect scowl and surly demeanor alone, but adopt a pleasant attitude in the presence of other ajummas. 
• Must always cut strangers in line, no matter how busy everyone seems. 
• Must be comfortable using public restrooms without locking, or even closing, the stall door.
• Must occasionally smile and offer open subway seats to foreigners.  

Desired Attributes

While not officially required, the following are strongly encouraged:

• Short permed hair
• Abundance of floral shirts
• Therapeutic shoes 
• Inability to be bothered by the little things (or anything, really)

Experience

At least 65 years of human existence

Work Status

Travel

An ajumma enjoys lunch, unfazed, while a soldier opens fire. Photo source: KoreAm Blog