The Power of the Ajuma

Definition of AJUMA: An ajuma is a middle-aged Korean woman who has already had kids. It is said this woman needed seemingly supernatural powers to raise Korean children. Throughout Korea, there is an ongoing joke making fun of an ajuma’s super-powers, despite her unassuming figure. Basically, she could be an X-Men character.

Here are some ajuma facts:

-In Korea, there are three types of people – man, woman, and ajuma

-If there was a nuclear bomb that destroyed the entire planet, the only lifeforms to survive are cockroaches and ajuma

-If a seat becomes available in a crowded subway, an ajuma has the ability to dart to the seat like a lightning bolt

-If there is only one item remaining in a store sale, an ajuma uses her super-powers to obtain it by jumping amazing heights and running across the store like a super-being.

-There are popular “Gag” comedy shows on Korean television, with young actors dressing in costumes and acting ridiculously making fun of ajumas

Above is a video I had to take of an “ajuma” I spotted demonstrating her superhuman powers. She was walking around the subway tunnels unaffected by the huge load on top of her head as she carried another large bag with her left hand.