An Intro to South Korea

I’ve been in South Korea for a week now and spent time in both Seoul and the countryside.

These are some of the things I’ve observed and thought along the way.

I like going to the ATM and getting 300,000 of the local currency (won) for under $300.

Cars drive on the right side of the road.

The number for 911 is 119.

CCTV cameras are everywhere; Big Brother is always watching, which kinda makes me feel safer.

The traditional Korean chop stick is flat and made of metal.

Many restaurants have a bell on the table that you can ring to get the waiter’s attention.

Eating in South Korea

Another way to get a waiter’s attention is to say yeogiyo in their direction. The word literally translates to “here,” and is not considered rude. I can only imagine a waiter in America’s reaction to being shouted at from across the room.

One day in Seoul, I ate at an American-Californian buffet. Their idea of American food is pizza, fried rice, spaghetti, chicken, french fries, sushi, soda, coffee and a lot of deserts that I’ve never seen, including grapes on ice. In reality, it wasn’t too far off from what we actually eat back home.

Meat soup is very common in South Korea and often contains parts of the animal that we don’t usually eat in the West: intestines, liver, heart, stomach, etc.

Almost every meal comes with a collection of side dishes (banchan), which often include kimchi, sweet yellow radish, assorted veggies, a miso-like soup, fish and more.

Gangnam. With Style.

I made it to Gangnam and had to restrain from doing the Psy dance as soon as I got out of the subway.

While there, I saw a few minutes of a concert co-hosted by Yoo Jae Suk: the guy from the elevator scene of Psy’s new Gentleman video.

Gangnam is an upscale neighborhood filled with countless shops, bars, restaurants and young people wandering around in stylish clothes. It’s particularly pumping on weekend nights.

Very little of the hit song, Gangnam Style, was filmed in the Gangnam neighborhood. Instead, the song is referencing how the style of those who live there has spread to the rest of Seoul.

Media Posts are interactive screens on every block of Gangnam that have maps, advertisements, cameras and a way to take a photo, draw on it and e-mail the result.

After an evening out with my friends Davee and Sean, this is what we came up with…

Seoul and Beyond…

So many people wear glasses with no lenses. As someone who has worn glasses since age 4, I just don’t get the appeal.

Literally, every single person has a smart phone and they are always using them to talk, text, play a game, take a photo or just tap away absent-mindedly. Because I don’t travel with a mobile, this makes me incredibly jealous.

I’m officially back in Asia, because I didn’t even have to leave the airport to find a 7-Eleven.

Much like in Taipei, Taiwan, Seoul has an abundance of clean public toilets in subway stations and on the streets. I don’t understand why this isn’t more common back in the States.

Many toilets have a electronic bidets attached to them.

The Seoul, Korea, Metro System

Seoul Metro stations play a very pleasant melody before a train arrives.

With an average of nine station exits, getting out of the Metro can often take a few minutes.

Metro trains have a railing above the seats to store your bags, which is great for longer trips and for when the car is especially crowded. (see the photo to the right)

Metro exit stairs could be a bit wider, as they really get packed during rush hour.

Shopping arcades line the walkways in all Seoul Metro stations; both before and after you pay your fare.

All subway stations have emergency preparedness kits that include masks to help you breathe in a fire.

Locals always are amazed that I can easily navigate the Seoul Metro. Apparently, they think that it’s very confusing and too crowded. I would say the exact opposite and also would add that it’s clean, efficient, fast and silent.

More Random Observations

The Itaewon neighborhood feels like I’m back home in the USA; just with a few more Korean letters. All of the signs are primarily in English and include Baskin Robins, Nescafe, Outback Steakhouse, Paris Baguette, KFC, Samsonite, Starbucks, Taco Bell, McDonalds, North Face, New Era, Converse…

Standard hotel towels in Korea are incredibly small. Like, hand towel size. Full-sized towels are available, but so far I’ve had to ask the front desk or maid for one.

As I make these observations while on-the-go, so I speak into my camera on video mode to remember them. This often results confused looks from those around me.

Elevators in South Korea have an amazing function that should be implemented around the world.

Watch this video to see exactly what it is…

Some Things That Make Me LOL

Here are a few things that had me chuckling this past week; hover over any photograph for a description.

Thanks to All My Friends

Finally, I’d like to send a shoutout to all of the amazing friends I have made so far and those who I knew before. I’ve had a blast hanging out with everyone and exploring this beautiful country.

Finally, here’s a parting shot of Seoul, South Korea. I love how the city’s skyscrapers are flanked by majestic mountains on all sides.