Korea! Korea! Korea!

 

Our Home for over four years and easily one of the most interesting chapters in our lives. Korea is a comfortable place to be. In Seoul, everything you need is probably within five blocks. We taught English to children, adolescents, college students, and adults.

 

Deciding to live here has exposed us to people from all over the world. That’s what we’ll remember the most.

 

 

For Travelers

 

Overall Vibe: Busy ! Koreans work ! Twelve hour shifts are common and their passion for education is astonishing. Typical children will wake at 7 am, go to public school, leave around 3 p.m., and then go to a series of private music / art / tae kwon do / and English lessons, sometimes until late in the evening. Capitalism is definitely alive and well. It seems as if every family owns a convenience store, restaurant, or bar to support the “healthy” drinking culture.

 

People Vibe: Conformity is not a dirty word here. Haircuts are selected by number, 80% of my students are going to be the CEO of Samsung one day, and 98% of their cars are black, white, or gray. Families and individuals are very conscious about how their occupation, clothing, and lifestyle appear to the world, however, a conversation between strangers is usually a cautious affair by western standards, with neither party willing to share many details about themselves. It’s interesting to see how their private life is more public than ours, and their public life is more private. A hierarchal structure is integrated into their language and respect is surrendered to those with advanced age and prosperity. Acquaintances are given priority over strangers so you may take some elbows and shoulders on the street without apology. However, dishonesty with money is not common. I’ve always been given the correct change.

 

Safety: Korea is the safest place I’ve ever experienced. I’ve seen more cameras and wallets returned to their owners, than stolen. In general, Koreans are non-confrontational and willing to help if you ask.

 

Things to Do:

 

1. Check out COEX Mall near Samsung Station to see one of Korea’s national pass times, “Shopping”.

 

2. Make sure to visit a reputable “Jim Ja Bong”, which is a Korean sauna/spa. You need to be comfortable in the nude and prepared to relax. Try the foot massage machines. They are GREAT!

 

3. There are mountains everywhere so join the hordes and take a hike. Prepare to be humbled when 80 year old men whiz by you to the top.

 

4. Visit the markets at Namdaemuen, Dongdaemuen, and Itaewon.

 

5. If you’re here in the spring or summer, plan a get away to the quaint island of Dok Choke Doe from the ferry terminal at Incheon. It’s a foreigner retreat and a great escape from busy city life.

 

Food Suggestions:

Dalk Kalbi (spicy chicken BBQ) – This is IT!

Dolsot-bi-bim-bop (rice / veggies / pepper paste in stone bowl)

Malkoli (Korean Rice Wine) – A bit “gamey” at first .... But I have grown to love it. Get the green bottle.

Sushi Train (cheap places in Kondae serve for 1,000 won per plate)

 

Etiquette: Take your shoes off when entering any home. Hold your elbow when filling an elder’s glass.