Random things about Korea, so far

Here are some random things I’ve noticed about Korea so far:

The cicadas are very loud in the park on our way to school. Way louder than I’ve heard before. It’s really hot and humid here too.

Everything is in really small spaces. Everything is built up from the street instead of out. You have to look up the high-rise building instead of just on the first floor for things like movie theatres, restaurants and bars. There’s lots of neon too.

People are very friendly and helpful. We had people help lift our bags (very heavy) on and off the bus from the airport. Anyone who almost speaks English talks to you on the subway.

English teachers stick out everywhere. We are all white and about the same age. You are almost expected to say hi to everyone, but it’s kind of nice.

Korea is pretty conservative. We are just outside of Seoul, so it’s not as bad.

Apparently you can’t get porn on internet, but there is some on the channels on TV when we were in a couple motels. They are also conservative about clothes, religion, and relationships. Most girls usually live at home until marriage.

The people here are very prompt and have a good sense of time.

There is a very efficient transportation system. You can take a high speed train most places, Seoul has two major airports, and the subway goes almost anywhere. It’s really new and clean and very cheap to take it even on longer trips around the city.

Everything comes packaged individually, like cookies crackers and candy in their boxes.

There are almost no ovens. Instead we have just two small burners and a really big dish dryer machine. We thankfully got a little toaster oven from a friend.

There are high heels everywhere. All the women wear crazy stilettos that don’t look comfortable at all. In general, Koreans are very concerned about their appearance.
There are mirrors and beauty stores everywhere.

Soju. This is an amazing vodka like drink, socially acceptable in almost any setting, and found almost anywhere for about $1 per bottle.

Korea has heated floors. It’s the style used way back when called ondol where fires were lit under buildings for warmth. I think they use more modern methods now...

Murses are a necessity for most men. The guys all have them and/or are carrying their girlfriend’s purses. Sometimes they even pick them out together, since the guy is the one who carries it.

Some buildings have elevators that only stop at every 2nd floor. You if you want floor 5, make sure you get in the odd elevator. Not sure if this is more efficient and quicker.

Koreans are big on composting and recycling! Our building sorts almost everything. You just take a big bin or box down to the basement almost everything is separated, even things you don’t do at home, like Styrofoam or fabric. Even apartment buildings have to compost. We just freeze it in the little green bags you get and bring them outside when they get full.

A big hit here it the DVD-bangs, PC-bangs, and Karaoke-bangs. Basically just a small room you rent to watch a movie, sing karaoke or use the internet for gaming. Some younger couples rent the DVD rooms for more than movies (see lines about conservativeness and girls living at home until marriage).

There are huge tanks of live fish at stores and restaurants. You pretty much point to the swimming fish you want killed for your meal. Most of the time you grill it yourself right at the table.

You are not supposed to flush the TP or anything down the train. Most of the foreigners do anyways, but it’s typical to see a waste bin in the stall full of gross things.

Some food is a lot more expensive and some things are way cheaper. Things that are more expensive: butter, cheese, toilet paper, tissue. Things that are cheaper: chicken, metro, soju (vodka), beer. Milk and fruit and most other things are about the same price.

A lot of random things come free in bundles at grocery stores. So far we have gotten juice with ice cube trays, beer with plastic cups, and cereal with baggies.