1) Never sleep with the air conditioner on...you may not wake up in the morning.
2) Men and women spitting constantly. Why? I've been told it is better to get it out than keep it in.
3) I. Love. Noraebang. Private karaoke rooms where you and your friends can belt out your fave tunes.
4) The people here are so very helpful and kind if you are lost.
5) Cars, scooters, & motorcycles can drive ANYWHERE...even on sidewalks.
6) I love going to a family mart, buying a beer, and drinking it on the sidewalk patio furniture right outside the store.
7) Koreans seem to love saying "HI" to ME. (as was so kindly pointed out by some friends of mine lol)
8) This city is very clean (well I think so anyhow). Not very much litter anywhere. People even rid of smoke butts in the appropriate spots. LOVE IT!
9) I watched an older lady grab one of my friends breasts and jiggle them around in her hands while dancing in a drumming show. bahhhh
10) Apparently, my apartment is haunted. Thanks for the info past tenant that lived here. (this is sacarasm)
11) The number 4 is believed to represent bad luck. You will not see it often.
12) Leg shakers beware! It is believed this is bad because you are shaking out all the good luck...or maybe it is bad luck, I can't remember:)
13) Simple tasks take TWICE as long to accomplish here than at home.
14) Always take your shoes off at the front door.
15) Red pepper paste and beer gives you the WORST dragon breath. Monday mornings crammed on the bus is not so pleasant.
16) Korean babies are the cutest little things I have ever seen in my life.
17) K-Pop is brutal in my opinion lol
18) Hiking is fun...getting older is not:(
19) There are soooo many hiking trails here and many mountains to climb. But hiking here is quite different than at home...there are soooo many people on the trails here:)
20) My friends and I have made an observation and it must be said: Foreigner men want (and have) Korean girlfriends.
21) Banks here have the right idea: take a number, go sit down on the comfy couch and wait contently while greeter dude brings you a coffee.
22) Although...one day I was at the bank and the security dude was flinging his gas gun around like he was in an old western or something. AWKWARD!
23) If a bus driver is late on his route, don't get in his way:)... OR ...if on the bus already, take some gravol for the ride.
24) I have loved the weather here so far. Although, we have had some HOT and HUMID days, it has been beautiful. We'll see how the winter goes.
25) Bribery is your best classroom management tool here. USE IT!
26) Women! You must have broad shoulders to live here. If you weigh more than 115-120 lbs, you will be considered FAT and probably called it.
27) If someone thinks you are UGLY you will be called it.
28) Most store clerks will only sell you clothes if the item has 'stretch' in it.
29) The spiders here are really pretty looking.
30) Men must serve in the military for two years, age 20-22.
31) Soju is GROSS! It's a weird type of booze here that is popular.
32) You can get trapped in the doors of the subway if you are not quick!
33) Your alien registration card really is your KEY to happiness here. You can't get $$$, phone or internet without it.
34) Quail eggs are really good!
35) I like eating seafood tentacles.
36) Gotta love a good ol Korean BBQ!
37) The cost of living is more expensive here than what I had been told by others.
38) You could NEVER be bored here. There is sooooo much to discover.
39) Koreans are very proud people and respect their traditions.
40) It is easy to figure out and use Korean currency.
41) I LOVE IT HERE!
42) Learning to speak Korean language is hard, but Hanguel is much easier to pick up (alphabet).
43) Korean language sounds very aggressive, so sometimes it is hard to tell if things are GOOD or if things are BAD.
F.Y.I.
This is MY experience and should only be taken as such. Everyone has a different story or experience, or way of interpreting the things that happen to them. So PLEASE don't take this blog as the ONLY truth about South Korea because it is far from it.
Also, some things that I've said may sound negative or unpleasant to you, and I want you to know that I don't mean them to be or don't take them as such. One thing I love about Korean culture is their HONESTY...and please, always remember much of what they say and what they mean is lost in translation, and is said using the ONLY English words they know. I'm sure I have offended a few people here by forgetting specific mannerisms that are really important to the culture. It's just about being understanding and tolerant.
Hope you enjoyed:)
