I am going to devote this blog post to some Korean cultural aspects of my life here. Some seem silly and others not but I hope this helps give you a small taste of my life on a day to day basis.
Food.
Spicy food: Eating spicy food is an everyday part of life. Koreans use red pepper and red pepper paste in many dishes and you simply cannot avoid it. For someone like me who does not do well with spicy this has been difficult, however, I just gather up so courage and go for it. I figure the Koreans do it all the time and I should try to adjust.
Rice: Rice is a staple food here in Korea as it is in many parts all over the world. It is actually funny to think it is not a staple dish in the USA, but I guess we missed the bandwagon on that one.
Public transportation.
Koreans have an extremely well developed public transit system. Taking buses, taxis, and subways is a normal part of everyday life. It is also easy accessible and affordable for all. I myself have utilized all of those forms of transportation in my 2 and a half weeks here.
Bathrooms.
All bathrooms in Korean homes have one drain in the middle of bathroom floor for all of the water to drain.... from your shower! That's right folks, the water from your shower isn't contained in a bathtub but rather it flows freely on the floor to the drain. I am still having trouble getting used to the fact that I must wear flip-flops after I shower and squeegee the floor too. Also, Koreans don't flush toilet paper, rather you place your used tissue into a trash bin the in bathroom. I am not sure why, but I suppose in an effort to keep drains cleaner?
Greeting people.
Upon entering most business establishments you can expect to be greeted with a hello and a slight bow of the head. At first it is a little shocking but now I have become used to it and like it. How nice that when you enter somewhere to do business they welcome you.
Convenience stores.
On any given corner you can find a convenience store for your on the go needs. The common ones are 7-eleven, GS 25, and Family mart. Any one on choir tour can tell you that we prefer GS 25 but they are all kept very nice and clean, unlike some in the USA.
Staring.
Koreans may just decide to stare at you and you just have to deal with it. I have found it is not an insult or that you are so repulsing they can only look at you, but rather the fact that Koreans as a whole look very similar. Where as Westerners do not all look the same and Koreans are just "checking you out."
Cell Phones.
If you thought Americans loved their phones and technology.... Koreans are 100x worse than Americans. It is common to see people walking with headphones in their ears and staring at their phones. Just oblivious to the fact that they might run into someone, because they are absorbed in their phones.
Coffee shops and French Pastries.
Koreans have a strange obsession with espresso drinks and french pastries. These little shops are all over and Koreans will always be there. The only downside of this to an American is that finding actually brewed coffee is near impossible. However, these pastries are quite delicious and very affordable.
These are just a few of the things I have noticed and I know there are many more. I hoped you enjoyed a little taste of Korean life.
Love,
Britta
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