I have now entered my 8th month of living in South Korea. So far, I have written subjective thoughts about what it's like being here. I think it's time I write something more neutral for anyone that is wanting to get a glimpse of this country. I find it very interesting- for lack of a better word- that most Americans are terrible with geography and history. Before leaving America, upon being asked where I was going, I'd say “Korea”. For me it was simple. It was obvious it was South Korea, because really, we should all know the situation between North and South Korea. Right? Right.
Anyway, I am in South Korea. The first 6 months were the hardest. Culture shock? Adapting to new people? I think it had to do more with the work schedule. First class started at 7am and last class ended at 9:10pm. Mind you, I had a 3 hour break from 12pm-3pm for lunch and a quick nap.
Not only was the schedule a nightmare but being an introvert, an INTP at that, I found it exhausting having to constantly deal with people the whole day. So weekends would come, and I would not leave my bed unless it was to grab some food or go to the bathroom.
This is not what I had signed up for, I thought every single day as I woke up to go to work. Though, everyday I thought that was the day I would break my contract and leave, I didn't do it. I vowed I would see my commitment through because, after all, that had been one of the main reasons I had signed a one-year contract; to learn commitment.
It is now April 3rd and I have finally began to embrace my life here in Korea. I have not been to many places outside of Seoul but I will mention the few areas I have been to and that I really enjoy frequenting.
Myengdong
This area is for the avid shopper. It is an oasis of clothing stores, beauty shops, electronics, boutiques, and the best of all, food street vendors. Here you will find two H&M’s on the same street, a forever 21, Zara, Nike store, UniQlo, among others. For beauty shops you will find, the Body Shop, the Aritaum, and Etude House, of course these are only some among many.
Now on to the food street vendors. They start setting up around 4pm or so. As I am a vegetarian there isn't many food options for me here but I do find that I can eat fried bananas, fried cheese, strawberries covered in their famous red bean custard (or whatever it is called). All of these cost about 3,000 won. Oh and I can't forget about the roasted chestnuts! Newfound deliciousness. For meat lovers they sell all kinds of things, from chicken to squid, to crab.
Also if you love cats or dogs, they have many cafes where you can mingle with any of these lovely animals for a de-stressing time after so much shopping and eating.
Hongdae
This is not typically my favorite but it's an up and coming hipster area. You'll see young Asian men and women dressed in the most eccentric fashion. There is a university located here, hence the young population. While there is room for shopping, Hongdae is best well known for their night scene. However, if you are older than 28 years old you may as well go find another place to hang out because (as some of my students told me) most nightclubs will not let you in if you are older than 28. Also, if you are looking for a place to do something new with your hair, I feel I must mention the hair salon Soonsiki. After looking for a trustworthy place to make a change with my hair color, I found this place. The guy named BK- or Bek- as he calls himself, is a top notch hairstylist. He speaks good English and is confident about doing the job right. Just be aware that it is not very cheap. Though after seeing what he did with my hair, I felt every penny I paid was worth it.
Itaewon
This area is mostly known for all the expats living there. You'll find yourself surrounded by many foreigners, so much so that for a split second you'll wonder if you have left Korea. You can find the best places to eat, great Mexican food made by a Korean guy- he lived in Guadalajara, Mexico for one year. Also, a vegetarian bean burger at a pub called the Wolfhound. For vegans there is a cafe called Plant. And for those not willing to be adventurous you can always find your regular American restaurants such as On the Border, Outback Steakhouse, etc.
Insadong
To be honest, I don't really like this area too much, but as a foreigner visiting once is enough. Here you can buy all the souvenirs you need. Traditional candies, keychains, and the opportunity to dress in traditional Korean clothes (Hanbok) and get your pictures taken.
These are the areas I have frequented the most. My favorite is Myengdong. I like to get lost in the crowd and go unnoticed while I enjoy some fried bananas! South Korea has a lot to offer.
