Fun Korea Stuff

Just got back from on a trip with my Hagwon to Gyeongju, which I'll write about next week. For now, since I'm wiped out, I decided to address what my American friends, (both of whom are leaving me to go back to the states this week!!) and I have discussed as specifically "Korean." That's a question. Plagued by repeated wars, Korea struggles for a clear identity. But, as I pass my 2 month anniversary in Sacheon, here's a few things which stand out to me. First, of all, EVERYONE, young or old, LOVES KIMCHI. That includes me, though not with the same level of passion. What's not to love? It's spicy and low in calories and a perfect complement for rice!

Also, coffee is a lot more popular than tea.

Coffee shops, modern or old fashioned, like the one above, are EVERYWHERE. Then there's the whole SOCK fetish. In every department store, open market and many street corners, you see little displays and stands like this:

I love that obsession and intend to bring home a lot of Korean socks. In fact, I doubt I'll bring back very many American articles of clothing if they can be replaced by something Korean (or made in China--I bought 3 scarves from a market that were simply resold from China). Tiny little shops like this stationary store aren't just in Korea, I imagine, but I adore this one in Busan. I'll use the stationary I bought there for the few letters I get around to sending out. It's fabulously crammed full, with stacks of this and that in every conceivable space.

Korean chopsticks and the accompanying long-handled spoon are distinct to this country. Made of metal and shiny, they are lovely. I am learning to eat out of the communal dishes set out at the table, both in restaurants and in the academy where I eat dinner every night (because our director cooks!). Also, there are foods to combine and others NOT to mix, and it's important to keep the soup bowl on the correct side of one's rice dish. I'm learning by watching.

Some other odds and ends--toilet paper is used in place of paper towells at meals and used TP is generally stashed in a waste basket beside the toilet, not flushed. Garbage is sorted into recyclables and regular trash. Both are just left out in the appropriate plastic bags on a corner near your house to be picked up. Floors are heated in the winter instead of furnaces (I'll try that out soon), and hot water doesn't come from a hot water heater, it's heated as needed. Oh yes, and another random item of note--if dog meat is eaten around here, I'd be extremely surprised. Small dogs are plentiful and more obedient than most American dogs.

Depending on what happens and how long I stay, I'm seriously considering asking if I can keep a small dog in my apartment next year. I miss my Gideon so...but cats seem to exist as wild things to catch rodents. It's sad--I've never gotten close enough to pet one.