Hello all, I have been much less active this semester because well I have become more active in the real world. I promise I will share so much when I return home but for now pardon my periodical updates.
Now I don't want to talk about who I will miss because each connection I have made here I hope lasts a lifetime. I love all of my friends and acquaintances because we share some of the best memories of my life together and I will never forget that.
Now on to the real details. I don't know how much you know about Korea but I am sure you may not know what is actually so much better than America so here.
There is no tipping - none
Not for a haircut or a tattoo or a dinner, the price of the good is the price
2. There is no “after-tax” price
I guess there is a tax but when I buy candy for 800 won ~ $.75 it is exactly 800 won not 950 won. This is extremely helpful when budgeting and just not doing math, can someone explain why America doesn't do this?
3. Bells at restaurants
This will seem weird to people who haven't left America but the waiters here do not bother you, in fact, it is very hard to get their attention. You have to yell “chogiyo” or push a handy little button on the table and it sends a ring to the waiters and they know to come to help you. It is so lovely that someone doesn't walk up while you are eating a mouth full and say “how is your food can I get you anything” NO if I want something here I call for it and that's that. ALSO you pay by walking up to the front desk so when you are ready to leave you just leave and no hassle of getting the check.
4. Self-service side dishes and water
Another thing common in restaurants is the fact that a lot of smaller ones have water bottles and cups that you have to grab yourself. For an avid water drinker like me (sadly most Korean water cups are equivalent to like 3 shots) I refill and refill and refill. Many side dishes are also self-service which means I can eat them all mwahahhahha. All the pickled radishes, kimchi, rice, soup, and tea are all free and included for all your desire!!!
5. Public Transportation ( I think It would be wrong not to include this)
It is so easy to get around here…. Like I can take a bus to the entire different side of Korea for about $15. Vacations are super easy this way but just having the ease of knowing I can always choose many different modes to get around is nice. The buses and subways are also very clean I even say if you licked the floor you wouldn't get 100 diseases like if you did that in New York.
6. KaKao Maps is the best tool ever
We have google maps in America but In Korea google maps is very inaccurate and bad since things are translated wrong and the tiny ally streets don't show up well. HERE IN KOREA there is an app that is far better than google maps can ever be. Kakao maps not only shows you the fastest route to get places through walking biking subway and bus but also tells you which door on the subway is nearest to the stairs and when each bus will arrive to the second. AND THATS NOT ALL kakao maps has ways to search what is around you and save locations super easily. For me on an extreme budget when I want food in a new area I pull open the map and find restaurants and the menu is listed there with prices and boom I have a plan all made and set. It's that easy, my kakao maps has over 300 saved locations on it now and I think it's a gold mine.
7. People always help
I have often looked lost or made a small mistake when ordering or putting in something and people are instantly ready to help me. I think it's nice to not have to struggle and actually have kind people that will be there for you even with a language barrier!
This is what I can come up with now and it's really really nice to have all of these things in Korea!
