Perks of Korea Part 02

Feeding off of the last list of how Korea is so amazing, there are more perks of living in Korea than that extensive list. Some of which just might be unbelievable, but it does exist. 

Public flat spaces - Finding the luxury of your bed, living room, and just seating in public is extremely easy in Korea. They offer an area where you can sit, sleep, and enjoy an outdoor lunch. It's the service of having a picnic without having to bring everything. Considerate to those who have a sun phobia, you will find most of these places under trees, providing with a balance of sunlight. All you need is the most important item of food. 

Seats in waiting areas - You can pretty much find a seat anywhere you are expected to wait. Most often, you will find them in department stores, banks, service companies, but the best one yet is probably amusement parks. Rather than standing in line in the kiddy areas, there are seats for parents and children. We all know how handy that comes when you have a tired child running around all day and wants you to carry them. 

Delivery - Korea just might have the best delivery services. Simply order via phone or online and have food delivered to you as if you were eating in the restaurant. They provide you with silverware that they collect a few hours after you are done eating. All you have to do is leave it outside your door or building. No phone calls needed, no extra tips given, no dish washing. Uh - AAAAAMAZING. 

The special McDelivery- Now, many of us know that Korea is the only place where McDonalds actually delivers food to your front door. That's some pretty awesome service, but I'm talking about something above that level. Hang out at the beach without having to worry about food because there is someone who walks around to take orders, ice cream included! Food comes relatively fast without you having to hike from the sandy beach to the streets, returning with melted ice cream.

Anyman services - With a starting fee of less than $7 per task, you can simply call up a company (해주세요 the literal Korean translation of "do it for me") and find someone to take care of errands and chores for you. Depending on the feasibility and difficulty of the job, the price ranges. A few of the many: deliver a package within an hour, pick up your dry cleaning, deliver food, all within the day. Arrangements can be made according to, if needed. Probably one of the best services on rainy days, colder weather.

Mirrors everywhere - Yes, this is serious for women, but it may change you. After living in Korea for almost two years, I realized I have a habit of looking into a mirror as I pass by, just out of habit. I see my Korean co-workers looking into their standup mirror at the office all day. The number and sizes of mirrors that people carry and have in public is to a whole new level. You can find full mirrors in train stations, utilized by both men and women of all ages. It does come in handy when you have to take a quick check before an interview or for most cases in Korea, a date. 

Bus times and alerts - Missing your bus is probably one of the most infuriating things, especially if there is another bus blocking the view of the one you need to board. Luckily, Korea offers sheltered bus stations with maps, outlines, and computers that tell you when your next bus is coming and how far away it is. It also allows you to grab a cup of coffee if you just missed your bus, definitely comes in handy in the mornings! There is now an app in Korean that allows for you to check when the bus is coming as well.

Golf in any weather - Screen golf allows for those who are serious about golf all year around to practice and play anytime of the year and usually anytime of the day as well. With places opening late into the night, playing a game of golf can't be any easier than that. At least with this, you're not walking to chase your ball since everything is automatic. The only downside is if you're horrible, they'll automatically finish the game for you after a few strokes, just to get the game moving along!

4D Theaters - This totally beats 3D theaters because you feel more involved in the movie. How does this work? Water spraying at you, air blowing in your face, a bump on the bum area, and a handful of random things that you have to experience on your own. Definitely go for an action movie to get the full experience!

Couple couches in movie theaters - It's a couple's country and of course, Korea would be the one to offer couple couches where you can snuggle up and enjoy the movie, as if you were at home. It's definitely a cute concept, but only Korea would offer such a thing.

Public bathhouses - This is something that many foreigners are not comfortable with, but the reason why it's so amazing is for the simple fact that you can sleep overnight at a public bathhouse for an extremely low price. This is the ultimate last resort or for anyone who's on a budget and are traveling. Many couples visit the local ones as a date and utilize it as a cheaper alternative than a love motel, just for some bonding time. The more amazing bathhouses will have books, PC rooms, movie theaters and a handful of other sources of entertainment, perfect for family and friends to join in on.

Free concerts - For all of the crazy fans (mostly high school girls) that cannot afford to go to their favorite celebrity's concert, they are always on the lookout for this one perk. Korea is constantly offering free concerts which is always packed with school girls. Do be on the lookout for these because you'll be surprised at how close to the front you can get!

Freebies - Korea is known to give out so much freebies from free samples to gifts to prizes to food just by simply being a customer, even a passerby. It's amazing how high customer service is held and is actually enforced in such a country. Probably the best perk of them all!

Perks of Korea Part 01

I'm pretty sure you've heard by now that Korea is pretty amazing and the list continues as to why Korea is so amazing. Living here for the past two years, I've grown to love the culture and the people, although there are still a few things that bother me. Nonetheless, it's a love hate relationship, more love than hate and I can't imagine how life will be when I move back to Korea. I think Korea actually changes everyone, all in different ways. A few ways Korea has spoiled me and making life that much easier:


Amazing people - People all over Korea are willing to help. Traveling out to the country side, I even had people volunteer to take me to places because I was with a few girls traveling alone. Thankfully, there's no crazy people here in Korea which means they actually are doing it out of the kindness of their hearts!

One other great thing about the locals is the true friendliness that comes from within. They aren't looking to harm people and for those of the younger generation, once they know you speak English, they are more inclined to friend you. Locals are always looking for foreigners to hang out with, practice English, and of course, drink and party with. They label us as the cool kids just cause!

4 wheel shopping carts - Shopping in America is the worst when it's the weekend for the very reason that it is jam packed. Shopping around and being able to go forward, backward on carts that barely want to slide which means getting out of people's way and moving around is difficult. In Korea, and most Asian countries, the four wheels actually slide side to side meaning you can move around easily!
Point system with actual discounts - Using different point cards when you go out shopping and eating, the point system actually adds up to different discounts. It's used as a credit that can be applied to your next order and the best part is, it works on online purchases as well! 

Extra room buses - Buses in America are usually packing people in as much as possible meaning there are rows of four seats. In Korea, you can find a more spacious bus with three seats in a row where its a pair together and one single. These extra room buses allow for you to control the volume to the TV that is playing as well as adjust the seat. You'll practically feel as if you're sitting in your own sofa at home, except you're traveling to another place.

Making your own parking spot - In Korea, practically everyone has a sign that lists their phone number which means if you're blocking someone, they'll give you a call so you can move your car. It's a great concept, except when you get a little unlucky and have someone who does not pick up their phone. For this very reason, a lot of Koreans just make their own parking spots across town.

Booking seat for movie theatre - Asian countries offer the service of reserving a seat before you go into the theatre. This allows for you to not have to go into theaters early to wait on line. It also allows for you to have an assigned seat which means you don't have to feel rude about asking the person to move their bag and such.

Soju is cheaper than water - For all the "alcoholics" or those who know the price of Soju back in the States, it's a lot cheaper in Korea which means you can have a good time at a lower price please be wise about it though!

Free samples - You get free samples of food everywhere as well as free beauty samples when you go shopping, but how about free alcohol in the supermarket. Yes, free samples of wine and beer at the supermarket. It's a bit crazy how they're able to offer so much more just to get you to buy something, even vitamins.

Workout machines in public - Working out in a gym in public allows you to save money at the gym and the best part is the Koreans actually care for their items. They use it and respect each and every piece so you won't find crazy kids breaking these things in public. You'll find some crazy back stretchers and such in Korea, but it's pretty amazing how well they work. The best part is everything being free.

Dust off sand and dirt from your shoes after a hike - It's crazy how Koreans know how to cater to their people by making life so much easier. You don't have to worry about having dusty shoes after a hike because there are machines that allow you to blow off the dust!

Create your own playlist - It's a bit crazy, but music is pretty important in Korea. There are a handful of places in Korea that allows for you to create your own playlist, especially at bars. They're extremely friendly and want you to enjoy your time around. The best part is being able to have a good time on a night out, even if it is at Taco Bell. Yes, Taco Bell allows for you to create your own playlist as well!

Drinking in public - So this should be used with caution and to do so responsibly, but you are allow to drink in public. The best part might be drinking on a hike with the older generation who will generously offer you some of their magkeolli (traditional Korean rice wine) and speak to you in broken English. How about that for a cultural experience!

Freedom as a hospital patient - This is definitely a little weird but for the most part, it is great for those who are looking to get a breath of fresh air and enjoy some time with family. The weirdest part may be though, that some drag their IV with them in public. Yes, it's happened where a patient walked across the street attached to his portable IV.

Sitting in a wet ride and not getting "too wet"- This may defeat the purpose of a water ride but they have a protective film where you can sit and hide under so you do not get too wet. If you do get extremely wet, there is a "drying" station with fans and heat that helps you to dry off quickly. That's probably one of the best parts, how considerate of Koreans!

NO TIP - This is the ultimate perk about living in Asia because they almost all follow the no tip rule. Although some restaurants may charge an extra 10% as their tip, the more fancy ones of course, but it beats having to pay a minimum of 15% back at home. That's a lot of saving when you're living abroad and constantly eating out!

Safety - Aside from some who are freaking out about the North Korea-South Korea situation, Korea is a relatively safe place to live. There aren't as many crazy things happening in Korea as there are in America. For one, you can pass out drunk in the middle of the streets, sleep the night away, and no one will disrupt you. You may have a few photos taken of you and exposed via social media, but at least you still have your wallet with all of your money in it.

Dating World in Korea Exposed

I previously blogged about the dating culture in Korea, and after living in Korea for roughly two years, there's a lot more to it than the basics that many of us see it. In fact, there are a lot of "secretive" and under the table things going on in Korea which makes it hard to date. Let me make this clear, this does not apply to all of Korea, but there is a high percentage that fall under the following categories that make it difficult to trust and stay in a stable relationship in Korea. I am not speaking based off of my own experiences only, but the experiences of locals and foreigners in Korea and the crazy stories that I've heard as well. We all know the truth gets stretched and the story can be dramatized from person to person, but it doesn't change the fact that the following are problematic still:

1. Cultural differences - For those who are looking for something more long term and marrying, it is difficult to understand the Korean culture and be inviting to all of the differences, especially with the acceptance of parents. As a foreigner, the way we are brought up and the way Koreans are brought up, gender roles in terms of independence, respect, and actions are all questionable. Many times, it is difficult to find a common ground or a long-term understanding without lots of compromising and an open attitude. 
2. Preferability of light skin partners - This generally applies to almost all of Asia. For some reason, the lighter one's skin, the more "beautiful" he or she is which makes it unacceptable for many Westerners because we understand there is no correlation between the fairness of your skin and the beauty within. In fact, the understanding of having fair skin is different in regards to cultural history and the way media portrays beauty in each country.
3. Tall and skinny is beautiful - This is a bit of a culture shock to many when they visit Korea because most people look and just might be anorexic. You will see may girls whose thighs do not touch with a huge gap that makes it unbearable for you, but it is the way of life in Korea. Muscular women and hourglass figures just aren't appreciated as much as they are elsewhere.
4. Girls just want to have fun - As ridiculous as this sounds, it may be harder and harder to find the fitting Korean girl. No longer are they all as "innocent" as the world sees them, hidden behind their dolly makeup and innocent look. Girls are more open to flirting and will do so with more than one person at a time which causes quite a lot of heartbreaks, and the next problem on the list
5. Trust issues - Statistics label Koreans to be one of the highest cheating individuals. As sad as it is to say, it just may be true. Witnessing first hand girls with boyfriends who go out on dates with other guys, messaging other guys and just lying about where they are, trust is a big issue. There are also guys who drop of their girlfriends at home and go out with the guys for drinks but it sometimes just doesn't end up as a simple bro hangout. Unfortunately to say the least, not everyone is persistent in staying away from engaging in "other" relationships sober or not.
6. The control freak - There has been many instances where your significant other will ask you what you are doing every second of the day. Expect a lot of Kakao talk messages, phone calls, and of course, seeing your significant other on any day off. Now for some of us, it is a sign of care and love, but for many Westerners, it is something that is unbearable. 
7. Working hours - It is crazy how much time one spends on their jobs because the way the culture works. For this very reason, the amount of time that you can actually spend with your partner is limited. In fact, there are many times when one will have to work late hours or into the weekends. There goes your love life.
8. It's a materialistic place - Not everyone is out there chasing luxury brands in Korea, but there's a lot of things that you need to pay attention to. Rather than celebrating the one month anniversary, they have 100 day anniversary. Get counting. Their Valentines Day also has a little twist and throughout the year, there are a ton of couple holidays (Christmas being another). Point is, be ready to spend and invest a lot of time in gifts and thinking or go with the cliche and get the couple items.
9. The STEREOTYPE - I applaud many of my friends for actually being able to tie the knot and or get into serious relationships in Korea. The reason for this is that many hold the stereotypes that foreigner guys do not want anything serious, they are only out to have fun. Another problem is that many Koreans think that foreigner girls are easy. Hence, they don't take us too serious and are always looking for some way to get into your pants. UGH.

Korea, it's a love hate relationship, more love than hate though :]

Hidden Treasures - 長壽갈비집本家

長壽갈비집本家 is my favorite BBQ place in Korea since the first time I had it. In fact, this was actually the first place I had BBQ when I first came to Korea. Since then, not much as changed about this place. 長壽갈비집本家 has years of tradition which many are oblivious to because it's so hidden off in the streets of Myeongdong. 

The one thing that caught my eye about this restaurant was the fact that there was someone grilling the meat out in front. That smell is honestly, unforgettable. Unlike other BBQ places in Korea where they put it on your grill and leave it as is to cook, there is someone here that cooks every piece to perfection. One order of their beef ribs is $9 which can be a bit pricey for a small amount of meat to some, but trust me when I say it is worth it. 

In addition to their must order BBQ beef ribs, there are other beef entrees that guests can order. They have an extremely small menu, with a sole concentration on beef. All dishes are served with a side of vegetables and jigae to be shared.

With two floors of seating, the restaurant offers a less BBQ congested area because all of the cooking is done in front. Therefore, you leave with the benefit of not smelling like Korean BBQ which happens almost at every other BBQ place. The restaurant caters to foreigners with the menu in English, Chinese, and Japanese, making it easier for guests to order. This is definitely a must visit for all.