My Current Obsession - Doctor D. Schwab Controlling Cream

 I previously struggled with bad acne, scars and much more! My skin just wouldn't stop breaking out for the past two years and thankfully, returning to New York has helped with that. In addition to having a great dermatologist who provided immediate treatment, she suggested Doctor D. Schwab's Controlling Cream which really helps me in terms of breakouts. In the beginning, I would use it everyday to control the skin, which reduced to once every two days and now I don't even need to use it. The best part is I still have remaining cream which helps with my wallet! With application, there is a bit of a cooling sensation so be gentle with the eye area.

For anyone who is struggling with oily skin and breakouts, this is one thing that will help to control those blemishes! It's very light on the skin which is great for anyone who is like me, struggling with extremely sensitive skin and even psoriasis! The cream is enriched with vitamins, botanical ingredients and has oil-control which helps to clear the blemishes without clogging your pores. This is one product product I recommend and will purchase again, if needed.

My Current Obsession - YSL Rogue

This signature gold stick of eye-popping color is the YSL Rogue Volupte by Yves Saint Laurent that is extremely gentle on the lips and full of color. This stick is just everything a woman needs for every occasion out. YSL Rogue has a line of shine that is a shimmer that is moisture with every glide onto the lips. For a price of $35 that is well worth it at Sephora, the YSL Rogue Volupte lipstick has a wide selection of colors that should be a collection piece!

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Eco Science Wrinkle Spot Essence Pro

One product that is a must rave is the Innisfree Eco Science Wrinkle Spot Essence (Pro with a vibrating head) for problematic wrinkles that are difficult to target. It is perfect for the eye area with circular motion to prevent wrinkles as well as decrease fine lines. Innisfree incorporates anti-wrinkle products into their cream and tops it off with a head that allows for extra vibration signals to concentrate on those problem areas. It is the perfect compliment of product and the mechanics to enhance beauty attributes for women of all ages. It is a kick starter to prevent wrinkles, yet also helps to reduce the fine lines that have developed over time.

For anyone who is busy on the go and wish for something that helps to reduce the time spent on wrinkles and such, the gentle vibrations cut the amount of time spent on caring for your problem areas. The micro vibrations are gentle on the skin and the smooth metal surface helps to glide the cream onto the skin without tugging too hard to cause even more wrinkles. This can definitely happen with those who are pulling on the skin too hard which causes problems rather than fixing any. 

If you are on a budget and trying to get more bang for your buck, definitely go with the regular spot essence. It is the same exact solution minus the metal vibrating head. In order to maximize the use of the vibrating head for it's price which is priced the same as the regular eco science wrinkle spot essence in most places, you can simply refill the pro with the cream and extend the value of your dollar that much more. The smooth metal head is extremely gentle on the skin and will make you want to circle around the problem areas that much more. Be sure to use it on a clean face to reduce the number of bacteria build up. This is definitely one product that is to rave about and a genius idea for anyone who is just in need of time or is just that lazy!

Hidden Treasures - Cofioca 커피오카

Anyone who knows me knows that I am a total bubble tea fanatic. I have been exploring all of Seoul for the best of the best bubble teas and I have found the spot for the best smoothie versions. Cofioca 커피오카 in Apgujeong offers blended drinks and one of my ultimate favorite is the combination of coffee and milk tea. Yes, coffee and milk tea the traditional way of half half, Ying Yerng, Ying Yang, the one go to! They of course, offer a handful of other blends and it is an extremely small shop that is whipping up a lot of amazing blends and flavors. For just $5 a cup which is not too expensive compared to other places that offer smoothie drinks, Cofioca is the one place that is a go to for sure.

With two Cofioca locations, one in Myeondong and one in Apgujeong, the one that is a must visit is the one in Apgujeong for the chance to bump into a celebrity. Yes, the area in Seoul is the fancy rich area that all of the upper class likes to hang around. For this very reason, there are a handful of celebrities that work in the area and need their bubble tea intake as well. You'll find the walls of the small Cofioca shop filled with posters and paper writings of celebrities who have all visited the branch. For the Apgujeong location, take exit 6 of the Apgujeong Rodeo station on yellow Bundang line. Go straight until you pass H&M and see a coffee shop on the next corner. Take a left at the coffee shop and take a right on the second block in. Cofioca will be on your left.

Address To Apgujeong branch: 659-9 Gangnam-gu Sinsa-dong Seoul

서울특별시 강남구 신사동 659-9

Telephone number: 02-515-3032

Product Review - Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Foam Cleanser

The Tony Moly Intense Care Snail Foam Cleanser is a product that I have been purchasing for family back in America, but I have yet to try it myself. I finally picked up a bottle for myself because of the constant rave I have gotten. For starters, I thought the foam cleanser would be extremely dry to the skin because of how it comes out of the bottle. To my surprise, it actually is not. It's a pretty amazing product that I have been using for over a month now and I do see the difference in my skin. This product is extremely gentle for those with sensitive skin and is one of the best sellers from Tony Moly. I now understand why. Over time, it has actually helped with my psoriasis, working with it rather than against it as many products do. My skin has gradually became smoother as well as a bit lighter for the acne scars on the skin.

As ironic as it is, although it is made from snail, it has a pretty good smell. It is definitely my go to in the morning and at night. In Korea, you can simply purchase this product for $15 and it is a definite stack up before I go back to the states. Not only is there a large quantity for its price, but it actually works well for all skin types. This will probably continue to be the go to product of gifts. The only thing is it doesn't stand up to its name as a "foam cleanser." Still, no complaints there!

My Current Obession - It's Skin Mangowhite Peeling Gel

One of the best sellers at It's Skin, a popular beauty brand in Korea is the Mangowhite Peeling Gel. The product is recommended for all skin types that helps to remove dead skin by simply massaging the Mangowhite Peeling Gel into the skin for a minute or two. With immediate results and a great scent, it is recommended for anyone with sensitive skin and or problematic skin like myself. 

On clean skin, take a quarter size of the product and massage it into your skin in circular motion. You'll notice white clumps of dead skin that will form which is a bit disturbing the first time around, but you'll get used to it! Use the product one to two times a week to prevent oily skin. For an extremely cheap product priced at $7, it is a definite recommendation for all. I use this product once a week in addition to my Clarasonic Plus machine daily!


The smell of the product is amazing and it works extremely well, pulling off all of the dead skin. THe only problem is that the product may be a little too strong for those with oily and sensitive skin. It does make your skin a lot more oily which can be problematic for those with acne problems. Nonetheless, it is a product that I would buy again because it can be used on other parts of the body to remove dead skin.

Hidden Treasures - Bong's Food 봉스 떡볶이

Bong’s food 봉스 떡볶이 is a small chain in Korea with the original is located in Sookdae, serving up a less spicy version of the Korean traditional eat of rice cakes and probably the only place that I recommend for EVERYONE who lives and will visit Korea. Ddukbokki is the number one Korean staple food, along with blood sausages 순대, fish cakes 오뎅, and a variety of battered fried goodies 튀김 (which ranges from vegetables to dumplings to fish cakes even).

For starters, Bong’s Food serves up very soft and a less spicy version of ddukbokki that is recommended for anyone who is trying out this Korean traditional eat for the first time. Because it is less spicy, it is tolerable and actually enjoyable for anyone who cannot take spice. It does have a tint of sweet compared to other ddukbokki stands and locations which means it’s a great dipping sauce to be used with other items on the menu.

The blood sausage they have uses the top of the ladder meat of A+ which means a high level and tastier version. Compared to those served in the streets, there is definitely a big difference. Personally, I’m not a fan of blood sausage, but I was persuaded to give this a try and it is amazing. It’s the only place that I will eat blood sausage ever, beats all of the average C rating meat that the rest of Korea uses.

In addition to the amazing blood sausage, they are the only spot that offers fried fish cake which is amazing when eaten fresh. Coming from Busan, it is the one place in Seoul that offers the famous Busan fish cake. Anyone who lives in Korea knows that Busan carries the best of the best.

On another note, 납작만두 comes from Daegu, a new style of dumplings that no one offers in Seoul. Being that is a flat pancake like dish, it is known for many to dip it in the amazing soy sauce that the store whips up daily. For those who come from Daegu, they are known to wrap the Namjak with practically everything on the menu and use it as a bread.

The best part about Bong’s food, in addition to the menu of course, is the price. Most dishes are priced at an average of $2.50, some for just two bucks and set menus start at $4. Depending on how hungry you are and the variety you want, a meal at Bong’s Food won’t set your wallet back too far. It’s also a great place to pick up a quick eat and sample all of the Korean traditional eats in one spot because they have set menus.

The company orders fresh ingredients daily, from all over Korea of Busan, Daegu and their secret locations which is different from all other places. Opened from 11-11 daily, it is the place to go to. Be sure to go during the less busy hours so you don't feel so rushed to get out which is usually from 2-7PM. The owner is so chill, he'll definitely take the time to talk and explain to you why you should eat everything on the menu and I would take his advice, seriously. They speak English so it makes ordering easy for all.

Address: Yongsan-gu, Chungap-dong 2-Ga 67-5

용산구 청파동 2가 67-5

Directions: Take exit 8 or 10 from the Sookmyung university exit and make a u-turn. Take the first right and go straight (follow the tunnel under and keep walking) up towards the school. After approximately 5 minutes, you will see a Starbucks on your left and a Skin Food on your right. Bong's Food is located behind the Skin Food so follow the block around.

Phone: 02-312-3500

My Current Obsession - New Pumice Ultimate Spa

New Pumice Fission Technology is a new discovery I made from my local nail salon that helps to remove the layer of dry skin from the hands and feet. In addition to this, it helps to stimulate and revitalize the skin. It definitely didn't look or seem possible at first but by shaking the bottle and spraying for a hand and foot massage, the layer of skin will be gently removed. You will notice a dead layer of skin that is gently scrubbed away with use. 

My Current Obsession - Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence

Anyone who knows me knows that I still have very long, virgin hair. The reason for that is because I am looking to donate my hair, but I am so obsessed with taking care of my hair that I did a mini blog on Hair 101 and how to prevent split ends when I first started the blog. For the most part, I really care for my hair and have minimal heat damage as well as minimal combing. 

I recently found a product that I have been obsessed with because it promotes healthy hair. The Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one of the best sellers in Korea for hair care. It is enriched with camellia oil from Jeju island. It's for all hair types and promotes a healthy shine which can be used daily. Simple run the product through your hair (I suggest running it through your ends only if you are on a budget). After doing so, you can simply pair with your regular products. Because I do not use any, I just use this as a nutrient to keep my hair healthy.

Like many other products that claim to help keep the hair healthy, the Innisfree Camellia Shine Hair Essence is one product that actually works. It keeps my hair healthy and reduces the number of split ends. Although it claims to provide the hair with some kind of shine, there isn't great shine behind the product, but it works in maintaining. For those who do not have the time to care for your hair by conditioning and using olive oil to soak the hair, this would be a great product thats quick and easy to use. 

My Current Obsession - Skin Food Grapefruit Nail Polish Remover

I am totally obsessed with Skin Food's Grapefruit Nail Polish Remover for the simple fact that it does it's job and it smells great. I hate the awful smell of chemicals that linger in the garbage can after removing nail polish and Skin Food's amazing product literally smells like grapefruit. It's such a fruity aroma that makes me want to actually sniff the product all day, which I probably shouldn't. Unlike acetone, like any other nail polish, it simply takes time to remove and it doesn't dry out the nail at all. This is one cheap pick up that I definitely recommend, totally worth the measly $2! It is a constant repurchase for sure!

My Current Obsession - O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam

From the Jeju tea garden that has been around since 1979, the O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam uses organic green tea leaves in their face wash that is great for anyone with sensitive skin. Drawing and retaining moisture, green tea leaves help to detox the skin and remove any toxin. Thing includes removing make up residue and pollutants to purify the skin while simultaneously retaining moisture. Not only is it made with organic green tea leaves, it captures the sweet fragrance of citrus flowers that helps to refresh the skin and keep it young. Green tea is a great food good that is great for your whole body and being able to utilise that on a face with psoriasis is my big approval.


This O'Sulloc Natural Green Cleansing Foam feels a little harsher than other products because it is thicker. The cleansing foam isn't like other foams where it's bubbly and made of a water base, but I am in love with the product and absolutely recommend it to anyone with trouble skin. It is definitely a purchase that will be made again because of its cleansing effects.

My Current Obsession - Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer

When I went home to America, I went on a huge splurge at Sephora and picked up the Hourglass Illusion Tinted Moisturizer which is Oil Free and great for sensitive skin. With a base of shimmer, it is the one product that provides great coverage and blends extremely well with my skin. It's a bit difficult to find a color for a mixed base, but Illusion is able to fill in the gaps. This light and gentle product is one thing I am obsessed with and will recommend to anyone with sensitive skin and psoriasis. The coverage on this product is amazing! Because it is a moisturizer with color, it saves on the amount of time you need to pile on the extra moisturizer. It is definitely great for hot summer days or humid spring days when you just don't want to pile on the extra moisturizer but need to keep your skin's elasticity! 

Sweet Tooth Satisfaction - Sugar Daddy

Everyone knows I have the craziest sweet tooth, especially for cupcakes. I have been on the search in Seoul for forever now to find the best cupcakes and constantly let down each time. Sugar Daddy is definitely the only one that comes close, almost the perfect cupcake. Sugar Daddy is an extremely small shop in Itaewon where the baker is in the store baking and decorating as she sells cupcakes from the same table. This extremely small and cozy spot is filled with all things delicious which are not only cupcakes! 

Sugar Daddy offers cupcake sized pies, mini cheesecakes, fudge bars, cookies, and cupcakes of traditional flavors as well as all things crazy. Many of the ingredients used in the recipes are ordered from foreign markets and online stores which explains the quality of the baked goods. Furthermore, the owner (Yumi Jung) tries to incorporate all things crazy that Americans love into her baked goods which provides her with another bonus thumbs up.

I am absolutely in love with Sugar Daddy for the amazing service for starters. Yumi had two stools in front and offered seating for us to consume our root beer cupcake and key lime pie. She then proceeded to offer us a cup of tea, Australia's T2 tea which she allowed us to choose from a wide selection of flavors. Halfway into our baked goods, she then offered us a freshly baked cookie from her cooling rack. 

In terms of her baked goods: the root beer cupcake is definitely a special kind of cupcake which is a fun eat. The root beer kick to the cupcake takes it to a whole new level. I'm personally not a fan of root beer, but this cupcake definitely changed my mind. Topped with a "scoop of icecream" and a "straw" for consumption, this cute it is a blast of flavor with a fluffy cake base, whipped fondant-icing like cream, and a drizzle of deliciousness. 

The mini key lime pie, made of a graham cracker base that is topped with a key lime filling is also on point. The tart key lime is not overpowering and it is the perfect blend with the crust, definitely a recommendation for anyone looking for something tangy but not too sour. The cookies are made of all things crazy as well, but like most Korean cookies, they are all hard and not soft-baked, but still delicious in taste!

For my cupcake hunt in Korea, I think I have found the best and closest thing. I definitely recommend Sugar Daddy to anyone who is looking for that perfect cupcake. With so much to choose from, you may be spending a little more than anticipated. Cupcakes and baked goods average at $4.50 a pop, cookies priced at $1 and totally worth every penny of it!

From the Noksapyeong station on line 6 of the brown, take exit 2 and go straight to the light. Take the hill up on your left and go straight. Go up the hill and you will see the small shop of Sugar Daddy on your right. This location in Haebangchon is actually closed.

updated
For the Itaewon Sugar Daddy shop that recently opened in replacement of the location above in Haebangchon, take exit 4 of the Itaewon station on line 6 and go straight by the McDonald's.

Fresh on the Market - A'Pieu Apple Acid Perfect Salt Scrub

One of the newer cosmetic stores to open in Korea is A'Pieu and I couldn't help but to pick up a goodie. I was in need of a new face scrub and found the Apple Acid Perfect Salt Scrub which is perfect for those with sensitive skin and psoriasis! Totally in love with the product that is gentle to the skin and smells exactly like green apples. This scrub is extremely mild in chemicals and it is an extremely light scrub that will not scratch or harm the skin. It is a definite recommendation for anyone who thinks that scrubs with exfoliations are too rough for the skin.

Fresh on the Market - Espoir Bare Skin Complexion Cream

For everyone who is familiar with me, my skin is always dark. I mean, always. I am constantly tanning and bathing at the beach for the sake of my psoriasis so my skin is extremely dark. Since I've moved to Korea, my skin has gradually gotten paler and paler. The problem is, it is still too dark for BB cream. A handful of my friends have been telling me that they wear BB cream everyday, it is the Asian thing to do because BB cream helps to lighten the skin and clear dark marks over time. It's kind of like a bleaching mechanism that is not damaging to the skin. The only negative of BB cream is that with flash photography, you are able to see a big difference in the tone of your neck and your face. People will know that you have BB cream on (guys included). There are so many Korean guys here that use BB cream, it's pretty obvious and they have no shame!

Nonetheless, it is an extremely good product for those with acne marks and any dark spots on the face. These spots will diminish over time with the use of BB cream. I've been looking for quite a while for the darkest shade possible and it has been impossible to find. Problem is, no matter where I shop (America and Korea) there is the problem of lightness in my skin with the application of BB cream which I absolutely hate.

With no make up!

I have finally found my solution to this problem and found a product that I am absolutely in love with! A product that's fresh on the market, Espoir's Bare Skin Complexion Cream is a two in one. With a BB cream base and SPF 30 protection, it is the perfect everyday "BB lotion." I normally do not wear makeup everyday, so I am excited about this product because I am able to pat and blend the Complexion Cream into my face and it will absorb without even realizing I have makeup on! The cream is an amazing fix. It is white in color so a pump is enough unless you are looking for more coverage. Simply pump, blend onto the skin and watch the white color disappear.

How do you know its blending with your skin? For the simple fact that you can wipe off the Complexion Cream and you can see color on a white tissue. It's a pretty amazing thing to see and I am definitely looking forward to achieving a clear face of acne scars. This is one product that I recommend for anyone struggling to find a shade of BB cream that matches their skin. This one of the very few blending products that I have seen to actually work as if there is no makeup on the skin. In love and obsessed!

Update 10/04: With six months of use, everyone does say that there is a difference between my face and the rest of my body. Not necessarily a good thing, but at least it means the product actually works! Yes, my skin is actually whiter than my hands and I do notice the difference because I do not have to wear makeup anymore. I actually use pat on some CC cream and am on my way out the door. It saves on so much time in the morning, absolutely love and will invest in it again!

Beauty Review - Clio Waterproof Pen Liner

I have previously reviewed the Clio Kill Slim Eye Liner which is absolutely amazing for drawing thin lines on the lower and upper lash line. Because lines are extremely thin, it is only recommended for use on the lower lash line. For the upper lash line, I recommend pairing the Clio Waterproof Pen Liner. This product is absolutely amazing with a thicker felt brush that allows for a sharp wing. 

This waterproof liner lasts all day, but it will smudge with water. You can take off most of it with warm water which is not something that I am happy about. Color is supposed to stay on for a night of partying which is the concept of the brand. It is a perfect pair for anyone who is looking for a killer black liner that is dark in color. Day time use is perfect for this.

Story of My Life - Spoiled By Korea

What better way to update you and compare the life of Korea to that back in New York than a post on how I am spoiled by Korea. Trust me, reading this just may give you the urge to travel the sea!

1. Food. Number one on my list is always food. So what makes Korea's food so special? There's always a side dish that is FREE. Banchan 반찬 is a side dish paired with your meal, Anju 안주 is that paired when drinking. This includes the famous kimchi which is the number one banchan, but you can't drink without some awesome anju that practically keeps coming. This brings me to number two:
2. Service. The exactly translation of the word service is customer service. Koreans take customer service to a whole new level. What does this mean? Free food with your order, free ice cream at karaoke, extra time at karaoke, free drinks at the bar or with your meal, free products which includes masks and random gadgets, free anything they can give you. How does service work? Simply dine in, drink, and shop at their store. They will throw everything they can at you for free and you'll know this when they say "service." 
3. Service by clicking a button. Having trouble getting the attention of your waiter? Looking like a fool waving down your waiter? No problem in Korea. Simply click a button that rings a bell (sounds like a door bell most of the time) with flashing light on a screen by the cashier that brings to the attention of ANY and every waiter who will attend to you within seconds. 
4. More service. Clicking buttons to get other's attention. How about sitting around and waiting your turn instead of standing in line? When going to a bank, cell phone store, post office, and anywhere that requires a long wait has never been so relaxing than in Korea. Upon entrance, there is someone with a banner across their chest asking you what service you need. He or she then clicks a button and you will receive a paper with a number. Sit around, watch some television, enjoy a cup of coffee and wait until your number is called. Talk about "service" on drinks and not losing your place in line if you have to go bathroom.
5. Customer service. Customer service in Korea is amazing. They're always willing to help you find a size, give you their opinion, and best of all, there's no judgement. Since I have been in Korea, I have only met one sales representative with an attitude. Back in the states, we meet cranky people all day, but not here in Korea. They are always willing to help to the best of their abilities, with a smile and feel horrible when they cannot help.
6. Free Wifi. NY and most of the world definitely needs to catch up with this. Wifi is almost everywhere, not just in big department stores. This includes train stations, coffee shops (free or with a purchase) and even in the streets! Can't beat getting lost or running out of data and needing to connect to wifi in a foreign country for free.
7. Computers in the streets. Say what? Yes. There are computers in the streets of Gangnam; these computers are also in the train stations for you to find your way through the city. They also allow for you to search for POI close by, and even browse the internet as you wait for a friend. Better yet, they have a webcam so you can take a photo, design it, and send it to yourself. Some of these computers are even equipped with chargers so you can charge your phone and other electronics. 
8. Upgraded train stations. The technology in Korea is amazing which makes taking the subway easy. Train stations have computers that tell you how far your train is based on how many stop away it is (up to about 3), when is the following train is coming, and a melody that alerts you that your train is arriving. More updated trains have a light that signal the direction, alert you of the current stop, next stop, and following stops the train will make. The pronunciation of stops in different languages, and the most basic of what cart and door you are in front of to make meeting a friend on the train easy (the number on the floor and on the outside of the train doors).
9. Never miss a bus. Just like the trains when you know when the next bus is coming, there is a screen that tells you how far away your bus is. It also shows what bus is coming and the best part is you never have to miss a bus. Why? Because technology allows for you to listen to the number of the approaching bus so you don't have to squint your eyes to search for your bus. This definitely comes handy in the middle of the night. 
10. Bathrooms are everywhere. There are bathrooms in all buildings and most importantly, in the train station. These bathrooms are constantly cleaned, fully stocked, and open to everyone for use. This beats the dirty MTA bathrooms if that is even an option. 
11. Lockers. I think everyone underestimates the value of lockers being everywhere until you travel or shop a lot. Train stations and department stores have lockers for the simple fact that people do not have to carry their things with them everywhere they go. It can be a fuss to carry things that you need at night with you during a day of shopping so the convenient of a locker does help to eliminate the trouble. One time use, NY should definitely consider making some space for this.
12. Automatic doors. The best part about going into a restaurant and any store in general is the automatic doors. They're practically everywhere in Korea and if they're not automatic, all you have to do is press a button and slip right in. Amazing for those who are extremely lazy and have no idea which way to push a door.
13. More gadgets. Electronic vibration alerts are used in the states only when you wait an hour plus for a seat at your local Applebees or other chain restaurants. In Korea, these electronic alerts are used in coffee shops. The disgrace of American technology is the fact that some of these gadgets even have  a television built in. Nothing like watching some TV while you wait for your coffee to be brewed at Dunkin' Donuts. This definitely beats being crowded around the bar area as you wait for the barista at Starbucks to scream out your name or fight over a drink with someone who has the same order as you. 
14. Rainy days. Ever have to deal with wet floors or having to throw your umbrella in a bucket by the door, knowing there may be a chance that someone will take it? Almost every store (shopping places, restaurants, coffee shops) will have a funny looking stand with plastic bags upon entrance when it rains. What is this for? For you to put your wet umbrella in, preventing wet floors, promoting safety, and allows you to carry your umbrella where ever you go. On the way out, simply remove and throw your plastic bag in their garbage bin next to the exit. 
15. 24 hour BANGS. No, not a bang, a 방 which a room for a variety of things to do, at any hour of the day. Study rooms. Okay so this may not be the best place on your mind, but it beats a 24 hour Starbucks with people talking when you want peace and quiet to study. 24 hour fun of eating, drinking may be your style. Noraebang (kareoke), PC bang (computer games), DVD bang (movies), Multi bang (for electronics and game systems) and even a Jjimjilbang (shower rooms which also provides you with the option of sleeping overnight for an extremely low price-totally beats sleeping at a hotel when you're on a budget or can't find a place to stay before the trains start to run). 
16. Lastly, amazingly nice people. Coming from NY, having your guard up always is the number one thing. Korea is full of friendly people so letting my guard down is acceptable. Why? Because only in Korea (with an exception of some) will you find people who will return your wallet and cell phone to you without any missing items. Only in Korea would you be able to trust the directions and even get into a stranger's car (I did a few times). Be wise about it, but the moral of the story is that it is okay to open up to others.

Stay tuned for a second part of Spoiled by Korea as a tempt to come and visit!

Life in Korea - Convenient Store Goodies

There is one good thing about the handful of convenient stores in Korea. Located in all areas which include popular tourist areas and hidden alleys, these convenient stores can be the biggest life saviors. Not only are they opened late hours, heck 24 hours, it is the one spot to go to for cheap goodies (including amusement parks and other family places Americans would raise the price at). They offer all kinds of daily necessities, making traveling and everyday life that much easier. A few of the more popular convenient stores in Korea are Family Mart, Buy the Way, GS 25, CVS, and 7-11 (but its nothing like the ones back at home).

Although the name varies, they generally all have the same goodies inside. Depending on the size and location of the store, you may be able to find more goodies than in other locations. Basic toiletries like any corner store can be found: tissues, pens, toothbrushes, cups, utensils, and a handful of packaged foods that can be cooked in the comfort of your own home (spam, rice, cereal, sauces and such). Moving on to the more important goodies in these convenient stores is the food of course!

For starters, Koreans love breads and baked goods so you can always find some sort of pastry for those who are in a rush. You can find the weirdest kinds sometimes which makes me wonder if there is anything that Koreans can NOT come up with? Although most packaged pastries we at room temperature, some stores offer warm breads fill with red bean jams and such.

One of the more popular goodies to have is the ramen of course. There is hot water available to cook up a bowl of ramen. The best part is being able to upgrade your ramen with sausages, eggs, fish cakes, and the many other microwaveables that are available. Each convenient store has their own microwave that is ready to be used so you can be as creative as possible. You'll be amazed at what you can find!

For those who aren't looking for a full on meal with their ramen can pick up a kimbap. There are cheap triangle kimbaps that are less than a dollar or even a two dollar roll! In addition to kimbaps there are cold cut sandwiches with all kinds of flavors and even half half selections. Yeap, half ham and cheese sandwich, half spicy chicken, my all time favorite to get the best of both worlds.

Looking for warm goodies? There are microwaveable burgers that are in the bag. Simply microwave and grub. Talk about fast food! They also offer hot dogs, pizzas, and a whole bunch of random microwaveables that you can consume within minutes. If you're looking for a healthy option, many stores offer fruits and such. It is definitely the place to go for a quick, cheap meal.

The one thing that the States should adapt from the Korean convenient stores is the warm fridge. Yes! The warm fridge. Ever go to the store and just want a hot drink that is not powdered or is not as fancy as a Starbucks cup of coffee or tea? There's an invention here in Korea that keeps drinks warm. This is not limited to coffees, teas, vitamin drinks and juices. You name it, they have it. It's a high controlled temperature box that keeps bottle and canned drinks warm. Usually this fridge is by the microwaves, but it differs from store to store. There is even some open fridges that are fancy and have different temperature rows. One row of coffees may be cold whereas the other is warm. This is probably my one obsession with Korean convenient stores other than a low priced lunch. There's nothing better than being able to pick up a can of hot tea to soothe a sore throat as easy as 1-2-3.

Moral of the story is do not underestimate what you can find in a convenient store. You'll be surprised how you can live off of your corner store for a week of travel. Be sure to be health conscious of what you are consuming though. After all, these packaged goods have been sitting around for a while and they must be packaged in a certain way so there is a high concentration of sodium. Of course a meal a week wouldn't hurt, unless you're dieting!