I guess it's about time I've posted. The last I did was back in May, and time has flown past again and already hello July. It feels like ages ago since I was just in Korea, when actually it's only been two months. Already I'm missing the feeling of travelling again, terribly as evident by my constant grumbling on social media and in real life, but we'll leave that to another topic very soon. (let's just say that new plans are definitely in the works hehe)
So pictures galore aside, what about Korea? Or more specifically, Seoul. Can't say much that most wouldn't know already. The city is extremely modern and fast-paced, but with a touch of traditional spices in the mix. No doubt Korea has never been on the top of my go-to list, but the city is safe and vibrant, and I do love myself some awesome Korean food.
- The architecture of buildings, mixed between the modern and the old, is pretty fascinating. I visited the grounds of Ewha Womens University and was so gobsmacked by the stunning view of the place. Yeah, you'd wish your school looked that cool too.
- Food-wise, you gotta learn to appreciate the sour and spice, and thank goodness kimchi is just one of my favorite Korean dishes cause no meal is ever complete without it. A pity that I was alone most times and Korean meals are better shared with people with the large portions. I also had my very first at the spiciest noodles I'd ever had in life. I kid you not, I literally teared up and sniveled my way through the bowl of jazz while sweating up a storm. And, I fell in love with Nangmyeon (Korean cold noodles), thinking about it now makes me drool in this hot Singaporean weather.
- The locals are generally friendly if you get to know them, but of course the rude ones are pretty abundant too. Rough shoving and pushing on public transport, speaking (shouting?) in loud voice, it can get pretty overwhelming at times. The culture is to behave that way, so I guess feel free to shove them back? I kid. Be nice and be polite. Well okay, I did shove a little.
- Language is an obstacle as many, even the young kids working in 7-Eleven, may not understand you. But hand gestures and basic phrases suffice most ways. Those K-dramas and Running Man series didn't go to waste after all then.
- The public transport system is extremely reliable and convenient, and making my way around wasn't too hard. Like Singapore, the people love rushing and fighting for seats like their life depends on it. It's always quite the hilarious scene.
- If you're into North Korean stuff, the DMZ & JSA tour is definitely worth a visit. It's not cheap, but a worthwhile experience and hey, it's the closest you'll ever be to N Korea within safe boundaries. Okay, I did step on N Korean soil for about 5 minutes and stood beside a N Korean soldier. It was pretty surreal, not gonna lie.
- When people say that plastic surgery is everywhere, it really is everywhere. Lines and lines of posters advertising 'aesthetic enhancements', with pictures to follow showing before and after looks. In fact, most of the after looks pretty much looked the same. Perhaps is that why most of the pretty ones look just about the same? Some girls I met there even said so themselves that plastic surgery is the way to go for them when they're old enough to do so. Because their society revolves around the constant need and obsession to be pretty - to attract guys, to score a well-paid job or to please the in-laws. Yikes.
- I had a great laugh trying on the traditional hanbok. You can totally tell I look so out of it and I couldn't stop snorting at myself for looking so ridiculously feminine. Probably also explained why there wasn't a single male tourist around bothering about trying them on. I shall say that the getup makes a great buffet outfit though. Yep, hiding that huge fat belly is just what you need.
