Korean living daily tip #2

Disclaimer: all opinions expressed are my own and based entirely on my personal experience. Things may change depending on situations and just because it happens one way one place doesnt mean it will always be that way. Please keep this in mind when reading and/or commenting.

Now on to tip #2. There is no right of way for people who are walking. This is seen most in subway stations and on sidewalks. While the general "rule" is to stay to the right, hardly anyone follows the rule. There are arrows suggesting it and videos urging it (for people to stay right) but 95% of the time people ignore it and go where they want. This is most stressful and annoying when trying to go up or down stairs. A full wave of people will be coming down, stretched from one side to the other, and you will have to bob and weave to make your way up. That is if you can manage to even make space. Now, most people I know just push on through. This is generally how the Koreans do it too, this observation based on being someone they have repeatedly pushed past. Yet, I am a bit too timid, so I usually just have to be the bob-and-weaver or wait for the flow of people to lessen.

Also, and I am sorry this post ended up being more of a rant, watch out for people who will literally cross the length of space just to walk where you are. For instance, you are walking on the right and another person is on the walking toward you but on the left. There is a I chance that person on the left will cross the way and walk directly toward you expecting you to move. It becomes a game of chicken, and I always lose because I cave and move to let the person pass. Perhaps it is complete coincidence, but it happens too often for me to believe it.

Anyway, enough complaining from me today. It is not always bad, but it is something to keep in mind when you are in busier cities.

Korean living daily tip #1

I plan on trying to post short, often quirky, little tips now and again as I roam through various parts of Korea (mostly Seoul but hopefully other places too) since I never really manage to get longer more detailed posts finished. These will be tips (or info) that may help you know what to expect in daily life in Korea. These are from my viewpoint as living in Seoul, so they may not apply to everyone or every place. So on to my first one:

Sneaky escalators! Here, unlike in some other places I have been (mainly North America), the escalator may appear to be broken when infact it is really just sleeping. Way to go conserving energy, Korea. Seriously, if people arent using it, they often stop, but will usually start back up as you walk up to it. I am sure this happens in other countries too, but it was something I had never personally seen before. I would walk up saying, "awww that sucks," then it would start up as I got closer. It seems that a broken escalator will usually have a sign blocking it completely, so dont be too disappointed at first glance if you see a still escalator. It likely is just waiting for you to get closer before it starts.

Attic Cat / Cat Attic - cat cafe in Gangnam

I love cat cafes. Luckily I have a great one only a block away from my apartment. If you go to Gangnam Station, exit 10...take an immediate left down a little street (sort of a driveway, or more of a parking lot when I went). There was a person dressed up like an orange cat with a sign pointing the right way, but he/she may not always be there. Still you will see a building with green and yellow bubbles. That is where you turn.

Anyway, walk a short ways until that road ends. The cat cafe will be in front of you (a little to the right) on the 4th floor of the building. You will see a place named Pomato, and the cafe is to the right of that. The cat cafe sign will be on the wall of windows above the 7-11. The elevator is through the door immediately left of the 7-11.

Okay so on to the cafe itself. If you have read about any other cat cafes this is pretty much the same. You walk in, put some slippers on (putting your shoes in a cubby hole), and disinfect your hands. There are also spare sets of slippers for use if you need to run off to the restroom while you are visiting the cafe - this way you don't have to waste time putting on your shoes. Then you go through another door and up to the counter, pay your $8 or 8,000 won, then order a drink (the first drink is free with the entry fee). Then you have a seat. This place was also cool enough to have little cabinets for you to put your things. Somewhere in this process, you will be introduced to the rules, which vary per cat cafe but are pretty much all the same (don't feed the cat human food or drink, don't wake sleeping cats, don't mess with cats when they are eating, don't pull cat's tails, don't pick up and hug cats, etc).

  Then you start enjoying the orgy of cat love that is running, lounging, stalking, or sleeping in the room. My previous cat cafe visit was lacking in cat loving. Most of the cats seemed disinterested in people and a little on the snooty side. I figured this was the norm since cats aren't always the most sociable with people they don't know (as opposed to dogs who love you the moment you walk in the door). This cafe, however, had lots of loving cats eager for pets and attention. 

Periodically, one of the workers (possibly the owner or manager of the place) would come out and either give people a little cat food on their hands to feed to the cats, pass out snacks to give to the cats (the kittens were not allowed the food or the treats, which was a little sad but I guess I understood it), or use a pole with a feather on a string to make the cats play and do various tricks - not to mention some instructed mischief. He had a lot of fun with it, the cats seemed to enjoy it, and the patrons all laughed and played along.
 

 

I stayed for quite a while (there is no time limit for staying beyond their normal business hours) before I decided I really needed to go and get some productive things done, but not before one of the cats took up residence on my coat (which I had sitting on the bench). That cat slept peacefully for some time before I finally had to nudge him off so I could leave. That was a sad time indeed.

Finally, I gave the girl at the desk my empty cup, traded my slippers for my tennis shoes, then I headed down and out of the building. Luckily, it's so close, I know I can go back any time. There also seemed to be some sort of stamp/punch card you could get for return/repeat visits, so I will have to look into that for next time.

Attic Cat Cafe Info

website: http://www.godabang.com

phone number: 02-3481-3123 (in Korea)

open hours: I believe it is 1pm ~ 10pm

--seems there are others in Myeongdong and Hongdae as well (and a few other places according to the website). I can't read the website, so I can't be certain of what it says.

The subway adventure continues...

I went for another search for Cool Pet/Dr. Pet and I finally found it. I took the subway again and actually did a transfer *gasp* which was interesting. It gets a little easier for me each time I go out. Monday I may be going to a different Cool Pet and I will have 2 transfers, so that will be the test.

So this time I found vending machines with hot drinks and made a few observations. Now the hot drink vending machine may be normal in other places but I have never seen them before (outside of anime and korean dramas). I had seen them before on my last visit but I didnt try them. I didnt try one todat either but I plan to test them out soon. An observation I made (one of a few) was that subway stations can be dangerous to the bank account. Every time I go in one, I buy something from one of the miltitude of shops that are there. If I am not stopping for a coffee and donuts or buying some kind if beauty product, then I am buying some gadget or accessory or I am stopping at one of the many convenience stores down there. It is bad enough I do the same thing at street level, but now even underground when all I wanted was to catch a train or cross the street safely (if there wasnt a cross walk).

Another observation...subways can get really crowded.  There also seems to be a whole lot of hurry up to wait kind if thing. People will push you around so they can get past you then simply stop in the middle of the walkway (or even on the stairs) whether someone is blocking their was or not. Now this is something I had heard about before (the people just stopping right in front of you), but I didnt believe it was as bad as it is. I can get used to it but I cant guarantee I wont run right into someone some day. Plus, I dont want to pick it up as a learned habit.

And a final note for the day...bathrooms. I finally found a restroom that didnt have toilet paper but that did have the communal roll outside by the sinks. You have to grab some on the way in, and hope you managed to get enough. There were both western-style and squat-potty-style (the hole in the floor that you squat over) toilets though - thank goodness, and they were both abundant and clearly marked on the stall doors. Now some may be thinking talking about the bathrooms is gross, but its something you have to me prepared for if you plan to go to Korea or many other asian countries. So there you have it.

I think I will document my next subway trip on video (or at least a slideshow) to help show others how to use the subway...just from my experience and perspective.

Back in Seoul

So I didnt mention I had left, but I am back in Seoul to start my first of 2 study abroad semesters (orientation is in a week). Today I took my first subway ride by myself. Most people may think that is no big deal but it was hard for me. People make me nervous. Small enclosed spaces make me nervous. New things make me nervous. Needless to say I am a nervous person. If anyone has seen My Flowerboy Neighbor (or whatever its called)...then I am like the lead girl. Anywho here I am wandering the street looking for pet vets and pet shops (looking for pet supplies) and feeling really good about my first solo subway ride (I have only been on it one other time more than a month ago and that was with a friend). Yep it is time to step out of my box and see some of this great country (or at least the city...baby steps).

edit: pet store shopping was a bust. I was looking for cool pet which I am absolutely positive I saw while coming home (in a car) earlier in the day, but I just couldnt find it. On the way back (even easier than before though very crowded) I saw a band in the subway station and got some shots of a few other things (including the homeplus virtual shop).

Adventures in Korea - learning to subway!

Yes, I know subway isn't a verb, but I am making it one lol. Anywho, I had a nice outing with Marti, who was kind enough to show me around the basics of using the subway. I didn't actually go anywhere, but at least I now know how to get into and out of the subway as well as some of the basics on how to get where I want to go.
We also took a turn through the many many many floors of D-Cube department store. I checked out one of the basement floors which is a food court in heaven. I found some places with macaroons. Oh my...this could be really bad for the diet. I also picked up a super cute headband and a couple stones (don't ask...they were just pretty).
Separate from my outing with Marti, I did my first dirty clothes wash today using this so called drying washer. It really doesn't dry. The clothes aren't dripping wet though, just need a little air drying, so hopefully it won't take too long. I would rather not having laundry hanging when Kendra gets here. Worst part is that I washed black pants and shirt with 3 white wash cloths. Now I know it generally isn't a good idea to wash clothes with towels and whatnot, but I have never had issues with it before. So, now I have a pair of pants and a shirt full of white specks. Ick. At least it's only two items, I can see the positive here since it could have been a whole wash load of clothes ruined, but it still kinda annoys me.
Well, tomorrow is my trip back to the airport to meet/pickup Kendra. I will be going early so I can look around at some of the stuff that is in that massive airport. Then more adventures to proceed from there.
So, here are some pictures from D-Cube (nothing too fancy): fish from the cute little water display in the floor and a pretty Christmas scene.

My Blogger is in Korean, and...T-money!

Well, I am not sure how to change it, but my blogger is all in Korean (minus what I type). That is slightly annoying. It wouldn't be an issue if I was highly familiar with Blogger, but I am not so it is problematic. Anywho, moving on. Today was another little adventure. I went out and bought a T-money charm so I can use public transportation. I haven't actually attempted to use the subway yet, but baby steps. I felt pretty good though because I finally got to use some of the Korean I have learned. So far, up till purchasing the t-money charm, I had only managed to say simple things like Hello and Thank you. Today, I got to say, "sago sipoyo" (I butchered that romanized spelling, I'm sure) when explaining that I wanted to buy the t-money card. That felt good, and the woman at the counter l ooked infinitely more relieved that she didn't have to try to work it out in English.
After, I went for some tofu stew with ddeok (rice cake). It was really good. I am pretty much working my way down the menu at this one particular tofu stew place. First I had kimchi, then mandu (dumpling), and now the rice cake. Next I want to have the ham (looks like spam). I also went grocery shopping. It was a small haul of items; nothing too big, bulky, or that I really have to cook just yet, but I did pick up a few tasty things for dinner and a snack or two. While there, I spotted another foreigner. I guess he could be a native, who just so happens to have a white parent so he doesn't look Korean, but I don't think so. I didn't quite get up the guts to say hello, but it was nice not feeling like I was the only foreigner in the store (E-mart in Sindorim Techno Mart). On my walk back home, I saw yet another foreigner. I didn't talk to him either (damn my shyness!!). It was just odd. I have been here all week and I hadn't seen a single foreigner at all, and all in one day I spot 2. I guess it is likely because it is Saturday, and they are out doing their weekend thing (where they would have otherwise been teaching classes or working while I was out previously in the week).
Well, that's been my day so far. Perhaps there will be more to happen, but I will save that for another post.

Snow in Korea

Yep. It is snowing in Seoul. This is only cool because I haven't really ever seen real snow before. Closest thing I have seen to snow before has been more slush and ice. I might not go out in it, but I might have to for dinner. I don't know how long the snow will last, but I will enjoy it while it is so pretty. Also below I have included a photo of some Christmas decorations from D-Cube department store here in Sindorim.

Korea...I have arrived

I finally made it to South Korea. It has been a rough couple days as i try to adjust to this new place, new people, and new weather (I am used to weather that rarely goes below 40°f on its coldest days). I am doing.fairly well though. So far so good. My friend Kendra will join me in about a week, so i look forward to having someone to bum around Seoul with for a couple weeks.

Heading to Korea!

Well it has been quite a while. I haven't really had a whole lot to talk about, though I have been taking 3 Korean classes and having many a Korean meal and snack through the last couple of months.
BUT now I have something to talk about. I'm going to Korea! Like, literally, tomorrow I leave from Los Angeles heading for Seoul, South Korea on Korean Air. I will be there for a month as a tourist, doing the typical tourist stuff, then I return again in February to stay for a year as a student (study abroad at Konkuk University). I am very excited, and I plan to document my trip (both vacation and study trips).

So let me give you a quick rundown on what's happened so far:

At the end of November I finished my Korean language class. I retook level 1 (I'd done quite well last semester with level 1, but I wanted to retake it to lock in the information) and took level 2 as well. Additionally, I took level 3, but that was far too advanced for me to fully take in so I mostly just picked up additional vocabulary. I finished level 2 with high scores, so I was quite proud. I am still very nervous using my Korean though. It is almost like it all just flies out of my head the moment I am around any Korean speaking people. It is sad really. I can completely relate to Korean students trying to learn English and why they may be nervous when having to speak English.

I started my TESOL/TEFL certification class. It is a 100 hour certification, with 60 of those hours being in-class/hands-on training. So far I have completed the in-class portion. Now I have about 3 months (little less now) to complete the online component. I learned quite a bit so far, and I plan to take an additional 40 hour component (specifically geared toward teaching small children) once I am done with this initial online portion. When I actually take that additional portion will depend on how busy I am through the Spring with my classes in Korea.

I applied and was accepted into the ISA study abroad program in Seoul (as mentioned above). I still need to get my visa, but the ISA rep seemed confident that I would be able to get it once I was back in the US from my vacation. I will be living in (actually on the outskirts I believe) of Gangnam. My place is really cute (according to the pictures) and decorated with Hello Kitty things. I am a big Hello Kitty fan, so that's why I chose that particular place to spend my year. It's very close to the subway line that goes directly to the school, and it is supposedly only about 15 to 20 minutes to the school by subway. I am close, but not surrounded my school 24/7. I also have my apartment/flat all to myself, so no roommates to be underfoot. If I had been younger, and a little less accustomed to living by myself, I might have lived on campus in the dorm, but I really wanted a kitchen and no roommate, so off-campus it was for me.

There have been a number of other things happening since my last post, but these are the only Korea-related things. Look forward to future postings, as I post about the place I am staying for my vacation and lots of pictures and stuff of stuff I do while I am there. First step is tomorrow, when I leave at 11am on Korean Air (prestige class)!

Another H Mart Shopping Trip - Yay Korean Food!

I am being lazy, but let me tell you about my recent H Mart purchases.

First, these rice cookie things - yum!

 

Yeah, they were really yummy. It's a light sweetness and just the perfect amount of crunch. 

Second was something rather simple - pomegranate hard candies:

They ended up being rather yummy too. I really love pomegranate flavored things though, so I assumed that would be the case. There are a whole lot of them in the package too, so I don't think I will run out any time soon.

Lastly, I got a rainbow rice cake, and well... it was gross.

Now, to be fair, I think I left it too long (in the heat for a little while too) and it just got hard. If I'd eaten it when I bought it, perhaps my opinion of it would have been different. I think I will try again another time to test this theory. There are other little rice cake things that I've had that are really tasty, so I have faith!

So that's it for this week. If you have any suggestions of things I should try, let me know!

Adventures in Korean Cooking plus more language learning.

So I wanted to post my pictures of my wonderful adventures in cooking ddeokbokki (떡볶이). This was an adventure indeed, but it still came out pretty good - in my opinion. Let's start with the set-up:

So I had the ddeokbokki, gochujang paste and powder, fish cakes (that had onion and carrots in it), green onions, carrots, mushrooms (just because I love mushrooms), salt, pepper, soy sauce, and some sugar. It was all cooked in a shallow pot/pan using instructions from Simon and Martina's cooking demonstration of the same meal. And the final result was:

Overall it was a success though there are some changes I might make next time. First, I think I cooked the sauce down too much, so as you see it wasn't very saucy. I also think it could have cooked a little longer because some of the ddeokbokki wasn't quite done. I would also most likely make less of the fish cakes or slice them up smaller. The taste was pretty good. I haven't ever had it by actual Korean cooks though, so I could have been way off without even knowing it. It wasn't too spicy but I put a heaping spoonful and a half of the paste, so I don't think I would put any more than that. I did learn that substituting almond milk instead of regular milk (to reduce the spicy burn) is a TERRIBLE idea, not to mention completely pointless since apparently it's the lactic acid in milk that gets rid of the burn.... almond milk is lactose-free. >.> Yeah, you live and you learn.

Up next on the cooking schedule is either going to be kimchi stew or kimchi fried rice. Either way, I have to cook that when everyone else is asleep so they won't complain about the smell of the kimchi. As it is, I can't eat it in a small portion when people are around. I can only imagine how it'll be when making a meal where it is a huge portion of the meal itself.

Ah yes, and to the second part of this post - Korean Language Learning!

Below is a white board I have that I put a different word, verb, and phrase up in Korean every day - or every other day if I don't feel I have mastered those completely. 

This idea is thanks to MrJaeGun on youtube, who has been so kind to post up various videos of his lessons as he teaches in S. Korea (among other interesting and informational videos). I don't want to stick the board to the wall, so it is precariously standing with the aid of a full coke can and a bottle of powerade - flanked by a squad of Hello Kitty stuffed dolls and my XBOX 360, but it's in good view of my desk and seems to be helping me a great deal. Along with my other study aids and class videos, it brings be one step closer to my goal each day. 

Yep, that's it. Later!