Upon arrival in Seoul, we were greeted by large buildings and sunny skies as many people passed by. I am not used to big cities, so I find tall buildings fascinating to look at. At first we did not talk to anyone on the way to our guesthouse, but when we arrived, the guesthouse manager heartily greeted us and helped us carry our heavy (50-pound) luggage up the steep stairs to our room. I'm very grateful that he was so kind, as we we were already exhausted from dragging our luggage that far and from our long flights. He was extremely accommodating and even shared his smoothie with us.
On the days to come, I saw how many Koreans are very willing to help foreigners who look like they need help. It is very refreshing to see that kind of kindness toward strangers. When Jen and I stayed out at a musical across town too late and had to exit the subway while we were still very far from our guesthouse, a man saw us trying to read the bus schedule and asked us where we needed to go. He told us the buses are no longer running that direction that late, and helped us call a taxi and gave directions to the driver for us.
When we arrived in Ulsan by KTX train, we were greeted by one of the student volunteers. I quickly realized that I left my phone on the seat of the train, which had already departed to Busan, but with her help and the help of Mr. Jung I was able to get my phone back a couple of days later. I'm so grateful for their help because I am not sure I would have been able to get it back without them.
As I was walking down a street in Ulsan by myself to find a convenience store, a man noticed I had no umbrella and walked with me until he got to his destination. I only had a few more buildings to pass, but he insisted that I keep his umbrella. I'm really blown away by the kindness I keep experiencing. It's nice that I can feel so safe in such big cities.
Korea has such a beautiful landscape. The many steep mountains are densely covered with green trees. You can even see the mountains between the tall city buildings. I love nighttime in the city, with the bright lights and lively atmosphere. It's nice that I can go out late at night and still enjoy good food and hear good music.
Shopping and eating in Korea has been wonderful so far. I love that tax is included in the price and tipping is not customary here. It makes it so much easier to watch how much I'm spending. Most everything is a lot less expensive here as well, at least in the college areas. I've found some nice quality clothes and shoes for cheaper than at home, and my belly had stayed full on the generous shared portions of food. I would actually be a lot happier in America if pricing and taxing was similar.
One of my favorite experiences so far was having chimaek (chicken and beer) with my friend Sung Chul by the Han River. It was an easy trek by subway, and when we got there we were greeted by ladies with flyers for delivery chicken. One of them let us borrow her phone to order our chicken, and then we bought some beer and a picnic mat at one of the convenient kiosks. Couples and groups of friends dotted the lawn, and bikers zoomed by while playing music on portable speakers. The river and the city skyline were a beautiful view. I think that this will definitely be one of my most memorable experiences in Korea.
I thought that Korea would be complete culture shock, but because of the kindness of Koreans and the safe feeling I get here, I have been possibly even more comfortable than I am at home. Since Jen and I can read Hangul, we have been successful in ordering food and navigating, even in Ulsan where there seem to be less English-speaking workers. I hope that in my future travels to other countries, I will be as comfortable as I am here in Korea.
No comments:
Post a Comment