First Impressions

We have now been in Korea for just over a month. We both love our apartment and our settling into our jobs and the Korean way of life. Our main impression of Korea so far is that it is a land of Paradox. A world of opposites and of strange goings on.

People: The reactions that we get form the locals varies a great deal. Most people just look us up and down with a look of disapproval while others will go out of their way to say “Hello”, take our picture and sometimes even bow to us.

There does not seem to be much individualism and most people have the same haircuts and dress exactly the same. Koreans come across as being fashion conscious although I am starting to wonder if it is more a case of they purely wear what everyone else is wearing.

One of the most fascinating paradoxes is to do with manners, respect and honor, 3 things that are meant to mean everything in Korea. You must take your shoes off when entering a restaurant, temple or home, ensuring that you are wearing socks so as not too show your toes but it is perfectly alright to make a very loud HOARKing noise and spit anywhere you want (even small girls do it). Although you must always address someone by the appropriate title, it is acceptable to elbow a grandma in the head while pushing your way onto the train to get a seat. Don’t worry, the grandma will be fighting just as hard and will elbow you in the head if she can. Girls must cover their mouths when laughing, but there is no need to cover your mouth while sneezing or coughing (which is why Cindy has a cold).

Food: Groceries are similarly priced to Australia and Canada although eating out is significantly cheaper. We can order a traditional Korean meal for two with complimentary soup and kimchi for between four and five dollars. There are many Korean barbecue type places where eating is somewhat of an adventure and you eat for between 7 and 12 dollars each. We are starting to realize that it is actually cheaper to eat out! And as beer is cheaper than orange juice, I guess we will have to drink more of that as well...

Location: We live in a the third largest city in South Korea called Daegu. We live in the area of Siji which is the 2^nd last subway stop out of town. Siji is one of the nicer areas of Daegu and is home to a variety of restaurants, cafes and Hogwans (Private English School). Daegu is situated within a basin of mountains. We only have to cross one road before we are at the base of the mountains and an array of hiking trails.

Transport: Public transport in Korean is excellent! The subway system can take you most places that you would need to go. It is cheap (around $1), simple and there is a train approximately every three or four minutes.

There is a fast train that goes to most major locations in Korea. It is comfortable, affordable and leaves about every 20 minutes. The buses are equally as good, a little cheaper, not as fast, but just as comfortable.

I doubt that you would be able to stand on any corner for more than 30 seconds and not see a taxi. You can pretty much walk out to the street and hail a taxi instantly.

The only transportation issues are that crosswalks mean diddlysquat (nothing) and you need to watch for motorbikes, scooters, and bicycles on the sidewalk (all of which will be carrying up to five people). Grandma will not hesitate to run you down either, so be ready to jump aside.