10. 24 hour food/take-out services.
Got hunger? Get take-out. Anytime, anywhere. Many Korean establishments operate around the clock and they almost always offer delivery. An easy phone call and TADA! A few minutes later, a little man on a scooter will arrive at your doorstep offering almost anything your grumbling stomach may have desired. (You may want to brush up on a few ordering phrases though to ensure you get what you want. You’ll likely have to order in Korean.) You can also find a plethora of cool snacks and drinks in vending machines around the city or in the ubiquitous 24 hour convenience stores such as LG. I fell in love with Lotte’s vending machine canned coffee drinks!
9. Bluntness is a-okay when talking to Koreans.
Single and looking? There’s no tip-toeing around the subject of age and relationship status here. If you’re single, and happen to have your eye on a Korean, your can acceptably ask them, point blank -- “how old are you? Are you single?” Koreans don’t like guessing games. So ask away! They’ll answer. Also, be prepared to be asked. All Koreans will be curious about your age and status, even if they have no interest in dating you. It's about as commonly asked as "how are you?"
8. Korean dramas/soaps.
You don’t need to know much of the language to get in on the fun. Oh, the facial expressions… and the tears!! They say it all!! You may be tuning in every night, and even Youtubing for more!
7. Trust.
Koreans are very trusting people in public places, and can also be trusted. At Starbucks, you’ll notice people leave things on the table, without worry, while they go outside to smoke, leave for the bathroom, etc. The best part is that I’ve never heard of anything going missing either.
6. “Konglish”
Konglish is how Koreans speak English words. It’s derived from their adoption of some English into their language. However, the pronunciation carries over into how they speak English. At first it might be confusing listening to Koreans speak English, but you’ll quickly get the hang of it. It can actually be a lot of fun translating English words to Korean sounds to understand what Koreans are saying to you, and to communicate back to them (or, as a teacher, to correct them back into actual English). In Konglish, Fs are pronounced p or h, Vs are pronounced b and Rs are pronounced l.
5. Technology.
You’ll be the envy of all your friends when you brag about the cool cell phone you have in
4. The food.
If you like spicy, spicy food, you’ll love Korean food, that is. I do, so I was in heaven. Ko-chue-jung (HOT chile paste) can be added to almost any dish. Kim chi is also great for people who love spicy foods, although as it is also a cabbage side-dish, it is certainly an acquired taste. There are also many great foods for those averse to spice. Korean BBQ cannot be missed. Ask a Korean where the best Korean BBQ restaurant is and try it out!
3. Side-dishes.
Oh, the side dish selection when you eat out in
2. You’ll be bowed to frequently.
No, you may not be royalty, but you will be bowed to… Bowing is a gesture of respect, and you’ll notice all Koreans giving a little bow of the head as they say hello, thank you, goodbye, among other expressions. It is a culture thing. It has nothing to do with your Rockstar status as a foreigner. (If you would like to be polite, and show respect back, return a little bow of your head.)
1. Your Rockstar Status at Home.
You’ll be the envy of all of your friends when they hear about the grand life you are living, not to mention your AMAZINGLY cool gadgets. They don’t need to know how cheaply you are able to live this Rockstar life! They’ll hear about the fabulous time your are having, the money you are saving/spending, your cool gadgets, your many travels, and no one will look at you the same again. Forget
