![Picture](/uploads/2/9/4/8/29480119/4151409.jpg?250)
Thus far, I have been blogging on a weekly basis, so my descriptions have been more of a light overview and less of an in-depth perspective of my time here in Korea. Since I've been here around a month I thought it would be a good time to post a bit about my experience in more detail.
I've noticed a few things that set South Korea and particularly Seoul apart from my previous adventures in both Japan and Panama. For the purposes of length I'm just going to stick to comparisons with Japan this time:/
1.) Infrastructure: Historically Korea has a history of economic and infrastructural development that started long after the developments made in Japan. Moreover, Korea's population seems to be culturally less focused on improvements like those that I'd seen in Japan. Here in Korea things are a lot more reflective of China, where people are a little bit less refined or rigid (like the people I came across in Yokohama and Tokyo).
2.) Food: ALL THE FOOD IS SO CHEAP! Yes, in Japan all the food is very good, even the cheap food, but the problem in Japan is that most of the cheap food consists of noodles or rice bowls (high in calories low in nutritional content >.<). HOWEVER in Seoul I've managed to find a wide variety of really great meals and never having to spend more than 10$ on a single meal (on average 3-5$ at most :D) In terms of taste, the food is just as flavourful as the people. Not as sweet and reserved as the Japanese palate which gives Korean food a nice dynamic touch to it!
I've noticed a few things that set South Korea and particularly Seoul apart from my previous adventures in both Japan and Panama. For the purposes of length I'm just going to stick to comparisons with Japan this time:/
1.) Infrastructure: Historically Korea has a history of economic and infrastructural development that started long after the developments made in Japan. Moreover, Korea's population seems to be culturally less focused on improvements like those that I'd seen in Japan. Here in Korea things are a lot more reflective of China, where people are a little bit less refined or rigid (like the people I came across in Yokohama and Tokyo).
2.) Food: ALL THE FOOD IS SO CHEAP! Yes, in Japan all the food is very good, even the cheap food, but the problem in Japan is that most of the cheap food consists of noodles or rice bowls (high in calories low in nutritional content >.<). HOWEVER in Seoul I've managed to find a wide variety of really great meals and never having to spend more than 10$ on a single meal (on average 3-5$ at most :D) In terms of taste, the food is just as flavourful as the people. Not as sweet and reserved as the Japanese palate which gives Korean food a nice dynamic touch to it!
![Picture](/uploads/2/9/4/8/29480119/43919.jpg?250)
3.) Cost of Living: Like the food, cost of living here in Seoul is quite low, the transportation system is a lot cheaper at maybe 1$ to get between stations, whereas Japan the pricing is contingent on distance so the prices can really add up if you plan on venturing out far from your original destination!
4.) Technology: Though I haven't bought any electronics, it is the sheer number of flatscreen TVs, smartphones and technologically advanced products that are part of people's everyday life that make it really easy to enjoy my time in Seoul. Not only are these beautiful specimens everywhere, they are free to use typically!
5.) People: In general people are about equally as nice, but I noticed in terms of Western Manners, they were definitely more prominent in Japan. Things like spitting and yelling were not as public in Japan as they are in Korea, and part of that is not too bad as long as you learn to avoid certain parts of the road and NEVER EVER take off your shoes.
Overall, I have truly loved my experience here, and so far the past month has been a fantastic example of what Korea has to offer-- lots of sights to see, great chances to escape into nature while also being able to enjoy the city life. Good food and to top it all off a very kind population of people that is willing to help out a foreigner despite her lack of Korean skills!
4.) Technology: Though I haven't bought any electronics, it is the sheer number of flatscreen TVs, smartphones and technologically advanced products that are part of people's everyday life that make it really easy to enjoy my time in Seoul. Not only are these beautiful specimens everywhere, they are free to use typically!
5.) People: In general people are about equally as nice, but I noticed in terms of Western Manners, they were definitely more prominent in Japan. Things like spitting and yelling were not as public in Japan as they are in Korea, and part of that is not too bad as long as you learn to avoid certain parts of the road and NEVER EVER take off your shoes.
Overall, I have truly loved my experience here, and so far the past month has been a fantastic example of what Korea has to offer-- lots of sights to see, great chances to escape into nature while also being able to enjoy the city life. Good food and to top it all off a very kind population of people that is willing to help out a foreigner despite her lack of Korean skills!