In America, Spam is… well, it’s mystery meat. It’s emergency food you keep in your basement for the apocalypse. In Korea, Spam is a luxury gift set given during holidays. And the most popular way to eat it? Boiling it in a spicy red broth with kimchi, baked beans, tofu, and ramen noodles. It sounds … Read more
In the West, an “Internet Cafe” is a sad place with slow computers where you go to print a PDF. In Korea, a PC Bang (PC Room) is a neon-lit palace of high-end technology and gastronomy. Imagine a place with the fastest internet on Earth, computers powerful enough to launch a rocket, and… a full … Read more
In America, the SAT is stressful, but life goes on. In Korea, on the day of the Suneung (CSAT), the entire country stops. Banks open late. Stock markets open late. Even airplanes are banned from taking off or landing during the English listening test section. Can you imagine JFK Airport shutting down for a high … Read more
In the US, convenience store food is desperate. It’s a sad hot dog spinning on a roller grill or a stale donut. In Korea, the convenience store (CVS) is a Michelin-star restaurant for broke people. You can get a full meal, a fancy coffee, and dessert for under $5. It is called “Pyeon-eui-jeom”. There is … Read more
I just finished watching <K-Pop: Demon Hunters> on Netflix. My popcorn is gone, my eyes are dry, and my mind is blown. This movie finally put the “Action” in “Idol Action.” Everyone is talking about the girls, but let’s talk about Jinwoo. He’s handsome, he’s talented, and he hunts demons while hitting the high notes. … Read more
In Ohio, winter means dry air blowing from vents and cold feet. You wear socks to bed. In Korea, winter means your floor turns into a giant heating pad. It is called Ondol. It is the greatest heating invention in human history. Hot water pipes run underneath the floor, making the entire room toasty warm. … Read more
When I moved to Seoul from Ohio at 22, I thought I was ready. I had watched K-Dramas. I liked Kimchi. I had a dream. Reality hit me like a grandmother’s elbow on the subway. I got kicked out of a spa for wearing a bikini. I got fined for throwing away a banana peel. … Read more
When I booked a Temple Stay in the mountains of Korea, I imagined a “Zen Retreat.” I pictured myself drinking tea, reading a book by a stream, and maybe doing some light yoga. It sounded like a spiritual vacation. I was wrong. Temple Stay is not a vacation. It is Boot Camp for the Soul. … Read more
In the West, if you want to meet someone, you use Tinder or Hinge. You swipe left or right on your phone while lying in bed. In Korea, they brought the app into the bar. It is called “Hunting Pocha” (Hunting Bar). Don’t worry, no animals are harmed. The “prey” is a date. These bars … Read more
In the US, going to the doctor is a luxury event. You book it weeks in advance, wait for hours, and then pay $200 just to say “Hello.” In Korea, going to the doctor is like going to a convenience store. It is fast, efficient, and shockingly cheap. But there is a catch. Korean doctors … Read more