In most countries, Red means “Stop” and Green means “Go.” However, in this Korean Taxi Guide, I will explain why the logic here is flipped upside down. You are standing on a street in Seoul. A taxi approaches. The light is RED. Naturally, you think “It’s busy” and let it pass. Then, a taxi with … Read more
When my friends found out I was in Korea, they all asked the same question: “Have you seen North Korea? Is it scary?” Consequently, I booked a DMZ (Demilitarized Zone) tour. At first, I expected a thrilling adventure movie set. I imagined taking cool selfies with soldiers and buying “North Korean wine” as a souvenir. … Read more
In New York, Central Park is for walking dogs and eating sandwiches you brought from home. In Seoul, the Han River (Hangang) Park is an open-air restaurant, a campsite, and a party zone. Imagine sitting on a mat by the river, watching the sunset. Suddenly, a motorcycle arrives and hands you a steaming box of … Read more
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