What's Different About Life In Korea

Today I decided to make some gingersnaps, since they are a traditional festive treat in our home around the holidays. The problem was – well, there were several problems. Since March of this year we have been doing our darnedest to eat clean. That means no refined sugars, processed foods, only food from the earth at it's whole-est form. Post on that coming soon. We're eating clean as much as we can manage without killing eat other from low blood sugar and all around hanger. Gingersnaps, as you might know, are loaded with brown sugar and white sugar. So that was an issue. But I have my ways of satisfying my sweet tooth without these processed refined sugars. Honey is a great alternative. And of course, the molasses that gingersnaps require to make them said gingery cookie. 

Anyways, as I was grinding my oat flour and measuring my spices, I sighed in frustration and the thought occurred to me: I cannot wait to have my kitchen counter space back again. Anything more than two and a half feet would be a luxury, to say the least.

Which led to this blog post. A little FYI just in case you were wondering...

What is different about life in Korea than living in the beautiful midwest, USA?

1. You take your shoes off at the door. The streets in Korea are pretty dirty and disgusting, as with any city I'd imagine, but more so here I think. Here's why: Within the first week of living in our apartment, we walked by a man urinating on someone's tire. Yeah. We've also seen blood on the sidewalk near our apartment. There is so much trash everywhere and trash areas are often very near the sidewalks, so whatever leaks or doesn't make it in the bags is all over your walking space. Yummy. Living here, you understand immediately why everyone takes off their shoes before walking into a place of residence, restaurant, or even a nicer business. I've seen shoes at the doorway of a financial institution here, something you would never see in the states. I assure you, these are not great places for sidewalk chalk drawings. Save those for... your apartment roof? Anyways, pressing on.
2. Public transportation is a must. Unless you'd rather ride your bike or walk everywhere. In Korea's icy winter or 100% humidity. No? Didn't think so. This is probably something US citizens living in major cities are more comfortable with, however for this midwest girl, it's been quite the adjustment. I definitely miss my car and the luxury that affords. There are so many comforts I miss about having your own vehicle and not breathing your neighbor's kimchi breath on the subway. Say goodbye to personal space.
3. Food. There are SO MANY places to eat in Korea. I cannot read hangugeo very well, which is the language on most signs, but I don't often see a chain of restaurants like what is so common in the states. Of course, there is your typical Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Popeyes, but there definitely isn't one on every street corner like we are used to seeing in the states. Instead, there seem to be many privately owned businesses here, and restaurants are no exception. With that comes the awesome opportunity to try many different varieties and cuisines. This is one of my favorite parts of Korea, one that I wish hubby were a little more into. Understandably, he knows what he likes and generally sticks to that. I am definitely the adventurer, but he's a good sport about it when I want to try something new. Just in our local area, we can try many varieties of traditional Korean food, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian, Peruvian, Indian, Turkish, and more!
4. Shopping is not relaxing. Sad day, I know. When you enter a store in the states, typically you're able to grab a cart, unload your purse and coat, and peruse the aisles to your hearts content possibly with the occasional store clerk asking if you need help finding anything. You might ask them about a current sale, but that is the extent of your interaction if you so choose. In Korea, this is not the case. Particularly with small businesses (of which there are many), store owners and associates will follow you throughout the entire store and some will even speak to you about specific items you might show the slightest interest in. You're looking at this pair of gloves? The associate will take them from you and open them for you to slip your hand inside. And then they will tell you how much they cost. Hubby and I often find ourselves immediately turned off by this approach and typically leave the establishment as soon as we have the chance without buying a thing. If I were to have the opportunity to shop without being bothered, I have a feeling my wallet might be a little lighter. Maybe that's a good thing? 
5. There are people everywhere. Do you remember that scene in Home Alone where the family is in the airport running to catch their plane? Everyone is literally running at a full sprint to get to the gate and there couldn't be more people in their way. Korea is kind of like that on the crowded scale. Subways, airports and shopping malls are suffocating at times. No, almost always. For a wide open spaces, drive an hour to the city girl like me, that's not much room to breath. Did I say I was having trouble breathing over here? Have I mentioned that yet? Hehe... In Korea you're going to get shoved, a lot. By everyone. So imagine the discomfort, would ya?

On the bright side (there are a couple, I assure you), I see my husband every day, and that's what makes it all worth it. But in all seriousness you stateside residence, savor your personal space, clean air, and those solo shopping trips where you hardly have to talk to anyone and can drive home in your car rocking out to your favorite radio stations. I cannot wait for those days again.

Ya feel me?