Korean Culture

Hello everyone! Jeff and I have been coming to Korea for many years, and to this very day, we never get tired of it. While Jeff was still serving on active duty in the Air Force, he got stationed at two military bases—Osan and Kunsan. I felt like it was a privilege to have him share a significant part of this culture with me. The first time Jeff deployed to Korea for a 365-day tour, it was in 2002, and the second time, it was in 2007. It was also during both of those tours, that I got to visit and experience Korea in ways I never imagined.

I would like to share of our experiences while traveling in Korea.

The food in Korea is some of the heartiest and the healthiest that we have ever eaten. The dolsot bimbibap bowl is rice topped with veggies and a fried egg, topped with a spicy red pepper paste, which you thoroughly mix in. Personally, this dish happens to be one of my personal favorites. Korea is also known for serving up a variety of delicious soups to warm you up on a cold winter day. Kimchi is a popular side dish, which is also considered one of the main health foods of Korea. At first, I couldn’t stand it. I didn’t like the texture or the taste, but over the years, it really grew on me, and now I love it! Now it seems like I can never get enough of it. Koreans aren’t used to Americans liking kimchi. Another reason why Jeff and I love the food here is because we know exactly where it came from. Koreans put a great deal of effort in growing their vegetables, and the farmers take a lot of pride in what they do. One thing Koreans will do is correct you if you’re eating their delicacy properly. They will simply educate you on how to mix everything correctly, so you get the most of your eating experience. Now, there is one misconception I would like to clear the air about—-eating dogs. While it was true that some of the more expensive restaurants did serve dog, it’s not common cuisine among the locals. This is no longer happening, because the Korean Animal Welfare Association is no longer allowing this. They are really getting onboard with avoiding animal cruelty in any way, which offers us much consolation.

Another popular pastime in Korea are the local saunas. Although the prices have gone up, like most things have, it’s still a very economical way to indulge in some cleanliness and relaxation. The men’s and women’s are separate, and you are stark naked as the day you were born. Most of the locals bring a basket equipped with shampoo, body lotion, face scrub, and a washcloth, though some of these items can be purchased at the front desk. When you arrive, you pay, then you put your stuff in a locker. No shoes are allowed, even in the locker room. Koreans are very particular about that. Each person is given a couple of small towels, which are not much bigger than a washcloth. The first time I ever went to the sauna, I was quite intimidated and not used to all these other women seeing me naked. It took time to get used to it. Eventually, I just convinced myself that we were all there for the same reason. What I love the most about the saunas compared to going to hot springs in the US is that we can stay as long as we want; there is no time limit. Koreans are very big on cleanliness, and they are really thorough when it comes to washing. I have adapted their habits over the years, and I’ll often wash my body three times consecutively to make sure I’m clean. I even got influenced by their impeccable skincare routine. Koreans have the prettiest and most flawless skin in the world. Even at 61 years old, I still use their products, and my skin has never looked better.

Transportation in Korea is surprisingly quite easy. You can travel the entire country either by boat, bus, or train. There’s also plenty of local taxis waiting to take you wherever you want to go. Jeff and I have traveled down south from Songtan, which is adjacent to Osan Air Force Base. We usually take a taxi to the train station. We purchase the tickets from a ticketing machine, and the cost depends on the location. Line 1 is the popular blue line, which most of the locals take. The further away we want to travel, clearly the more it costs, which is still reasonable. If you want to purchase tickets for the mugunghwa train, which is considered the more economical way to go, it is also a very popular option. Jeff and I have taken that train all the way to Mokpo, which is about 4 hours. It isn’t the quickest mode of transportation, but it’s still reliable, and gets us to our destination. As far as buses go, they can be hazardous at times, depending on the driver. In the past, drivers would put the pedal to the metal and take off before we got a chance to sit down. I’m sure some of the drivers are still doing that, but I think they are becoming more conscientious about public safety. Many of the buses are electric now, and they get us to our destination quickly. I’m not necessarily in favor of electric vehicles, but I am in favor the electric buses.

Personal space in Korea is one thing a traveler should never expect. People will often crowd you and are right on your heels. This is the reason I don’t take the escalator when people get right behind me. I’ve had a phobia about taking the escalator ever since I was a kid, and although I’m able to take them now, I refuse to do so if someone is right behind me. Some Koreans tend to try and cut ahead of others in line, especially if you’re a foreigner. That has backfired in the past, because one lady tried to cut in front of Jeff, and the person at the counter didn’t help her, because she witnessed what she had done, and helped Jeff first. Some of the older Koreans may see Jeff and I sitting on a bench, and they will expect us to move for them, even though we were sitting there first. One lady even rudely motioned for me to move. Now, I’m the type of person who will happily give up my seat for an elderly or handicapped person, but when someone acts entitled, that someone just doesn’t sit well with me. I don’t mind surrendering my seat, but there is a right way and a wrong to ask. Being polite goes much further than being rude. When it comes to taking the elevator, people will crowd around there as well, but we try to set examples by lining up, and the first ones in line are the first to get on the elevator. However, if we see someone who is elderly or disabled, they have priority, as it should be. Despite us occasionally encountering a few rude people, most people are genuine and very kind. I don’t want you to be put off by traveling to this amazing country just because not everything is perfect. Just remember, there is rudeness and kindness no matter where you go, and the good always outweighs the bad.

Theft in South Korea is nonexistent. I know that many people wouldn’t believe it, but whenever anyone leaves their phone lying on a table, it’s guaranteed to be there when the person returns. I know, because I have witnessed this so many times. The police officers are very laid back, and the ones we’ve seen in Jeju don’t even carry guns. Years ago, Jeff and I were staying in Jeju on a chilly fall day, and we went inside the police station to warm up. The officers didn’t speak English but clearly understood why we were there. We sat down and drank coffee with them. They also offered us some oranges, which grow all over the island. I still can’t get over how relaxed Korean people are when it comes to nonchalantly leaving their phones or other valuables lying around, but they are lucky to live in such a country where the people are so honest. Still, as a general practice, it pays off to be vigilante and keep your valuables with you at all times.

I hope that you enjoyed my post on Korea. Make it your next destination on your bucket list. I promise you won’t regret it!