5 Mini Korean Culture Shock I Experienced During my Korea Trip
The makeup-wearing Korean guys
I knew Seoul would be filled with stylish people, but what I had in mind was nothing compared to what I saw. On my first train ride, I sat opposite a guy wearing thick eyeliner. I had seen this style a few times after that, two times when they were with their girlfriends. Is it a trend here in South Korea?
The cost of a Korean meal
I was prepared for the Japan trip to be expensive, and so was Australia, but I was taken aback by the cost of meals in Korea. It was not that expensive, but I underestimated my budget. I set aside the money equivalent to Hong Kong’s food budget, thinking it would more or less be the same. Boy, oh boy, was I wrong. But in their defence, Korean food has been delicious.
The language barrier
I am fully aware that it’s a privilege to communicate in a common language travelling. But unfortunately, I don’t speak Korean at all, and some Koreans I encountered didn’t speak English that much. Also, I suspected Korean are reserved people. But English and shyness away were also the warmest people I have ever met. A part of me thinks they opened up because they took pity on me due to my dark skin and fried hair.
The size of the Korean towel
The towels they gave in the hostels in Korea were 8 inches long, and I am 5’6 ft. How can I cover even my “essential parts” with it? I used to wipe my face with this tea towel, not to cover my big ass. Damn! I tried maneuvering by wrapping myself with two towels, but it still didn’t cover the backside. The struggle is real, you guys. Especially I didn’t want to disgust my friends and mean more than I usually do.
Korean Subway
Korean subway made me want to cry. For me, it has been harder to navigate compared to Tokyo. Even the exits are complicated (I come from Singapore featuring MRT with exits from A-I). I am sure I would have been lost every single time without my friends.
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