Well, I'm nearing the end of my Korean adventure, in just a couple of weeks I'll be Moscow-bound. As I get ready to leave, I'd like to reflect on some of the things I liked and will miss most about Korea.
No. 1 - Sunshine
The past winter has been one of the sunniest of my life. While Korea can get very cold, it stays clear and sunny for a lot of the year. And especially in Busan on the southern coast, there's only a short period during the year when it's hard to find something green.
No. 2 - Transportation
Even the small towns in Korea are readily connected by relatively inexpensive modes of public transportation. By taking a bus or train, you can get almost anywhere you need to go in under four hours. The high speed KTX runs the length of the country from Seoul to Busan, takes only 3 and a half hours and costs only around 35 dollars, plus it is so comfortable!!!
No. 3 - Food
I'll miss everthing: galbi, jjimdak, bulgogi, kimbap, bibimbap, dakboki and yes, even kimchi. Actually, kimchi has really grown on me, it's so spicy, crunchy and fresh. I don't think I'll realize how much I really miss all of it until I've already left and can't have it anymore. :-)
No. 4 - People
Koreans in general are very welcoming and friendly. Someone will almost always help you if you get lost and many people go out of their way to make foreigners feel welcome. Most Koreans are well-educated and have traveled or lived for a few years in other places. Many people are eager to practice their other languages, ask about places they are familiar with or just express interest in things external to Korea.
No. 5 - Seasons
Korea is extremely proud of its seasons, and for good reason. The trees bloom in spring, grow green in summer, turn red and gold in fall and dark in winter. The seasons correspond very closely to three month periods on the calendar: March-May is spring, June-August is summer, September-November is fall and December-February is winter.
Goodbye soon, Korea, maybe I'll see you again later!
Sincerely,
Michael TheMonkey
No. 1 - Sunshine
 |
| Busan in early March |
The past winter has been one of the sunniest of my life. While Korea can get very cold, it stays clear and sunny for a lot of the year. And especially in Busan on the southern coast, there's only a short period during the year when it's hard to find something green.
No. 2 - Transportation
Even the small towns in Korea are readily connected by relatively inexpensive modes of public transportation. By taking a bus or train, you can get almost anywhere you need to go in under four hours. The high speed KTX runs the length of the country from Seoul to Busan, takes only 3 and a half hours and costs only around 35 dollars, plus it is so comfortable!!!
 |
| Enjoying my seat on the KTX |
No. 3 - Food
I'll miss everthing: galbi, jjimdak, bulgogi, kimbap, bibimbap, dakboki and yes, even kimchi. Actually, kimchi has really grown on me, it's so spicy, crunchy and fresh. I don't think I'll realize how much I really miss all of it until I've already left and can't have it anymore. :-)
 |
| Jjajangmyeon and other treats at a "Chinese" Korean restaurant |
No. 4 - People
 |
| Busan station |
Koreans in general are very welcoming and friendly. Someone will almost always help you if you get lost and many people go out of their way to make foreigners feel welcome. Most Koreans are well-educated and have traveled or lived for a few years in other places. Many people are eager to practice their other languages, ask about places they are familiar with or just express interest in things external to Korea.
No. 5 - Seasons
Korea is extremely proud of its seasons, and for good reason. The trees bloom in spring, grow green in summer, turn red and gold in fall and dark in winter. The seasons correspond very closely to three month periods on the calendar: March-May is spring, June-August is summer, September-November is fall and December-February is winter.
Goodbye soon, Korea, maybe I'll see you again later!
Sincerely,
Michael TheMonkey
