I make a dash to the start of the crosswalk, pushing my way through a swarm of hustling elementary school children, running side-by-side with several businessmen and women and a few college students, striving to reach the end of the 6-lane wide street right before the crosswalk signal turns red. This is a regular routine in Korea, or in my case a general workout. After the run, I stride along the sidewalk towards the subway where small vending stands or even blankets are laid out, where ajumma’s and ajussi’s (a term for older, married women and men) arrange their commodities for sale, which range from fruits and vegetables to kimbab (a typical Asian roll with vegetables and at times, meat, rolled on a layer of rice and a sheet of seaweed) and dduk (Korean rice cakes). Within minutes from the school, I sense the sweet aroma of hotduk (a type of Korean snack) being made on the street vendor’s grill.This is an average morning spent as I head to Yonsei University for hangeukmahl (Korean) lessons at their much renowned Korean Language Institute; experiences such as these have made me greatly appreciate being in this country.
When inquiring friends about what they consider to be a unique aspect to life in Korea, I receive numerous responses. One mentions the delicious yet inexpensive food. Another makes an observation of the cafes, which are richly designed with soft, luxurious couches arranged for two. On top of that, for any of these restaurants or cafes, one doesn’t even need to pay for tip! Drinking sool or alcohol is a favorite pastime here, as well as everywhere else. For fun, Koreans frequent the norebangs, literally translated as the song room, where people are free to let go of all their stress for the day through singing karoake. Some places even have dance floors set up for those who really want to let go. I’ve been told and also noticed many Koreans to be great singers as well as dancers, which makes clubbing a common interest. Hiking up and down one of Korea’s many mountains to experience the full breadth of its nature is popular, especially during autumn while the leaves’ colors turn into rich shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Of all that this nation has to offer, what especially grabs my interest is the riverside. Running alongside Hangang or the Han river, there is a road that stretches for miles, which can be compared to Bridgeport’s Seaside or Chicago’s Lakeshore Drive. There, I’ve had the pleasure of going in-line skating alongside cyclists and joggers. Because of Korea’s scarcity in crime, this area becomes greatly popular well into the night when the city lights reflect off the river creating a most beautiful view. Small shops are located along the road, making it possible for people to enjoy a drink or a snack. Straw mattresses are placed beside the river along a grassy field for family and friends to enjoy a quiet and relaxing night together. Under the supervision of their parents, some children play around with small-scale fireworks while couples walk down the street hand-in-hand under the night sky. I feel that this is a place where Korea is free to rest and enjoy the company of their loved ones after a long day.