Culture Watching: July 2016

After a very short flight we found ourself in South Korea for the first time. I was not sure what to expect. I knew that South Korea was more western then its neighboring country of China, which I have gotten to know, yet still preserved its own culture and customs. I had not really done any reading or research on what to expect, what the customs were, or how to speak the language, so I took South Korea in as I saw it. If I did that then how could it disappoint me.

Throughout the experience I noticed I went through some 'culture shock' or more accurately 'reverse culture shock.' Not because South Korea was so different from what I have previously experienced but because it was more westernized then China. I suddenly found myself surrounded with commodities, mannerism, and infrastructure whose similarities reminded me of America. It felt a little bit like home and yet it was not. I am sure my friend became tired of my constant exclamations of excitement in seeing something I have not been able to have or find in China during the past six months. It was in part due to this that I enjoyed the trip so much.
After arriving at the airport we went straight to a hostel close by since it was so late in the evening. The next morning we moved to a new hostel closer to the center of Seoul. We then headed out for some Korean food. We found a shop recommended by the woman at the hostel in the basement of an office building. My friend knowing the names of some Korean dishes and ordered for us. I think it was called bibimbap.

One thing that did catch me off guard was that in Korean Restaurants there are two different types of seating. One which is western, a table and you sit on a chair, and traditional, short table and you sit on the floor. Some restaurants do not have the western seating choice, like the one we ate at, you can see it below.

If I remember correctly this was the street outside the restaurant, or maybe outside my hostel.

Afterwards we headed to one of the several historical palaces in Seoul. I could see similarities between this palace's architecture and the palaces in China.

The next day we headed for the highlight of the trip for me, the DMZ or Demilitarized Zone. The area between North and South Korea that was created in 1953 to stop the fighting. I had thought this area was a real no mans land but there is actually a South Korean town within the Zone, "Tae Song Dong" also know as "Freedom Village." They live their daily lives within a highly militarized area and because of this they do not have to pay any taxes and receive other benefits from the South Korean government. There is also a North Korean town, "Gi Jong Dong" but they say it is fake, since the window are said to be painted on it is known as the "Propaganda Village." Its purpose is to put on a good face to the world, however it appears like no one is fooled.

The DMZ has a center line with runs east west across the peninsula then 2 km (1.2 miles) on either side of this line is another line which marks the boundaries of the DMZ. Within this 4 km area there should be no signs of aggression from either side. Along this line is one area where two side can sit down and talk with each other called the Joint Security Area. It was into this area that I went. Before we actually arrived there we first went to view a North Korean tunnel dug under the line and then to a train station that South Korea eventually hopes will connect North and South Korea.

The train station.

This was the third tunnel that South Korea discovered was being dug under the zone by North Korea. When it was found they discovered that the North Koreans had painted the sided of the tunnel black and then claimed it was a coal mining tunnel when there are no coal deposits in the area. I must admit that I admire North Koreas dedication to obvious lies.

This is the line between North and South Korea, The blue buildings are on the line and the larger grey building is on the North Korea side. We were not allowed to take pictures of the building behind us since it was in South Korea. We were also told not to act in ways that the North Koreans could use as propaganda.

A Joint Security Officer. I also just want to point out that before I actually went into the building I had to watch a video and sign a paper saying that if I was killed then they were not held liable since I was going into a militarized zone.

If you can see the cement path that goes from my shoulder to the blue building then that is the border between North and South Korea. I am actually standing on the North Korean side in the picture.

This is a crazy snack that is a thin pancake like thing covered in Nutella with sliced bananas and corn flakes added to it all rolled together.

Thought this was a interesting site.

The street above is in a section of Seoul were many cosmetics were sold. People come to Korea to shop on this street. A interesting fact I learned is that South Korea is the country with the most plastic surgeries done per capita or, in other words, they are the vainest country in the world. Many of the procedures are for a double eyelid which makes their eyes look larger and less Asian. My friend did a lot of shopping on this street and bought many facial masks. She let me try one and this is what I looked like.

This is a Korean dessert. It is made of shaved ice, strawberries and also has a type of cheese in it. Very good.

If you know the song you get this picture.

This is Korean BBQ and it is one of the best dishes I have tasted in my life. You grill the beef then wrap it in a leaf with a sweet sauce and eat it in one bit.

Since you cook the meat at the table they have vents hanging from the ceiling to keep the fumes from taking over the room. I thought these vents gave the room a spacey feel.