Finally, after several cancellations and rebookings, I made it to Seoul, Korea to participate in the Fulbright-Hayes Graduate Program Abroad, one week later than planned. My first full day was exciting and exhausting after the 12 hour flight. But, the walk along Cheonggyecheon river in Seoul helped calm down the excitement and invigorate me, because jet lag is a real thing and affects everyone a little different.
My first impression of the city was how many skyscrapers I saw and litter did not exist, a very clean metropolitan city. The subway experience was very nice also since we were given metro cards to use. The subway was also very clean, very efficient, and on time. People on the subway, Korean people in general, are very polite and respectful. Riding public transportation was very enjoyable and I did feel insecure at all.
It was also my first taste of Korean food in Seoul. I tried a lamb and rice wrap. I placed my order in the small shops and received a number for my order. It was interesting to watch the people. I ate at small table with some others from our group. What I found interesting is that you take your trash back into the shop and they throw it away for you. No one threw anything on the ground, everyone picked up their trash/litter. Also, recycling is a very big thing here as well as fresh ingredients in the preparation of the food. Fast food places such as, Burger King and Subway are in Seoul but the focus is on eco-friendly and farm to table approach to food. Besides that, you can order any food from any where and it can be delivered or picked up!
After the river walk, I met up with some friends who live Seoul and they accompanied me to Itaewon-dong, a neighborhood in Seoul. We walked around and decided that I needed to try a typical Korean pub. I asked about the drinking culture of the Koreans, as I had observed in several K dramas that many of the people turned away when they drank soju, a well-known Korean liquor. My Korean friends explained to me that the younger person fills the cup of the elder person first, using two hands and the elder person holds the cup with two hands, then once all the cups are filled, then the elder person fills the young server last. Also, when drinking the younger people turn to the side and “hide” the drink and the act of drinking from the elder. The elder person may look wherever. My friends explained that this is an act of respect to the elder person, even when they are with their own parents, they will turn and drink out of respect. I found this very interesting and had been wondering about the meaning behind this action. Giving and receiving is done with two hands by both parties.
We also had a traditional fried chicken, whole with skin on and no breading. This is a typical dish to have with soju and beer. I had a very good time learning about how respect is part of the socializing in Korean culture.
My first full day was filled with great learning experiences about the Korean culture and their food and drinking culture. I am looking forward to learning more.
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