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Today marks the 70th anniversary of the start of the Korean War. But it is not a day that I like to commemorate because, frankly, it's tiresome and cliched. I'm reminded ALL. THE. TIME. that the Korean War technically never ended.
So I'm not going to write or share something somber about the Korean War. Instead, I'm going to share a few things that I like about living in SKorea.
#1 Fast Internet
I don't know if SKorea still has the fastest internet in the world, but I absolutely love our internet speed. If I ever have to go back to what I had with Charter Cable in Wisconsin, I'll burn things down. I'm not even kidding.
I don't know if SKorea still has the fastest internet in the world, but I absolutely love our internet speed. If I ever have to go back to what I had with Charter Cable in Wisconsin, I'll burn things down. I'm not even kidding.
#2 Affordable health care
SKorean health care is not perfect. But then again, what is? But thanks to the national health care service and my *affordable* private insurance, I never have to worry about getting broke for getting sick. And during a pandemic, that's pretty awesome.
SKorean health care is not perfect. But then again, what is? But thanks to the national health care service and my *affordable* private insurance, I never have to worry about getting broke for getting sick. And during a pandemic, that's pretty awesome.
#3 Public transportation
I haven't owned or driven a car since I left the US in 2011. While not having my own car can have its inconveniences, the benefits of public transportation FAR outweigh the costs (in my opinion). Not having to go to the DMV alone is worth every penny.
I haven't owned or driven a car since I left the US in 2011. While not having my own car can have its inconveniences, the benefits of public transportation FAR outweigh the costs (in my opinion). Not having to go to the DMV alone is worth every penny.
#4 Early Movie Opening Dates
I've heard that the reason that movies open in SKorea, sometimes days ahead of the US, is because piracy is a huge problem here. Regardless, I've lost count the number of times I saw Hollywood blockbusters before American audiences. #IMissNewMovies
I've heard that the reason that movies open in SKorea, sometimes days ahead of the US, is because piracy is a huge problem here. Regardless, I've lost count the number of times I saw Hollywood blockbusters before American audiences. #IMissNewMovies
#5 Spam Gift Box Sets
I get it. It's high in fat, calories, and sodium, and it is low in essential nutrients. It's also highly processed and contains preservatives like sodium nitrite that may cause several adverse health effects. I don't care. It's delicious. Bite me.
I get it. It's high in fat, calories, and sodium, and it is low in essential nutrients. It's also highly processed and contains preservatives like sodium nitrite that may cause several adverse health effects. I don't care. It's delicious. Bite me.
#6 Budae Jjigae
This is related to #5. If you've had budae jjiage before, you know it's delicious. If you have not had it before, what's wrong with you?
This is related to #5. If you've had budae jjiage before, you know it's delicious. If you have not had it before, what's wrong with you?
#7 Food Delivery
This isn't unique to SKorea. Duh. Food delivery happens all over the world. But how many people can get food delivered to them even when there isn't an address? Like when you're in a park? And you're still not expected to tip the delivery guy?
This isn't unique to SKorea. Duh. Food delivery happens all over the world. But how many people can get food delivered to them even when there isn't an address? Like when you're in a park? And you're still not expected to tip the delivery guy?
#8 Hanok with ondol floors
Nuff said.
Nuff said.
#9 Robert Koehler's photography
I'm still upset that his old blog, the Marmot's Hole, is gone. I LOVED that blog. But he's now taking beautiful pictures. I mean, look at them! I dare you to tell me that they don't make you want to visit SKorea.
https://www.instagram.com/rjkoehler74/?hl=en
I'm still upset that his old blog, the Marmot's Hole, is gone. I LOVED that blog. But he's now taking beautiful pictures. I mean, look at them! I dare you to tell me that they don't make you want to visit SKorea.
https://www.instagram.com/rjkoehler74/?hl=en
#10 Park Geun-hye's impeachment and arrest
It's true SKorea's protests weren't always peaceful and bloodless. It took a LONG time for SKoreans to get there. But we did. And this will always be a point of pride.
It's true SKorea's protests weren't always peaceful and bloodless. It took a LONG time for SKoreans to get there. But we did. And this will always be a point of pride.
#10 Itaewon/Noksapyeong
I have not gone back to my favorite neighborhood in SKorea for months. It's partly due to COVID-19, but even if it wasn't a factor, I'd still have stayed away because I don't drink anymore. But I love the place. I always will.
I have not gone back to my favorite neighborhood in SKorea for months. It's partly due to COVID-19, but even if it wasn't a factor, I'd still have stayed away because I don't drink anymore. But I love the place. I always will.
That's about as much time I want to spend on this thread. But if you want to contribute, feel free to do so.
