Life in Korea
Experiencing Life in Korea
If you guys know me, or are followers of my blog or SNS, I am sure you guys know I am a Malaysia and obviously born and bred there.
So now in a different country, of cause there are things that are different. Certain things that you can do, certain things that you can't do, rules and culture that you know and must follow, and etc ..
Today's post will be on the different things that I find between the 2 countries. More like things I find in Korea that doesn't exist or does exist or are more advance. Also practically the basics you need to know when you are in Korea. Probably to get you prepared, to know what to expect and be less cultural shock.
Curious ? Keep on reading !
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New here ?
Go to the Tourist Information Booth / Center / Counter to get their map to guide you around. Its hard to survive in a new country without a guide and especially not the language that you speak in. If you have your electrical devices like iPad, tablets and phones with you for GPS and direction, I think it will at least help you out to get you to your destinations.
If you are in Seoul. Sometimes attractions in Seoul are located at various stations, but they are also simply walking distances apart. Some less complicated handy map below with some of the landmarks in Central Seoul to help you if you want to visit Korea.
Did you know that Gwanghwamun Square to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Seochon Village, Tongin Market, Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheongdong-gil and even Insa-dong are all walking distances apart ?
You may also walk from Namdaemun Market to City Hall, Myeong-dong and even to Cheonggyecheon Stream areas after that.
Do you recognize any top attractions here in the below picture ?
The eye on Seoul, Namsan Tower ! Get up to Namsan Tower to see the pretty view of Seoul and also to lock your love locks there.
From the popular Noryangjin Fisheries Market to 63 Square, Hangang Park and even a broadcasting station !
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Sun Rise and Sun Set
During winter, Sun Rises at around 5.15am and Sun Sets by around 5.15pm.
This was something that took me awhile to get used to it because the sky in Malaysia turns dark around 7.45pm-8.00pm. So by the time its 5.30pm-6.00pm in Korea, its already dark. That makes me feel like its 9.00pm. But after always checking the time it was like only around 6.00pm only. LOL.
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Language
Besides their main language Korean, most of the shop / stalls / restaurant / information centre have people that can speak English, Mandrin and Japanese too. So on language wise, it might not be a big problem if your Korean is not good. You probably just need to know basic words like ..
☞ Hello : 안녕하세요 Annyeonghasaeyo
☞ Thank You : 감사합니다 Kamsahamida
☞ Sorry : 죄송합니다 Jeosonghamnida
☞ It's Okay : 괜찮아 Gwaenchanh-a
☞ Excuse Me : 실례합니다 Sillyehamnida
☞ Where is the toilet ? : 화장실이 어디에 있나요 ? Hwajangsil-i eodie issnayo
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Sun Rise and Sun Set
During winter, Sun Rises at around 5.15am and Sun Sets by around 5.15pm.
This was something that took me awhile to get used to it because the sky in Malaysia turns dark around 7.45pm-8.00pm. So by the time its 5.30pm-6.00pm in Korea, its already dark. That makes me feel like its 9.00pm. But after always checking the time it was like only around 6.00pm only. LOL.
Language
Besides their main language Korean, most of the shop / stalls / restaurant / information centre have people that can speak English, Mandrin and Japanese too. So on language wise, it might not be a big problem if your Korean is not good. You probably just need to know basic words like ..
☞ Hello : 안녕하세요 Annyeonghasaeyo
☞ Thank You : 감사합니다 Kamsahamida
☞ Sorry : 죄송합니다 Jeosonghamnida
☞ It's Okay : 괜찮아 Gwaenchanh-a
☞ Excuse Me : 실례합니다 Sillyehamnida
☞ Where is the toilet ? : 화장실이 어디에 있나요 ? Hwajangsil-i eodie issnayo
KTX
한국고속철도 Korea Train eXpress (KTX), the subway lines for Korea.
Ohmaigawd ! It's super fast and efficient and on time and bright and clean and etccc ..
Can't imagine if I go to Japan. I will be fully amazed by their public transportations. LOL.
Announcements
There are announcements in every trains. This actually helps allot for you not to miss your destinations. Announcements are made with 4 different languages. Korean, English, Mandarin and Japanese.
The arrival of train
☞ The train is now approaching. Everyone please step back.
지금 열차가 들어오고 있습니다. 손님 여러분께서는 한걸음 물러서 주시기 바랍니다.
Jigeum yeolchaga deul-eoogo issseubnida. sonnim yeoleobunkkeseoneun hangeol-eum mulleoseo jusigi balabnida.
or
☞ The train is now arriving. Please stand back. Please be careful when getting on and off the train.
지금 열차가 들어오고 있습니다.이 역은 승강장과 열차 사이의 간격이 넓으므로 열차를 타고 내리실 때 조심하시기 바랍니다.
Jigeum yeolchaga deul-eoogo issseubnida.i yeog-eun seung-gangjang-gwa yeolcha saiui gangyeog-i neolb-eumeulo yeolchaleul tago naelisil ttae josimhasigi balabnida.
The closing of train doors
☞ The doors are closing.
출입문 닫습니다.
Chul-ibmun dadseubnida.
So when you hear this, if you are at the door making your entrance or exiting, is either you speed up or you step back and wait for the next train or destination to get off. Please DON'T get bang by the train doors ! Missing your stations, getting off at another one and taking another train back is better than getting yourself bang by the doors. The next train in Korea come in less than 5 minutes, so you can always wait for the next one if your are not in a hurry. Their punctuality of trains timing is always there.
KTX main rules that you MUST know !
It's basically normal public transportation rules that you should already know.
☞ Priority seats are only for senior citizens, handicaps and pregnant women. So if you do not belong to one of those 3, DO NOT seat there.
☞ Normal seating, of cause you can seat on them anytime. But always remember, priority to the elders first. Respect to the elders is very important.
If you are getting off in like 1 to 2 or 3 stations. I don't think your really need to find a place to seat. Standing is good for your legs too even though you may walk allot in Korea. LOL. But seriously, I don't see a need in it especially if the train is pack. Give priority to others first unless if the train is really empty then its up to you. Make your wise decision :)
Heater System
The seats also have the heater systems and is really warm during the winter.
Don't worry, you won't freeze in the train. LOL.
Seoul Buses 🚌
Though #subways are very convenient and will always be convenient for travelling around seoul, buses are also a great mode of transportation to explore the city ! You get to see more of the Seoul city and roads instead of the underground of Seoul.
Did you know, the buses in Seoul are classified as ..
Blue Bus ☞ Buses that travel on major roads and run for relatively long distances through Seoul
Green Bus ☞ Buses that travel shorter distances
Red Bus ☞ Rapid buses that travel from Seoul to suburban areas
Yellow Bus ☞ Circular route buses, quite rare
Also, the first 2 digits of the bus numbers show their departure & arrival region. For example, Bus No. 7011 departs from 'Eunpyeong' to 'Jung-gu' and thus the number starts with '7' followed by '0'.
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The Walking
People in Korea walk quite fast. So try not to walk so slow infant of them and block their way. Use the side lanes if you feels are tired or you can't keep up with their speed of walking. It's not really nice to walk infant of someone slowly if the person is rushing. Especially if you are in a group and all of you walk slowly, it will block people from overtaking you and also help you people behind you. So please observe you surrounding 👌🏻
If you are in certain subways. There are lanes with ✓ and ✘.
So walk at the lanes ✓ with the and avoid the lanes with the ✘.
Don't so smartly go against the traffic or you will find all of people walking against your direction and probably might bang into you.
On the escalator. The fast and express lane is one the left.
So if you want to stand and wait for the escalator to bring you up or down, stand on the right.
If you are one the left lane, you have to keep walking. You can't stand there and block other people that might be in a hurry using the escalator.
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Eating
After finishing your meal
When you eat finish your meal at a fast food store, food courts, cafe, certain restaurant and etc .. Do make sure you collect all your plates, cups, utensils, rubbish and everything with the try and but them into the the tray placing area. You practically need to clean up your place before you leave. So make sure after finishing your meal, you BRING EVERYTHING TO CLEAR and leave the place with the table cleared.
Free water service
Majority of the restaurant have free water service. So if you are not been served with water, that means you have to go and get them yourself. More like a self service thing if you want them.
So if you think like your really don't eat some of them like the kimchi, pickles, radish, fish cakes, beans sprout and etc.. Just tell the waiter or waitresses in a polite way that you don't want them. This will help to avoid food wastage. But if you like them, go ahead eating them cause they are refillable and no extra charges. The kimchi and fish cakes in Korea always taste way better. LOL.
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Heating System
Washrooms
Taking about the heater system. Majority of the pubic toilet bowls have the heater system too.
So that your butt won't freeze on the toilet bowl during winter. LOL. I think they have this in Malaysia too in those high class shopping mall toilets.
Washrooms in Korea are majority really clean.
Solution to pretty hand even if you do the dishes everyday
Disposing off your home garbage
If your are in Seoul, its called the 용산구 Yonsan-Gu Trash Bags.
This disposing of garbage is very strict in Korea and especially if you don't want to get a fined.
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House keys are not needed
Houses with pin codes door locks. I think majority of the doors in Korea doesn't own a key. LOL.
Automatic Corridors Lights
There are no switches for corridors lights. They are all automatics.
All you have to do is just walk and lend your steps to where you want to go and the lights will automatically be on for you. Its so convenient and also saves electricity. You don't need to think and remember if you actually switch off the lights.
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AC power plugs and sockets
Korea uses AC power plugs and sockets aka 2 pin sockets. Get your adapter ready if your country doesn't use 2 pin sockets.
SIM Card
Thinking if you should get a rental phone, wifi device or sim card in Korea ?
Here's a flowchart that might help you with your decision.
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Fashion Style
I swear that the fashion style here in Korea is super up to date.
ALL of their clothing here from Spring to Summer to Autumn and to Winter are so on point.
If you say K-Pop idols always have their fashion on point. I think its not just idols but also all the locals and citizens from kids, to teenagers, youth, adults and even the senior citizens.
Even when it's winter, their fashion is still so great that they do not dress up like a rubber ball to brave the cold. They have really good and pretty looking winter coats on okay ! LOL.
All these are my observances la, left right, across the street, in and out the subway, everywhere 360° you turn your head you see people in pretty clothing. The best part is that whatever clothing they wear, weird or not weird, they stills look good in it. But somehow when I wear them, I look so weird in them 😅 How can they look good in EVERYTHING ?!
Say what ? Because of K-Pop ? Even if you are not a superstar here, people here still dress like one. LOL. K - Fashions are just amazing !
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For more info ..
Korea Tourism Organization Website
Korea Tourism Organization Facebook
Instagram: @joilynn__
Facebook: Joi Lynn
Twitter: @joilynn__
Blog: joilynnlum.blogspot.com
Email: joilynn96jl@gmail.com
There are announcements in every trains. This actually helps allot for you not to miss your destinations. Announcements are made with 4 different languages. Korean, English, Mandarin and Japanese.
The arrival of train
☞ The train is now approaching. Everyone please step back.
지금 열차가 들어오고 있습니다. 손님 여러분께서는 한걸음 물러서 주시기 바랍니다.
Jigeum yeolchaga deul-eoogo issseubnida. sonnim yeoleobunkkeseoneun hangeol-eum mulleoseo jusigi balabnida.
or
☞ The train is now arriving. Please stand back. Please be careful when getting on and off the train.
지금 열차가 들어오고 있습니다.이 역은 승강장과 열차 사이의 간격이 넓으므로 열차를 타고 내리실 때 조심하시기 바랍니다.
Jigeum yeolchaga deul-eoogo issseubnida.i yeog-eun seung-gangjang-gwa yeolcha saiui gangyeog-i neolb-eumeulo yeolchaleul tago naelisil ttae josimhasigi balabnida.
The closing of train doors
☞ The doors are closing.
출입문 닫습니다.
Chul-ibmun dadseubnida.
So when you hear this, if you are at the door making your entrance or exiting, is either you speed up or you step back and wait for the next train or destination to get off. Please DON'T get bang by the train doors ! Missing your stations, getting off at another one and taking another train back is better than getting yourself bang by the doors. The next train in Korea come in less than 5 minutes, so you can always wait for the next one if your are not in a hurry. Their punctuality of trains timing is always there.
It's basically normal public transportation rules that you should already know.
☞ Normal seating, of cause you can seat on them anytime. But always remember, priority to the elders first. Respect to the elders is very important.
If you are getting off in like 1 to 2 or 3 stations. I don't think your really need to find a place to seat. Standing is good for your legs too even though you may walk allot in Korea. LOL. But seriously, I don't see a need in it especially if the train is pack. Give priority to others first unless if the train is really empty then its up to you. Make your wise decision :)
Heater System
The seats also have the heater systems and is really warm during the winter.
Don't worry, you won't freeze in the train. LOL.
Their KTX Card / T-Money Card are the cutest too !
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________Seoul Buses 🚌
Though #subways are very convenient and will always be convenient for travelling around seoul, buses are also a great mode of transportation to explore the city ! You get to see more of the Seoul city and roads instead of the underground of Seoul.
Did you know, the buses in Seoul are classified as ..
Blue Bus ☞ Buses that travel on major roads and run for relatively long distances through Seoul
Green Bus ☞ Buses that travel shorter distances
Red Bus ☞ Rapid buses that travel from Seoul to suburban areas
Yellow Bus ☞ Circular route buses, quite rare
Also, the first 2 digits of the bus numbers show their departure & arrival region. For example, Bus No. 7011 departs from 'Eunpyeong' to 'Jung-gu' and thus the number starts with '7' followed by '0'.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The Walking
People in Korea walk quite fast. So try not to walk so slow infant of them and block their way. Use the side lanes if you feels are tired or you can't keep up with their speed of walking. It's not really nice to walk infant of someone slowly if the person is rushing. Especially if you are in a group and all of you walk slowly, it will block people from overtaking you and also help you people behind you. So please observe you surrounding 👌🏻
If you are in certain subways. There are lanes with ✓ and ✘.
So walk at the lanes ✓ with the and avoid the lanes with the ✘.
Don't so smartly go against the traffic or you will find all of people walking against your direction and probably might bang into you.
Majority of them are always on they phones. Sometimes while walking which I think most of the people does that today and also in the subway. Especially during winter, if they are not on their phones, their hands will be in their winter coat with their hot packs pocket to be kept warm. Even it during the winter, I think majority of them here do not wear gloves. LOL.
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The Escalators
So if you want to stand and wait for the escalator to bring you up or down, stand on the right.
If you are one the left lane, you have to keep walking. You can't stand there and block other people that might be in a hurry using the escalator.
Really in a hurry or if you want to exercise ? Use the stairs. Some stairs has lights and pions sound when you step on them. Really fun at times. LOL.
Eating
When you eat finish your meal at a fast food store, food courts, cafe, certain restaurant and etc .. Do make sure you collect all your plates, cups, utensils, rubbish and everything with the try and but them into the the tray placing area. You practically need to clean up your place before you leave. So make sure after finishing your meal, you BRING EVERYTHING TO CLEAR and leave the place with the table cleared.
Majority of the restaurant have free water service. So if you are not been served with water, that means you have to go and get them yourself. More like a self service thing if you want them.
Refillable side dishes
In Korea, most of the restaurant that you go to, when you order your dish, there will always be side dishes. I know some of us don't really eat or finish the side dishes, because I am one of them. Some of them I do eat and some of them I sometimes have no idea what are they or sometimes I just can't get myself to eat certain stuffs or sometimes they are just too much, way toooo much. But I my ownself personally find it kind of bad because its also consider part of food wastage.So if you think like your really don't eat some of them like the kimchi, pickles, radish, fish cakes, beans sprout and etc.. Just tell the waiter or waitresses in a polite way that you don't want them. This will help to avoid food wastage. But if you like them, go ahead eating them cause they are refillable and no extra charges. The kimchi and fish cakes in Korea always taste way better. LOL.
Thats why some restaurants, the side dishes are self service. You have to go and help yourself if you want them.
Heating System
Korea is a 4 season country as most of you know. If you come from a 4 season county, then this is nothing new.
Malaysia has like 2 season ? Rain and Shine throughout the whole year and thats all.
So yea, just like all the 4 season countries. The heater to warm you and the house when you are indoor if winter approaches and also the water heater for the taps and showers in the house.
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The floors will be warm ! So practically a warm house during winter, and you won't freeze in there unless your hearted is broken.
Air Conditioner with Heater and Cold Air.
Washrooms
Taking about the heater system. Majority of the pubic toilet bowls have the heater system too.
So that your butt won't freeze on the toilet bowl during winter. LOL. I think they have this in Malaysia too in those high class shopping mall toilets.
Washrooms in Korea are majority really clean.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Solution to pretty hand even if you do the dishes everyday
This is why house wife or anyone that does dishwashing still have pretty hand and fingers.
I bet you guys see allot of this if you watch dramas or variety show, the RUBBER GLOVES !
I think I shall implement this at home in Malaysia. Not like I always do the dishes cause Daddy always does them most of the time. But even so, my hands are rough like crocodile. No idea if I am a human or a rap tile, this is why I can't find a boyfriend. LOL. But still, appreciate daddy for doing the dishes most of the time.
Due to weather changes you skin might get dry too. Cause my skin became so dry that when I was shopping for food and groceries at Lotte Mart, I also went to buy body lotion for my skin. Probably cause of the drastic weather changes from so hot in Malaysia and so cold here in Korea. Also found that this NIVEA SOS Care lotion is really good. Helps my skin allot for moisture.
Due to weather changes you skin might get dry too. Cause my skin became so dry that when I was shopping for food and groceries at Lotte Mart, I also went to buy body lotion for my skin. Probably cause of the drastic weather changes from so hot in Malaysia and so cold here in Korea. Also found that this NIVEA SOS Care lotion is really good. Helps my skin allot for moisture.
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Disposing off your home garbage
If your are in Seoul, its called the 용산구 Yonsan-Gu Trash Bags.
This disposing of garbage is very strict in Korea and especially if you don't want to get a fined.
First of all, your rubbish MUST be in this trash bags. You then must also sort out your garbages according to the 3R category. I am sure you know what the 3Rs are and I don't think I need to explain them. Sort them out according to plastic, papers, glasses, tins&cans and others. Last but not least, you are only allowed to disposed off your garbage infront of your house or store from 6.00pm - 12.00pm. Don't simply dispose them as when as you like or you will be fined too if someone reports you.
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House keys are not needed
Houses with pin codes door locks. I think majority of the doors in Korea doesn't own a key. LOL.
Even the main doors to public toilet, they have the pin codes door lock system ! LOL.
I just find this amazing cause you can never find this kind of things in Malaysia.
Anyway, this was the main toilet door at Overland Theme Park. Amazing 😂
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Automatic Corridors Lights
There are no switches for corridors lights. They are all automatics.
All you have to do is just walk and lend your steps to where you want to go and the lights will automatically be on for you. Its so convenient and also saves electricity. You don't need to think and remember if you actually switch off the lights.
AC power plugs and sockets
Korea uses AC power plugs and sockets aka 2 pin sockets. Get your adapter ready if your country doesn't use 2 pin sockets.
So Malaysian like me that need to charge my devices, the whole socket will turned out like this. LOL.
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________
SIM Card
Thinking if you should get a rental phone, wifi device or sim card in Korea ?
Here's a flowchart that might help you with your decision.
Fashion Style
I swear that the fashion style here in Korea is super up to date.
ALL of their clothing here from Spring to Summer to Autumn and to Winter are so on point.
If you say K-Pop idols always have their fashion on point. I think its not just idols but also all the locals and citizens from kids, to teenagers, youth, adults and even the senior citizens.
Even when it's winter, their fashion is still so great that they do not dress up like a rubber ball to brave the cold. They have really good and pretty looking winter coats on okay ! LOL.
All these are my observances la, left right, across the street, in and out the subway, everywhere 360° you turn your head you see people in pretty clothing. The best part is that whatever clothing they wear, weird or not weird, they stills look good in it. But somehow when I wear them, I look so weird in them 😅 How can they look good in EVERYTHING ?!
Say what ? Because of K-Pop ? Even if you are not a superstar here, people here still dress like one. LOL. K - Fashions are just amazing !
For more info ..
Korea Tourism Organization Website
Korea Tourism Organization Facebook
- Map photos and guide credits to Korea Tourism Organisation Facebook -
Instagram: @joilynn__
Facebook: Joi Lynn
Twitter: @joilynn__
Blog: joilynnlum.blogspot.com
Email: joilynn96jl@gmail.com
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