Colorful Korea

 

(Photos and write-up by US-based author/flight attendant Lia Ocampo from her blogsite http://adiaryofworldtravels.blogspot.com/She regularly contributes to The Travel Peoples.)

If you are seeking fascinating, diverse experiences varying from colorful cultural attractions to delectable dining, Koreans say they have all of these and so much more.

Korea is home to countless TV dramas and pop music. It has gained international exposure and popularity.  We call them K-pop and K-drama. 

Among the many things to do in Seoul is a visit to the War Memorial. Surprisingly, I saw the Philippine flag alongside their flags at the Memorial.  
War Memorial in Seoul

I experienced to be Korean.  A hanbok is a traditional Korean dress for semi-formal or formal attire during traditional occasions.  It is characterized by vibrant colors and simple lines without pockets.

Did I justify the Hanbok? I hope I did.  

Koreans are fashionable. Even the rabbits for sale have their own fashion.  It was entertaining to watch them. 

The streets downtown are filled with characters, and people bustling around.  Korea also offers some of the best shopping and nightlife experiences. 

Korean cuisine is based on rice, noodles, tofu, vegetables, fish, and meats.  Every meal is accompanied by banchan or popularly known to other nationalities as kimchi.  It is one of the best known Korean dishes.  I am not a big fan of kimchi but I did try some of the Korean food.

I had a traditional Korean meal with a number of side dishes.  I didn’t eat them all but they looked appetizing.  One thing that was notable when I had this meal was the use of gloves while eating shrimp. We were given gloves to use, so we did.  It was a unique experience that shows how they practice cleanliness.

Speaking of cleanliness, tourists would probably notice that it is easy to find a clean public toilet in Korea. 

I couldn’t help to take a photo of this bathroom that was sparkling clean.  It was amazing.

When people ask me about my visit to Korea, I simply describe Korea as green and clean. I admire how this country maintains its high standards of cleanliness. Their government mobilizes even school children for the cleanliness drive. 

Korea is a Buddhist nation and home to a large number of temples.  Palaces are also seen alongside skyscrapers.  The 600-year-old Changdeokgung Palace is a must-visit.  Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see it.  Maybe on my next visit.  

Some interesting facts about Seoul, Korea: It has the fastest internet connection speed in the world, tipping is not necessary, South Koreans drink the most liquor per capita (more than Russians) and there are around 45,000 people per square mile, making it one of the densest cities in the world.

I caught a cute image of love at the park.  Koreans say “saranghaeyo.” In English, we say “I love you.”

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