Living abroad doesn't mean I have to stop exploring. In the global society we live in - and because of the cool friends I have - there is always someone to visit. South Korea was my latest stop. It was my first Asian travel experience, apart from a layover here and there. To call it nerves would be a stretch, but I was definitely out of my comfort zone.

Safe zone

The very first cultural experience was just before passport control at the Seoul airport. We all know those endless queues in theme parks, the so-called snake queues. I noticed people moving their luggage from one line to another, to physically collect it later. In other words, leaving their bag unattended in the queue. My first thought was: “this is quite odd.” Then I see more people do the same. That’s the beauty of travelling: small things often embody deeper cultural meaning. I would later learn that bags can be left unattended anywhere in the country. There is basically no crime in South Korea. I never felt safer.

Newbie

I was there just for ten days, but it felt like a lifetime. In a good way! The trip has brought many things. Most of all, it inspired me to want to see more of Asia. It was different than anything I did before and that showed during the first couple of days. I had fresh eyes, as I’ve been told.

One of the first things that catch the eye are the bright, twinkly, neon lights in all the streets. There are so many food places, that they all do what they can to attract. In Europe I tend to avoid places where they show pictures of food on the menu, but if I kept that up in South Korea, I would still be looking for a place to eat...

I always thought as myself liking Asian food, but that was based on limited experience I now think. Food was definitely something I had to get used to. Without getting too graphic, I got sick the very first night. Rest assured, by the end of the trip I fully discovered Korean cuisine. Thanks to local ‘foody’ friends who take food very seriously and wanted to share their knowledge with newbies like me. Already in my first week back in Scotland, I went to one of the Korean restaurants in Edinburgh to check it out. I’m fully hooked now.

Generation gap

South Korea has an intriguing recent past. Only thirty years ago, it was one of the poorest countries in the world. Now, South Korea's economy is the eleventh wealthiest. The youth has a wealth at their disposal that the older generation helped create. The older generation don't feel much appreciation for this. In a country that already has a strong seniority based hierarchical structure, you can imagine how this influences culture today. The generation clove is quite considerable. On my very last day, I noticed a 20 something young man talk to a 60 something senior man in the subway. I realised that that was the first animated conversation in public I've come across between the younger and older generation. Maybe it was just coincidence, but it does make you wonder.

Below the surface

Seoul has one of the most advanced subway systems in the world. It is the backbone of everyday life in the city. Everybody takes the subway. I've been to London many times and I have seen my fair share of major city subways that certainly are to be admired, but in my opinion, Seoul has perfected their subway infrastructure. It's highly efficient and with the practical real-time apps also extremely user friendly. I dare to say there aren’t many places that have a subway system as efficient as the one in Seoul.

Need to excel

Interestingly enough, this can be related to the Korean society as a whole. Perfection is the standard. This is evident in the way people represent themselves, the physical appearance. Furthermore, the constant striving for excellence explains the high sense of achievement that starts at a young age and the competitive, high demanding culture for adults. Composure is also of significance. Emotions are kept to yourself. Shown in public to the bare minimum maybe, but definitely not talked about.

Sadly, this all comes with a price. Insecurity, unhappiness, alcoholism, mental health issues and suicides are cultural challenges that affect all generations. I guess that is what makes this country stand out from many other Western civilised countries. The underlying level of dysphoria.

The Entertainer

I did come across enough kindness and laughter to fully embrace South Koreans. People assisting me with topping up the t-card with their best one-word English, trying to help me to get a lost item back at the bus station or funny encounters with taxi drivers. This last thing should be explained in further detail.

This one time, after a social night out, I took a taxi to take me back to the hotel. When I arrived at my destination, it was time to pay the man. At that moment, however, I couldn't find my credit card. I looked everywhere with no luck. Until I remembered where I kept it. I grabbed the card out of my boot and looked up to the taxi driver to hand it over. I remember looking pleased to have found it, but also thinking it was a normal practise to get the credit card out of my boot. By then, the taxi driver started chortling with laughter, as he didn't expect this to happen. He was clearly amused by the boot thing. So was I. Something happens when people smile.

One for the books

I wasn't clueless before. Even back as a student, I read up lots about cultural communication. I’ve even written a dissertation about cultural differences. But having experienced this specific culture in person, was absolutely amazing. Truly enriching.

So, this was all in just ten days. A cultural new experience and a great adventure overall. One for the books. How do people travel for months or even years? What to do with all the impressions? How to process it all? Best for me to plan my trips in weeks at a time. How else can I keep my pictures organised? 😊