The Students' Lifestyle

One of the main questions I get asked by people who find out about my trip to South Korea is "How was the food". And my answer is always the same -Great! The food is actually one of the things I miss the most about Korea. Of course I can go to any Korean restaurant nearby and order almost all the same things, but it's not the same-especially not the prices. I was quite the food photographer on my trip and tried to snap as many pics of the meals my friends and I ordered to share with you. So hold your drool, and behold the wonder and glory of the foods of Korea! 

Western Inspired dishes

Just like we have Chinese and Korean restaurants in the states, there are many western options in Korea. I tried to stay away from these places to be honest. I felt as if I could get the same foods back at home without a problem, so I only ventured here when pressed for time or with friends who had limited options to eat because of their diet or stomachs.

My friend Marysia invited me and my roommate out to see the Pine Forest and Ulgi Lighthouse* in Busan. We had thought it was going to be us three girls, with Marysia being the guide since she knows the most Korean. But two others joined us along the way and our real guide, Gunn, met us at the bus stop.

The ride to Busan was supposed to have been an hour long, but didn't feel like it at all. Maybe because we took a taxi halfway instead of transferring buses.

The Pine Forest was beautiful. I also experienced my first squatter toilet here, which really isn't a pleasant experience. They place a roll of tissue right beside the bathroom entrance and you have to squat to do your business. The smell was horrible and I tried to breath as little as possible while I was in there.

After walking through the Pine Forest for a good bit, we came towards the Ulgi lighthouse and finally got a full view of the sea and surrounding mountains. There was sea as far as you could see and we took tons of photos. Gunn was a gracious guide and was very patient with us when we constantly stopped to take photos.

My experience in South Korea has been pretty good so far. I've met some really great people and the locals are really nice. Besides the language, there haven't been many differences from back at home. But here are just a few of the minor things I've had to get adjusted to while here.

Kimchi
Kimchi, or pickled cabbage, is served with almost every Korean dish. I knew this already from going to Korean restaurants back home, and could only eat it in a stew or in small bites. I've learned that kimchi isn't only limited to the spicy red dish, but also has other colors and more bearable flavors. I am not a hardcore fan yet, but the variety means I may actually eat more of it.