Pros and [K]ons

Obviously, moving to a new country with an unfamiliar culture is not easy. It can be frustrating, and at times I begin to feel critical. I certainly do a fair share of venting to friends, but I also try to counterbalance my negative feelings about certain aspects of the culture by finding an equal number of positive things to focus on. I think that's healthier.

Some examples...

CON: Constant shoe removal. At school, restaurants, people's apartments, etc.
PRO: Apartments are heated through the floors. Very effective and your feet are toasty.

CON: Yellow dust & yellow dust hysteria. Sinus-irritating sand blows over from the Gobi desert, and everyone freaks out about it.
PRO: Never having to tip waiters, cab drivers, or anyone else. Ever.

CON: Kimchi. I tried, honest I did. But it's just gross.
PRO: Gimbop. A great snack that's cheap, healthy, available EVERYWHERE.

CON: Lightbulbs. They're all florescent or halogen. I miss the warm, flattering glow of tungsten.
PRO: Convenience stores. They're literally on almost every corner. You're never more than 100 yards from a quick snack, a basic home amenity, or your next cheap alcoholic drink.

CON: Loogie-hocking in public. People here constantly hock loud, nasty loogies in public. It's not considered rude, apparently.
PRO: Public transportation. It's far more reliable, accessible, and affordable than what I was used to in Colorado.

CON: Phone etiquette. People will answer that damn cell whenever and wherever it may ring. The idea that they can call someone back does not seem to even occur to them.
PRO: Public drinking. It's totally legal, and I feel like a high-schooler. As a bonus, with the multitude of convenience stores, beer is never far from any beautiful public park where you can hang out.

CON: Fish bones. They often don't de-bone the fish before serving it. On more than one occasion I've almost choked on a splinter stuck in my throat.
PRO: Drinking yogourt. It's like milk, but it's yogourt, and it's DELICIOUS!

CON: Giant visors. They're tacky and hideous, and every woman owns one.
PRO: Cabs. This might technically go under public transportation, but the cabs here are so ridiculously abundant and affordable, they get their own shout out on this list.

CON: Academia. It's really, really competitive out here. Kids have it rough. I do not envy them in the slightest.
PRO: The physical layout of elementary schools. They all seem to share the same structure; long two-story buildings with big windows and sliding doors. They feel streamlined and inviting. There's a simplicity to them that I just love.

This might be a good time to mention one of the best resources I used to prepare myself for life out here. Shortly before I left, I met a guy who had lived in Korea for several months. He gave me great advice, as well as a recommendation of a book called Culture Shock! Korea by Sonja Vegdahl and Ben Seunghua Hur (Ben Hur?) The book is one in a series that prepares westerners for life abroad. Upon returning home from meeting this guy, I ordered it from Amazon immediately. After arriving in Korea, I was immediately able to apply what I had read to real-life situations. The book described differences in personal space etiquette, gestures, and outlined cultural values. Did you know that the Korean hand motion to call someone over to you is a downward-palm wave? I didn't before I read the book, which told me upward-palm is used for dogs, and can therefore be considered insulting. My good friend Molly told me she read this before arriving and found the book equally helpful. For anyone planning on visiting a foreign country, I would strongly suggest you read the corresponding Culture Shock book to prepare. You'll be glad you did.