The Unexpected

Ok, so Korea, very little expectation going in.  However due to my boyfriend’s love of Korean cinema, he had led me to believe all Koreans are very dark and edgy. Of course this is ridiculous to assume of a whole people, but what ended in disappointment for him was elation for me. The cultural differences were sometimes odd, sometimes amusing and in the end further expansive of one’s world view.  

One of the first things we noticed as we started scoping out the streets was that an eye catching-ly high number of couples were matching. Matching you ask? Why, haven’t we all by some odd coincidence shown up to meet friends and realized we all remarkably decided to wear blue today, how funny. No, no, it was executed in a variety of styles but let me assure you it was all intentional. Koreans have a flare for what to Americans may seem like pre-teen romanticism. When they got a man, they ain't afraid to show it loud, show it proud! The first incidence I saw was a woman in a pink mini skirt. At her side was a man in a polo of the  same exact shade. I wanted to think this was a happy accident but the slew of folks to follow just wouldn’t allow. The best execution I saw was a young couple, both in matching red converse shoes. So the color of the shoe obviously caught the eye but they still had the autonomy to pick the rest of the outfit. At worst there is full on, head to toe matching. It can and often is down to the socks and the head-wear. It’s actually impressive in a way, I would be hard pressed to find a friend who could convince their partner to give this a shot.  (sorry, no pics to share, but if you are really curious look it up)

Sorry ladies, boys only!

The next thing that catches you off guard is men in makeup. Ahem, straight men in makeup. Korean  culture is very into the aesthetically pleasing and you know, why should it only be the women who get to look good? Many men dye their hair, get perms and devote a competitive amount of time to styling. There are even stores that exclusively sell male beauty products. One of my girlfriends complained to me that it sucks to share a bathroom with her brother because he takes so long to put on his foundation in the morning! Go Korea for breaking some major gender role expectations they saw our metro male phase and raised the stakes on that one. 

Vegan in training

Although this next Koreanism could have gone in the food posting, I didn’t actually try it so I felt it would be more fitting here. Everybody has heard the rumors and jokes about Asians eating dogs. Mostly people sneer and exclaim something like “Savages!” Well I just want to say Seoul was equally if not more first world than anywhere I have been and yes people eat dog. My generation eats it less, kinda in the same way we all go on kicks of vegetarianism or not eating processed foods. While shopping one afternoon, I got targeted (I think cause I was the gringa) to sign a anti dog eating petition. It was a small group of emo looking kids, chanting and I felt obligated to put my name down. Immediately following my friend chuckled, “Shucks, I guess I’ll have to change our dinner plans!,”  winking.  Whew, I got out of it this trip, but he swears I’m the one missing out. 

Baby looks like she got back.

Last thing I will mention is padded undies. We have push up bras, so why not enhance the other end if yo mamma didn't give it to ya? And that's all I have to say about that.