My 2 cents worth.
My thoughts on South Korea.
They say, travel. Travel to learn how other people live their lives in other parts of the world.
Frankly speaking, I didn't have any expectations of this country. My only purpose of travelling, if you know me well enough, is cafès. Now don't start judging me and call me a hipster (cause if you do, you don't know me well enough). I adore cafès that has a well-thought concept. South Korea has plenty of them. Sure I've seen (and collected) dozens of photos taken by OTHER people. But being there, seeing the cafè with my own eyes, absorbing the ambiance with my whole body, now that's o****m. (That's exactly how I behaved at cafè Onion. You can ask my sister. I was literally squealing while snapping photos and videos of every corner of the cafè)
However, being a tourist in South Korea, it opened my eyes to a lot more than just cafès. I did mentioned I love a well-thought concept cafè, didn't I? Well this country thought of EVERYTHING. Let's start with the subway. You know how we have handles on the train so we won't fall while standing (when there's jam brakes and etc). The handles in S.K are of different lengths. Which means people who are short don't have to strain their arms just to hold the handle. Oh and did I mention, we can eat and drink in the train? And not forgetting my favourite NECESSITY found in their train station; WASTEBINS. (Seriously though SG)
My other favourite part of S.K, which i strongly believe SG should implement to all buses. Charging point. Since we're on this transportation topic, taxis are apparently affordable. And wayyyyyyy easier hailing them compared to SG.
In terms of the people, from a tourist's point of view, they are generally polite and gracious. I mean, they greet you when you enter a convenience store!? And even if you don't buy anything, they will greet you when you leave. Like... I can't remember the last time a 711 cashier actually greeted me. Did they ever
The couple culture. I must admit, this is one culture shock I experienced myself from day 1. There were couples EVERYWHERE. And they made it a point to tell people they ARE a couple. From their couple wear to the PDA. And seeing it's S.K, they tend to look like models. Models going on casual dates at every corner of Seoul.
Last but not least, the hospital. My cousin and I fell sick right after our Busan trip due to weather conditions. We rushed to the nearest hospital which is a private one so do expect a HUGE bill. We ended up going to the emergency unit and guess what? We spent a whole THREE hours just cause they won't let us go unless our temperature drops. First was the IV drop. And then comes the penicillin jab OMG IT HURTS LIKE A BISH
Moral of the story is, get travel insurance cause you'd never know you feel like getting a jab while having your holiday.
That's bout it. I thought I'd just throw in my 2 cents worth. Thank you S.K! You've been wonderful.