Jet-Lag

Yesterday, I thought to myself, "I don't know what everyone is talking about.  I'm not tired at all."  Well, I am definitely feeling it tonight (Friday night, unfortunately).  After sightseeing today in Gangnam and Myeong-dong, we came back to the dorm to relax for a bit.  I mistakenly laid down for a "quick" nap and woke up 2 1/2 hours later.  Unfortunately, that means I am not feeling up for a night out, and I believe I missed my friends leaving anyway.  That's okay, I will have plenty of nights to go out!  Jet-lag is rough.

This is Gangnam, one of the wealthiest districts in Seoul.  Samsung has its largest store in Gangnam, which is internationally famous.  Inside, Hong and I played Mario Kart on the nicest TV I've ever seen:  

Samsung's largest store

Gangnam is full of business suits.  I saw many foreigners in this area, too.

Gangnam

After exploring the Samsung store, we traveled to Myeong-dong, the shopping place we went to yesterday.  

Myeong-dong

This place is really cool!  It's so busy and loud, with street vendors shouting things and a diverse selection of music pouring out of the stores.  I experienced my first "negotiation" opportunity today as I was checking out a pair of shoes (my Korean shoe size is 245) for W2100.  That's 21$ for a pair of shoes!  My friends encouraged me to "negotiate" for a lower price, which is something I've never done before.  Apparently, in places like Myeong-dong and Dongdaemun (major shopping districts), vendors will try to rip off foreigners, so we must "negotiate" for a lower price.  Now, I am not a particularly pushy person.  Any salesperson could talk me into any price.  I thought W2100 was a pretty decent deal, but others thought I could get a better price.  I understand that negotiation is a part of the culture, but to me, it feels strange.  Hopefully I will get used to that.  Regardless, I walked away without the shoes.

After shopping, we ate at a little Korean restaurant called Mr. Mung. There, I had my first kimchi experience.  I am happy to say that I was not repulsed by pickled cabbage!  

Eating at Mr. Mung

The restaurant is so tiny!  I could almost touch the ceiling with my head, indicating that I am near giant-status in Korea.  This photo is a little dark, but you can see on the table a wooden box, which holds super long spoons and metal chopsticks.  In the background, there is a giant tree - we are sitting in the upstairs dining room of the two-floor restaurant.  Below is the meal that we shared.  The large bowls are dubu kimchi jjigae (spicy tofu soup).  The center small bowl is kimchi (pickled cabbage seasoned with garlic and red chili).  It was a tad spicy, but not too bad!  The bowl in front of it contained onions in a soy-tasting broth.  The bowl to the right of the kimchi contained some kind of fish-cake pieces, which were pretty good, too.  I didn't try the bowl with the brown stuff.  Baby steps, people.  Baby steps. 

Dubu kimchi jjigae 

Scott and Hong at Mr. Mung

After we ate, we road the subway back to Hanyang.  Now, I have not ridden many subway systems in the U.S., but the few I have taken were absolutely filthy.  Also, I've heard horror stories about how dirty the New York subway system is.  The subway system in Seoul is absolutely spotless.  We could not find one piece of garbage on any of the trains or stations.  Another thing I've noticed on the subways is "subway etiquette," something I am unfamiliar with.  I often notice young people giving up seats for older folks, which is sweet.  There is a section specifically designed for pregnant women, people with canes, people holding babies, and injured people (as indicated by hilarious symbols.  The pregnant woman looks unnaturally pregnant, in my opinion.)  All-in-all, my subway experiences have been very pleasant!   

Hanyang University

Hanyang University 

Hanyang University 

Hanyang University 

Hanyang University 

The campus is very large (at least in my opinion) and has a very hilly/(mountainous?) terrain.  Last night, Hong and I learned to never wear flip flops in Seoul or around campus when it is wet outside, because the stairs and steep hills are so slippery!  Unfortunately, Seoul's rainy season begins tomorrow, so it appears as though the clouds and rain will continue (and probably worsen).  I guess that means I'll need to go back to Myeong-dong and buy some shoes :D