Republic of Korea

The land of kimchee, boy/girl bands, and plastic surgery. At least that's what most Japanese people think, and after having visited Seoul, the capital city of South Korea, four times I think korea lives up to that image fairly well.

Kimchee is served with pretty much every meal, and I am pretty confident in saying that the large majority of restaurants will automatically give you kimchee (and free refills).

Boy and girl bands; now I am sure you are scratching your heads and saying to yourself "I thought they disappeared with the end of the 90s?" Well, not in Korea. They are more prevalent than ever, and I am sure there is not a single Korean person (Or possibly Asian living in Asia) that doesn't know who Girl's Generation or Big Bang are.

Now, I am assuming that a number of you reading this aren't familiar so I have prepared selected a couple songs and their accompanying music videos for your viewing pleasure.

Girls' Generation - Mr. Taxi

When searching for this video, I came across a David Letterman clip featuring Girl's Generation singing on the program, so I actually may be incorrect in saying that many of you are unfamiliar with them. It also turns out that the song I have posted "Mr. Taxi" also has a Japanese and English version. 

Now onto a boy band. Big Bang is their name and they are extremely popular in Asia. I bought one of their CD's when I was in Korea last time and I have to say that I quite enjoy listening to them. Does that mean I have been in Asia too long? hahaha. 

Big Bang - Tonight

I have also mentioned plastic surgery at the beginning of my post. It may come as a surprise to most, but South Korea is a very popular destination in Asia to get work done. This article from the New York Times in 2011 suggests that as many as one in every five South Korean women have had some form of plastic surgery. Narcissistic a little? From what some of my Korean friends have told me, looks are extremely important in Korean society in anything from finding a potential partner to being selected or obtaining an interview for job. 

From my personal experience, I noticed that there are certainly no lack of cosmetic surgery clinics in korea and from what I am told the price is fairly reasonable as compared to many other countries. 

Aside from the what I have mentioned above Korea is really a great place to explore. It is certainly more affordable than Japan and there is pretty much something for everyone. 

Here are a few pictures I have taken on my several trips to the country. From traditional temples to the markets that sell anything and everything and on to the ultra chic café's of the Garosugil area there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

                                          

                                           

                           

I had the dessert with the strawberry on top!