The [Not so Irritating!] AWESOME Side of Korea

So last week, I wrote about the irritating things about Korea. This is  because I wanted everyone to know every country, Korea included, has it's flaws. Really. But this week, I've decided it was time to post about the awesome things in this little country I call my second home.

Like last post, I'll talk about the biggest, most impactful thing first, and that is family culture.

What does that mean? Well, after being abroad, I've realized how independent I am, and how the culture I grew up with is focused on taking care of yourself. I think there are many pros and cons to this, but that independent lifestyle is simply not the case here.

Here, I am incorporated into a myriad of family settings. I am in my academic major family, my suite mate family, my club family, and my friend family. What does this entail? While I am still considered  foreigner, I am treated more as a brother than a friend. I am expected to do many things, including contribute to group moral, I am also expected to let others do things more me (something that is really hard for me, believe it or not!). Either way, I feel so much more incorporated here. Don't get me wrong, this has lead to many problems. I conform well to Korean culture, and sometimes my Korean friends take it too far. I need to gently remind them I am not Korea, and am trying my best to respect this amazing culture.

Besides the family culture aspect, there are SO many more things I love about this country!!! Here are a few:

• "Service", which basically means free stuff. A free soda with your delivery purchase, a pack of tissues taped to your cereal... it's all fair game!
• Delivery 24/7 for almost EVERYTHING..... America, catch on, please. I'm sick of pizza!
• Banchan, or Korean side dishes that are plentiful, refillable, and FREE! Best part of the meal!
• All around, Korean food is pretty delicious, and healthy.
• Free clinics at your school, including basic services for FREE
• All your seniors buy you things hehe
• Upbeat music everywhere you go
• Cheap alcohol and activities like karaoke and bowling everywhere
• Drinking culture. Google it.

And lastly.... Korean people. I am meeting more and more everyday that show me life is pretty awesome.