 Don’t: stalk your favorite celebrities at their housesCelebrities are allowed to have privacy too, and while you think you’re just being a good fan by showing up to see them, please don’t! They have every right to feel safe in their own home and away from prying eyes. So if you know where they live, DO NOT GO. Do: Take a stroll down Hallyu K-Star Road AKA K-Pop Road This is a fun walk to do if it’s not humid and 90 degrees Fahrenheit outside. This road has a map to all of the different entertainment agencies and you can take pictures outside of them, granted you keep a safe distance. This is a great way to see where the magic happens without overstepping your boundaries as fans. If you really want to give something to your favorite idol, give them privacy. However, if they’re a idol like BigBang’s Seungri and own a store, you may be allowed to drop off gifts there. Don’t: Call all of the boys you meet Oppa or girls UnniWhile you may think that calling the guys you meet Oppa and the girls, Unni, please don’t! It’s not cute and can be a complete turn off. They aren’t the men or women from your dramas who may like being called Oppa and the term is meant for close friends or significant others, which it’s pretty much viewed as typical Koreaboo activity. Do: Ask them what they would be preferred to be calledIn Korea, like the USA, people have names and nicknames that they prefer to go by, such as having a korean name and an “English” name that serves the purpose for foreign people, such as a guy named Seung Hyun preferring to be called Kevin by his American friends. It does not hurt to clarify this if you’re ever not sure. This way you can still be friends with them without being overly familiar. Don’t: wear fan clothes in publicUnless you’re going to a concert, you’ll be hard pressed to find someone else wearing a BigBang or BTS tshirt with accompanying face mask. This will not only make you stand out as a foreigner when meeting new people, it could lead to you being a target of scammers. Do: Wear clothes that make you feel and look goodIn Korea, they are very fashionable and clothing is cheap. The more you dress in the style of the country, the more you’ll fit in and be less of a target. If you want to wear K-Pop merchandise you can alway wear K-Pop socks with your regular clothes, but leave the fan clothes for the concert. Don't: Show CleavageIn Korea, cleavage is still considered something that should be covered. In America and other countries we may not have these views but we should strive to still follow their customs. While you may want to look your best and show off your assets, try to be a little more conservative up top, legs however, are more acceptable. Do: Wear clothes that cover you up well South Korea is home to some of the best fashion in the world, and as a Korean media fan you know this. Take a stroll in Hongdae or Myeongdong and pick up some awesome Korean fashion for affordable prices. I have found so many clothing items that I fell in love with in Seoul that I’ve worn overseas. If you don’t have any clothes that fit this style requirement, a good tank top under any busty shirts does the trick. Don’t assume everyone is in love with Korean pop culture as you areWhile you may think Koreans are just as in love with their idols as you are, 6 times out of 10 they’re not. While it is their culture, they can and do have different interests outside of their own idols. I have friends who are Korean that will cite Coldplay as their favorite band over any of the Korean groups. This can be creepy at times and should be avoided. Do: Treat them as a person with their own interestsI can promise you if you talk to them as a normal person they’ll be more likely to want to be friends with you and help you if you at least treat them as a person first, and as a Korean native second. While this may seem controversial, we as foreigners need to understand that just because something is Korean doesn’t mean that Koreans have to necessarily like it, same as Americans.
Bonus: Even if you don’t follow these tips just remember, you’re a visitor in a country, and while you may think you know everything there is to know you may not. Just be open to experiences and don’t discredit something because it’s not flashy. The country is filled with things to do that are fun and exciting that don’t revolve around idols.
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If you love coffee like me, then you know the struggle of trying to get by without it when necessary. Luckily, I rarely had this issue in Korea where cafes are a dime a dozen. From traditional cafes to the extreme, South Korea’s capital, Seoul, has them all. You can start your day at a cat cafe and end at a Karaoke one. In my time in South Korea, I visited maybe two cafes a day to get my caffeine fix and because of this I learned a thing or two about cafe culture in South Korea. By the time I left I had fully assimilated into the culture. Timing is EverythingIn the USA and other countries, we expect coffee shops to be open early in the morning for commuters. It is not unusual for a cafe to open at 7AM and close around 5PM to accommodate people on their way to and from work. These hours have allowed for Americans to establish a routine, wake up, get ready for work, grab a quick cup of coffee and head to work, it can be almost robotic. When you first get to Seoul you may believe the same thing. However, the times may be a bit different from what you expect. My first morning in Seoul, I was dying for a cup of strong coffee after having traveled for well over 24 hours. I did a quick Google search, only to discover nothing around me was open other than 7-11. I didn’t realize then that 7-11 isn’t like the ones we have in the USA, but rather magical places where you can buy anything from disposable underwear (yes I know) to computer mouses and everything in between. However, not all 7-11's are 24 hours there like they may be in the USA so be wary of that. If all else fails, you can do some searching for roadside coffee place. Not all Cafes are Created Equal, But Many Are CreativeThe word cafe is connotated with the word coffee. If you’re a fan of coffee you probably prefer a cafe over any other run of the mill store (I’m looking at you Starbucks). While you may feel the pull to try coffee in a Korean Starbucks, it may be more expensive than ones you can get at regular cafes. Plus, you’re in another country, why not try something new. South Korea has an absolute plethora of unique coffee shops just waiting for you to stop in. While the coffee may not be the best coffee, they do score points for creativity. You can go to any style of cafe: animal cafes, game cafes, princess cafes, flower boy cafes, and even cafes that cater to couples. With so many coffee shops, there are a lot of options. The most beautiful cafes that I’ve been to have been ones where the coffee or the food were subpar. I have compiled a list of my favorite cafes, and a few honorable mentions, that I hope you will like as well! Flower Cafe Lovin' Her (Florte)One of my favorite cafes both in concept and taste was the Florte Cafe (also known as Flower Cafe Lovin’ Her), a beautifully designed cafe with gorgeous flowers. The cafe provides you with flower crowns (be sure to inspect them before putting them on) and seats you with a menu. This is a flower boy cafe, where they operate on the idea of young dandy gentlemen being flower boys as your servers. They do have some female servers but their promotions and Instagram suggest they prefer using these gentlemen. That being said, this cafe is on the pricier side with a drink and sandwich costing around 15,000W ($15 US). They do have a 1-1 ration of drink to person so be aware of this if you go. The atmosphere is reminiscent of that of a fairytale garden, complete with a prince to serve you. They encourage photo ops and regularly post customer photos on their Instagram. They are located near the Hongik University subway exit 6 and the Gyeongui Line Book Street. They do not require reservations and a must visit if you like aesthetically pleasing cafes. Bau House If flower boys aren’t your speed and you want something a little more homey, check out Bau House Dog Cafe near the Hapjeong subway station. Here you pay for a drink which covers fee for an hour with the dogs. The cafe is split into two sections: small dogs and big dogs. A good percentage of the small dogs are of the chihuahua variety so if those are not your speed they do have a section with huskies, Afghan Hounds and other large breeds, although they do keep the shelties on the large dog side. While this may seem like a sad place, the dogs are older and thus prefer a slower pace. Your drink is brought to your table and you really don’t have to do much. Even though it is a dog cafe it is quite clean, siding on sterile. They have toys and treats available for purchase if you would like to do more with your furry friends, but many are content to just sit on your lap, but don’t force them to come or they will not. One of the nice things that they do is they provide you with a cheat sheet for the dog’s names. The coffee I received was not bottled, however, I have read reviews of bottle beverages being provided to customers. I don’t know if this is a new policy or something else. Note: While you may expect me to suggest other animal cafes, I cannot. While I did enjoy visiting raccoon and meerkat cafes while in Seoul, I did not know until later the stress on the animals and that the money I paid went to importing exotic animals. Knowing what I know now, I would not have gone there. Aloha Jenny If you love fantastical drinks, check out Aloha Jenny’s where you can get a ridiculously sweet and over the top drink. Aloha Jenny is a small cafe off of a side road near Hongik University. They serve regular drinks and slushies, I opted for the slushie as it was humid and horribly hot outside. I took my drink to go, but others enjoy this small cafe. I don’t have much to report other than the cost was around 6,000W ($5.5 US). You are Here- CLosed If your love for Korea was fostered by Talk to Me In Korean and Eat Your Kimchi (now known as Eat Your Sushi), you need to visit their You Are Here Cafe. Located away from the busy streets of Hongik University, this two story cafe features a small garden in front and ample seating inside. I did not spend much time here as I was still starstruck with how awesome the city was and overall slightly underwhelmed by it. I had visited after Simon and Martina had already moved to Japan so I’m not quite sure on the ownership of the store and from my knowledge they have completely abandoned the project due to location concerns. They do boast a small broadcasting booth where you can record yourself. Note: they are now permanently closed according to a quick Google search. CaFaceThe novelty aspect of Seoul is not easily forgotten, and this next cafe proves that. The Trick Eye Museum, aptly named for its optical illusions, is a photo op at every turn. Once you descend into the museum you’ll happen upon CaFace, a cafe that prides itself on printing your face on coffee foam. Once you purchase the drink, the barista will hand you a phone and ask you to take a photo, this will be your CaFace (coffee face). They suggest getting the drink cold as it is easier to print your picture on the coffee. While the coffee was a bit bitter for my liking it was a pleasant experience, especially after visiting the museum.
When we first travel somewhere new we can encounter issues that we are not used to. Things like the heat and humidity, hygiene and just plain cultural differences. Below are my top 5 biggest lessons I learned while in Asia.
1. No Soap, No TP, No Toilets: Hand Sanitizer, tissues, and bracing for life
One of the biggest issues I found while traveling in Asia is the lack of soap, toilet paper, or "western toilets", things we take for granted in the USA. More often than not, I would find myself in a situation where I only had the option of squatting toilet (a popular choice in Asia). I being the graceful person I am, I would have to brace against the sides of the stall only to find when I was done there was no toilet paper. The best way to solve this is by keeping a pack of travel size tissues in your bag or pocket. When you go to wash your hands if there's not soap, just get some hand sanitizer, it works well in a pinch and will substitute soap.
2. Your International Debit Card DOESN'T WORK: find a Citibank branch or 7-11 For some reason, some ATMs in public areas do not accept foreign cards, even the ones in popular tourist shopping destination. This can be a major issue if you're in a country with a cash-based economy. For the most part, I was able to always find an ATM that took my card, but there were times where I struggled with getting money, such as places like Songshan Cultural Park which only had ATMs for Taiwanese and Chinese consumers. If you wanted to skip these issues for the most part, the best cards for travel in Asia are Charles Schwabb (USA) and Revolut (Europe/USA/Asia) cards, which forgo typical credit card fees and work worldwide. I have a debit card from a small local bank near my house, however, I have met people who swear by these accounts. 
3. In Between Lodging and Have Luggage: Use a Luggage Locker
When you're on the go or just in between hotels, carrying luggage from place to place can be a complete drag especially if it's the middle of summer and 100% humidity. You may be backpacking a country or just switching hotels and your check-in is not until 4:00PM. This can be stressful for anyone, however, I've found there is a viable solution. In many regional rail and subway stations there are luggage lockers where you can lock your luggage away for a predetermined amount of time. It may be a small fee, but if you're tired of lugging things around it is a Godsend. Similarly, many museums have lockers where you can keep your luggage for a refundable fee. In Seoul, South Korea, I found that most museums would charge 250-500 Won, while similarly in Taiwan it was around 10NTD. These fees are under $1 USD and are paid in coins. While museums in the USA have this feature they usually don't have very large lockers, but I've found the ones in Taiwan are quite large and can easily fit a full-sized suitcase or carry on. This is a cheap way to explore a city until your check in time.
4. Summer Heat is Oppressive and Taking It's Toll: Stay Hydrated, Eat HOT Foods, and PRAY While this may seem like a no brainer, you would not believe how often I woke up dehydrated after a day out in the sun in Asia. No matter how many bottles of water I drank I was still perpetually dehydrated. I realized later that I was not doing basic things to keep myself from having issues. First, bring a refillable water bottle with you wherever you go. While it may be easier to buy a 50 cent bottle at a 7-11, you will be adding to the crazy amount of plastic waste already in Asia. Instead, there are many public places where you can find a water fountain or water cooler (Most restaurants have one). Also, if you're someone who wants to stay cool, eating hot food (spice and temperature) is a surefire way to cool you down. While this may seem redundant, you are more likely to sweat more after eating spicy foods, allowing your body to cool itself down faster. This doesn't mean you can't eat cold food, especially when patbingsu or baobing (Korean or Chinese Shaved Ice with fruit) are so delicious in the summer, it just means if you need to cool down fast, add some hot sauce to your lunch or dinner. 
5. Bringing too Much to Carry on Day Trips: Invest in Multi-use Storage and Minimize Heavy Objects
I admit it, I'm a serial overpacker, even on day trips, and when I'm overseas in a place where it's hot, humid, and I can't communicate well I've made some mistakes. One of the biggest mistakes I've made? Carrying guide and language books around on day trips just in case I need them. These items are heavy and don't really help very much when out and about. While you can purchase them prior to a trip, keep them in the hotel, your phone may be a better option with live offline translations et cetera at your fingertips. You can also create offline maps on Maps.me which uses GPS coordinates and no data to track your location. This will significantly lighten your load and make it easier to enjoy your trip, without cumbersome bags. This tip goes for books you read for pleasure, if you can download it to your phone or Kindle it takes up less space and provides some relief. Your backpack or purse is your best friend. If you like to bring your camera like I do, I would suggest buying a bag that has a padded section for your camera (Here's my bag). I carry a DSLR for most of my travels and it can be HEAVY, plus all of your day to day travel items are rattling around the bag with it. When I was in Korea, I made the mistake of using a regular purse and putting a smaller camera bag inside of it. By the end of the day my shoulder was covered in red marks from the straps being weighted down with my camera. Travel camera bags are not much more expensive than a backpack or purse, and they have larger straps to distribute the burden. The backpag I use is a GoGroove bag and it was fantastic, compact but really used space well! If you don't feel like carrying a bag, buy a fanny pack or money belt, this will keep items out of your pockets (and away from any pickpockets) and secure credit cards, passports and phones. I would suggest even investing in one that hangs around your neck instead of going without. Finally, you carry a lot in your hands when you travel: maps, phones, the odd beverage or to go food item. If you can find one, purchase a drink holder from a street vendor. These holders have straps that you can slip on your arm and allow you to carry any drink with ease as it frees up your hands. If you're in a country like Korea or Taiwan you will see a lot of these as they are so useful for carry other items as well. |
Author“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine Archives
April 2019
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