1. ALWAYS look before crossing the street. Even if the locals are wandering across with heads tucked into their cellphones...they have a sixth sense. You do not, and the trucks will not stop for you.
2. If a little old Korean granny comes barreling your way, do not think she will go around you. She will actually walk straight through you.
3. After you walk into a restaurant and deal with the initial minutes of panic and fear when you realize there are no pictures anywhere, don't leave! Look lost and helpless and eventually the restaurant (as a collective whole) will figure out something for you to eat.
4. Learn to read Hangul. Life immediately gets 30 percent easier. (Actually understanding it is the next 70 percent)
5. Don't talk too loudly on the subway. The eerie silence is normal and people will send you annoyed glances if you break it. If you don't mind annoyed glances...talk away!
6. Don't ask what you're eating before you've eaten it. Try not to even think about it. Just eat it.
7. Bring a blanket to work/school. Korean ventilation consists of opening at least three windows, dead of winter-time included.
8. Embrace the slipper tradition. Wearing slippers at work is possibly the best thing that's ever happened to me.
9. Tell locals that you like Korean food; they will instantly like you more.
10. Just stop comparing your legs to Korean women's legs. Tell yourself it's genetics and move on...or, try.
11. The word "maybe", translated from Korean to English, does not mean "maybe". It means "absolutely". Also, the phrase "that's good", can sometimes mean "you're doing everything wrong; please change immediately". Just try your best to decide which one it is...
12. Always ask for a discount. It may not work...but it never hurts to try. Especially because you're foreign (see number 15).
13. The stops on the bus will not always be announced in English. Only at seemingly random intervals. It's sort of like Korean Bus Roulette.
14. Just go to a 찜질방. Once you get over the "being naked in public" thing, it's so worth it. Also, definitely pay extra for the "ajumma scrub down" (I have no idea what this is called in Korean)...my skin has never been so smooth and healthy.
15. Just bow, smile, and look confused at everyone. The foreigner card really does work...people will love and help you in all situations.
[Longer post to come soon! Things to look forward to: Thanksgiving Dinner made in a rice cooker, DMZ tour, day trip to Seoul, Thailand!]
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