“Traveling is like flirting with life. It’s like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station.’” – Lisa St. Aubin de Teran
Living The Asian Dream
Ever since I was a young little boy, I dreamed about exploring the world and going off to exotic places that I never actually thought I would ever visit.
Asia was a part of the world I never really dreamed about exploring. Possibly it was because I did not watch enough ninja movies.
I mostly thought about living and exploring Castles in Europe.
South Korea was a country that I never knew much about and never could imagine that one day I would live here. It’s safe to say that it was not in my top 10 countries to live in. But as I have embraced the uncertainty of life and going with the flow, things for the most part have worked out delightfully.
It all started when I was living in Costa Rica and I met my friend Young who is from South Korea. I was contemplating my future plans and as I did some research I became intrigued with Korea. Next thing you know I am sitting at a “Kim Bap” shop becoming a semi-pro at using chopsticks.
Now That I have lived here for close to 8 months, I am really happy that I made the jump. South Korea truly is a wonderful country with much to offer.
Here is a short list, In no particular order, of why I love living in South Korea:
1. Jim Jil Bangs (Public Bath Houses/Spas): Man oh man, I would have never thought that I would actually look forward to relaxing in the company of dozens of naked men. “Jim Jil Bangs” are simply spas where you go to unwind and relax. For around 7 bucks you get all-day access to an amazing facility, at least the ones I frequent. One of my favorites is Vespa Spa, for its superb views overlooking the ocean.
My typical routine goes something like this: Get naked, take a quick shower, then hop in the hot spring bath that’s around 40 degrees Celsius. I soak and relax for about 30 minutes to 1 hour, then head on over to the waterfall and massage every part of my body. When I’m done with the waterfall I head on over to the sauna and sweat it out for 10-15 minutes. Finally, I usually go into the oxygen room to lie down, or go into the sleeping room, grab a little mat, and meditate for an hour.
When I wake up, or come out of my Zen-like state, it’s lunchtime so I head on over to Taco Senora’s for a decent burrito. Not a bad way to start my day.
2. Cheap good food: I have to admit, I am a pretty picky eater, my taste buds just don’t like a lot of things. I wish I had more say in the matter. For one, I really hate onions, and onions are in everything.
Most of the seafood, I just can’t get down on. I had eel the other day and I just had to swallow it and hope for the best.
It’s tough when you go out with your Korean friends and they are all scarfing down eel like it’s the best thing since sliced bread. They look over at me and say with a big smile, “So what do you think?”. ….“Oh it’s very different, but good,” I say, with a very meditative face, struggling to keep the eel down.
One of the things I was really worried about coming here was whether my poor little stomach would survive.
Luckily, for the most part, Korean food has turned out to be pretty delicious. Here are some of my favorites:
- Tofu Stew: Wow, I also never thought I would become a fan of tofu, but this stew makes my stomach smile.
- Gal-megi-sal (I am probably butchering the pronunciation): Pure awesomeness, if you get the chance, just try it.
- Korean Barbecue: I never thought I would be going to restaurants and cooking my own food, but it’s turned out not to be so bad, and I actually love the whole eating experience.
3. Teaching: This is also something I never imagined myself doing. I am currently teaching at a Catholic School for orphans and kids from distressed families. This has been a challenging experience at times but has turned out to be one of the most rewarding things I have done in my life.
This has shown me that I would like to continue being a teacher in some way shape or form. It has helped me to develop a love for helping others, and that everyone has something to teach the world. Plus, being around young kids with overflowing energy is magical.
I plan on living abroad indefinitely and this has proved to be a great way of being part of the community and getting long-term visa support.
My goal for the next 1-2 years is to have my current online projects fully support my lifestyle and to continue teaching part-time to get visa support in my new host country. I prefer to live long-term rather than just explore a country for a few months on a tourist visa.
I have run into problems in the past in extending my visa, and I also tried setting up a business which ended up being very costly, complicated and did not work out in the end.
So for anyone who wants to live and travel abroad, teaching can be a great way to accomplish both.
4. The People: Korean people are extremely nice, maybe it’s because of Confucianism, and the emphasis on the well-being of the whole over that of the individual. Koreans come off as being some of the kindest people I have ever met and have made my stay very comfortable.
5. Transportation: Just the other day, my father asked me what I wanted to do with my car, for a split second, I forgot I even had one. I have realized how much I enjoy not having to worry about a car. The public transportation system here is very efficient and cost-effective. It’s nice not having to worry about parking, car insurance, and high gas prices. If you do need a car it’s not difficult renting a car for the day or the weekend.
6. South Korean Woman: I find them to be extremely attractive, enough said. Many of them say I am very handsome and funny, so that’s a big plus. I know they say that to almost all foreigners, but I like to think I hear it more often :).
7. It’s safe: I feel really safe here, I have yet to see any form of violence. I will be coming home from a night out and see young kids walking home by themselves, it’s really that safe.
8. The Events: There is always something going on. Recently I attended the Pusan International Film Festival, and I watched the movie “The Albanian”, I got to discuss the movie with its German director. It was an awesome movie, by the way, I definitely recommend it.
9. The baseball games: They really do love their sports here. The best part is that they let you bring in your own food and drinks. The game turns out to be a huge pick-nick with people bringing in boxes of fried chicken and 24 packs of beer, it ends up turning into one big party.
10. Japan: It’s a stone’s throw away from Japan. You can hop on a boat in Busan and in a few hours enjoying some great Sushi.
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Thanks again Ivan, Korea is a place I have always wanted to visit, but never made it happen, I really need to make a plan to get out there soon. Good luck and happy travels.
my pleasure :)….hope your well and let me know if you make it out here :)…peace
Hi Ivan,
I’ve never had the impulse to visit Asia, but from what you’re describing I’m becoming very curious. It sounds marvelous. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.
my pleasure :)…do it! 🙂 let me know if you do so we can meet up for coffee…be well my friend 🙂
another plus, art. seoul has at least a hundred galleries, fifty of which are world class. and korean contemporary art is the most global in asia. get on the mailing list of a a few galleries, go to the openings, and an entire world opens up.
your right 🙂 I def. need to go check out some more art museums…thanks for stopping by Gregory..how are things in china?…be well
not museums, private galleries … after a couple of openings, you will see the same people again, artists, art lovers, art dealers, and beautiful gallery assistants, as noted above in number 6 … it is a very interesting world
would not mind being part of that world 🙂
Great read Ivan. The food sounds amazing (even the eel). So what did you decide about your car?
thanks my friend :)…I told my mom to drive it whenever she wants…ill prob. just keep it so i can have a car to drive when i visit….
We finished our year teaching in Anyang in April, and I think about the food on a daily basis, and we’re in Thailand. It’s like I was told before I came, you’ll miss kimchi when you leave, and man do I…
I didn’t take to the culture near as much as you have, Koreans are very pragmatic and focused on social roles, but they are friendly as you say.
I’m with you I miss the Jim ji bangs – man they were amazing.
Glad you’re enjoying your time!
thanks so much for stopping by :)…how you liking thailand?..i plan on checking it out in a few months…hope all is well 🙂
Hey Ivan,
How are you doing buddy?
I had no idea you were in South Korea! My friend was there for a couple months last year, and he says it’s the best place in Asia!
You make it sound awesome too, and I definitely wanna come check it out sometime in the near future!
Keep enjoying life:)
Cheers
Diggy
just living the dream….def. let me know if you come out here…ill make sure to show you a good time…be well homie 🙂
Great article Ivan and really nice to read you’re living your dream! Korea is such an amazing culture. Thank you 🙂
my pleasure Reed, thanks so much for reading it…I really appreciate it 🙂
Wonderful post, Ivan! Funny too haha! It sure made me think about visiting South Korea as well as Japan which I think’d be really great! xx
glad you liked it :)…if you ever come let me know 🙂 it would be great to meet up….be well…
Hey Ivan,
I was just linked to your blog by a mutual twitter friend who said you were in Seoul also.
I haven’t had a chance to read much of your blog yet, but you appear to be a man with good taste. In my humble opinion Gal-megi-sal is the greatest food known to man.
If you ever want to meet some time that would be cool. I’m in Suyu, you?
All the best,
Jacob
awesome :)…thanks for stopping by…I am actually in busan…let me know if you make it down here…ill let you know when im in seoul…peace
Great post and so true. Korea is a strangely addictive place. I came here 6 years ago just for a year and here I am still here! I still discover something unusual and interesting every day.
very nice 🙂 lol thats what i am worried about…I want to be here 2 years then go somewhere else..but i can see how easy it is to stay longer :)….thanks for stopping by
Hi, this is Terri and I would like say that I enjoy to read this comment. I will go to Korea end of this month and I will stay there a month at least. By the way what is galmegisal?
I used to live in Ulsan,reading this post made to miss Korea so much,i had fun while there.
im about to make a move there for a couple of months and really want to know EVERYTHING!
please if you can email me would be extremely appreciated!
Hey!! Thanks for posting this and I have a question for you…I am learning Korean at the moment…but if I went there without knowledge of the language…would it be hard for me to get around? And would I be able to pick up on the language easily?
it’s my pleasure :)…it all depends on where you go and your attitude…if your the adventurous type you will have no problem…you just gotta figure it out as you go…it will be so much fun :)…well most of it will 🙂
I’ve been to South Korea, love Korean food as well.
Would you like to visit Bangkok that my home time and the best time is next month
Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant!!! Thank you SO much for this blog. First of all…LOVE the quotations on every posting, especially on this one. Second, I’m so grateful for all the pictures and videos you have posted. I’m coming to Korea in August and as much as I’ve read about it on the internet, nothing brings it more to life than seeing it in pictures and live video. Looking forward to reading more postings 🙂
my pleasure…thanks so much for your kind words :)…hope all is well…happy travels 🙂
hi…
i loved your subject about korea… it is my favorite country.. i want to travel so bad there and met my band there name is “shinee”
..
i had some question..do you have to know koran language to live there?
do you know Korean?
is there any schools teach with English,cause i only know English, and i want to study there so bad?
and if you are a student can live in a dorm, instead of apartment?
last question,
if i want to come to korea and im 16 years can i live in a dorm in school?
if you can answer my question i would be greatful for you.
i’m excited to go there.. but thank you again and i hope you see all the countries you would like to travel to..
thank you
Hi Ivan.
Good info. Luv to read ur blog.
I had a taste of South Korea last April and I loves every single minute of it. Makes me want to go again this year. Really looking forward to my next venture in South Korea..
Thats a nice travelling guide. Thanks for share.