Recording summary · December 2016
[2016-12-21] my experience living in South Korea [SlTpGmCrTxE]
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Overview
Daniel lived on the outskirts of Seoul across four trips totaling one year, noting aspects of daily life, driving aggression, transit disturbances, and social behavior that compared unfavorably to the UK and Japan.
Daniel observed irritating daily noises, including loud megaphone announcements from neighborhood vehicles, busy supermarket staff and sample stalls, aggressive transit vendors, and street begging.
Daniel perceived an overall gloomy atmosphere with prominent military and police units, heavy air pollution, and repetitive high-rise architecture, while finding aspects like barbecue, physical safety, and historic sites enjoyable.
Daniel returned to the UK with a heightened appreciation for home, presenting observations as personal opinion rather than absolute fact while cautioning travelers about air quality.
Themes
Road conditions, extensive traffic, honking, driver aggression, and the prevalence of uniformly black or silver vehicles.
Korean cuisine, specifically barbecue enjoyment, spice tolerance difficulties, and evolving impressions of kimchi.
Customer service standards, blunt interpersonal communications, and transit interactions involving noise, pitching vendors, and donation solicitations.
Supermarket noise levels, background music, and heavy staffing relative to British stores.
High-rise block architecture and living density contrasted with open UK brick housing and countryside.
Visible military and police presence in civilian spaces amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions between North and South Korea.
Air pollution, smog, and respiratory considerations for travelers.
Positive reflections on safety, scenic Seoul sites, and renewed appreciation for the UK.
Developments
Daniel purchased a face mask to cope with air pollution but removed it due to discomfort and difficulty breathing.
Daniel returned to the UK after staying in Korea.
Uncertainties & gaps
Whether product pitching on train carriages is strictly illegal.
The cause or underlying reason behind multiple street beggars missing legs, including whether an event occurred decades prior.
Why the government does not provide more support to individuals begging on the streets.
Whether proximity to North Korea contributes to the perceived gloomy atmosphere.
Whether riot police formed near central Seoul were practicing, training, or preparing for an event.
The exact source of sand in air pollution, including whether a desert is nearby or what proportion originates from Korea versus China.