14 reasons I love Korea

In no particular order,

The food.

What's not to love? With so many choices (and not all include kimchi), Korean food is delicious, healthy and filling. Some of my favorites:

• Bibimbop- means 'mixed rice' in Korean, it includes rice, hearty diced vegetables, and meat (optional) drizzled with gochujang (chili pepper paste). 
• Samgyupsal- thick pork strips grilled (do it yourself) and served with lettuce leaves, onions, garlic, kimchi and gochujang.
• Bibimnamyong- similar to bibimbop, but served cold with noodles
• Mondu- Korean dumpling filled with various options, such as meat, shrimp and kimchi.

The English.

It's good to see that my job is aiding in the effort.

The free samples.

At cosmetic stores (which are everywhere) the sales woman will throw in some samples with your purchase. Within no time, you end up with a cupboard full of awesome creams and moisturisers to try.

The "Genius, Korea" inventions

Korea has some great ideas. From the button on restaurant tables when you need your server to umbrella bags to keep the floors dry when raining, they're genius.

The hiking.

With so many mountains in this country, a girl can feel alive out here.

The Asian peace sign.

Finally I know what to do with my hands while posing for a picture.

The parks.

So many to enjoy and all are clean, spacious and inviting.

No tipping.

 I didn't truly appreciate this until I went back home for a few months and ended up crying at a restaurant after the bill was sorted. Okay, I didn't really cry but a part of my soul did die. America needs to jump on the bandwagon of awesomeness that is the no tipping rule in Korea. With tax included and no tipping, it sure saves you a lot of money.

The bakeries.

I don't think words will do these heavenly sugared baked goods justice. From cakes to croissants, bakeries are a dime and dozen and that's appreciated in a country with no home ovens.

The public transportation.

Amazingly efficient, clean and cheap AND all maps, signs, and announcements are available in Korean, English and Japanese.

Coffee shops.

There's a coffee shop on every corner in Korea. And not just Starbucks. We're talking Tom-N-Toms, Angel-in-us, Holly's, Cafe Bene and Coffee Flower- just to name a few. Just be thankful you didn't have to tip at lunch 'cause an Americano here is extremely overpriced.

Norebangs.

A Korean term for karaoke room, norebangs allow you to listen to your tone-deaf friends sing their hearts out. You will never have more fun. Bold statement, but so true.

Friends.

Living abroad can get tough at times. Thank goodness for the friends that keep you sane and make you smile. I love you, guys!