1. Coffee Shops
Korea has about a bajillion coffee shops. Of course, there's the chains like Caffe Bene, Angel in Us, Tom n Tom's, Holly's, and so on. (Sorry, folks, but Starbucks is completely absent in Mokpo. It's in other- bigger -cities though!) Then there are the independently owned shops, which offer their own unique vibe. And don't forget the cute baristas (hur)!! We frequently go to coffee shops because, well, there isn't that much to do in Mokpo. Unless you do the few number of things ALL. THE. TIME. Anyway, I've gotten much more into coffee shops. Stamp/point cards fill my wallet.
2. Noraebongs
Into karaoke? Don't want to go to a bar and have to sing in front of complete strangers? Never fear, just hit up a noraebong!! Noraebong is literally translated as a "singing room", and that's basically what it is. Once there, your group of friends are shown to a separate room just for you. Each place differs, but there are couches, a table, a ginormous tv screen, some neat lights, microphones, tambourines (some of them light up!!), and you're good to go. Feel free to goof off without embarassment (usually ^^). Sing whatever kind of song from the selection, and have a blast!
3. Shopping
If there's one things that all Korean's love, it's fashion. For cereal, I've never been in a place where looking good is so important. I feel awkward going out in just jeans and a t-shirt. This also means that I've gotten much more into shopping here. Like coffee shops, there are a gaggle of clothing shops, Some being brand name, and others are small boutiques (some of which can only hold a few people comfortably). The downside to shopping in Korea: things are much more expensive than back home. But to be completely honest, if I'm going to wear it that much, and it's better quality, then I'm going to buy it.
Then of course, there's the fashion statements. While tons of people back home wear flip flops, Korean women wear heels. Yes, heels. Everyday. And not small heels either; some of these shoes are killer. High school and college students also love their Converse shoes. In the winter season, there are some pretty sweet fashion staples. Here they are:
1) Shorts with leggings: I thought this was such a weird thing to do at first, but now I think it's fantastic and I can't wait to try it. I'm a bit nervous about it, seeing as it would probably look totally different on a non-asian person. But whatevs.
2) Puffy, shiny coats: I don't know what it is about these kind of obnoxious coats, but people love them here. Fubu (yes, Fubu) sells them. Outdoor clothing stores sell them. Millions of Koreans have them.
3) Green coats (usually with some kind of fur lining): they're everywhere. Guys, girls, they almost all have them. The styles vary, but the general army green color is seen anywhere you turn.
4) Uggs (or Fuggs): Unfortunately, these shoes are also popular here. I don't care about them enough to comment on them.
5) Skinny everything: Since Koreans are so stick-thin and have no hips, they can pull off having everything being super tight. Skinny jeans, suits, skirts, you name it. This also makes it practically impossible for me (or anyone else with hips) to buy pants here, because they don't carry larger sizes.
6) Lots of loose fitting things: Despite the coolness of skinny things, most girls will also have loose fitting shirts, sweaters, and sweater dresses. They're able to pull off so many looks, it's ridiculous.
7) Couple outfits: There is nothing as fantastic as a couple wearing matching coats, shoes, shirts, or all of the above. They look so cute when they do it!! There's even couple lingerie. But there is no possible way that matching outfits will fly back home. You'd just get straight up made fun of. People would think you're crazy ridiculous. Shame.
How adorable is this??
There are even more fashion styles I could talk about, but I first started off that last point with the amount of shopping that can be done. So yes. You can do a huge amount of shopping here.
I'll continue with more things next time. Until then, 잘가!! (Literally means "go safely", but it's used a lot when saying goodbye)
