Shit you probably haven’t thought of… but should know: Pyeongtaek
The one thing I wasn’t expecting when I initially planned my trip to South Korea, was how much I would regain my focus and drive when it comes to my work. Because of this, and probably because I’ve lived in South Korea before, I didn’t explore as much as I thought I would have, making this city not as varied as Barecelona’s, but I hope it’s helpful for some of you nonetheless.
The following information, in no particular order, contains simple tips, tricks, and information I’ve found useful while living in Pyeontaek, a “suburb” approximately 45 minutes south of Seoul. For reference, think what Colorado Springs is to Denver, or McKinney is to Dallas.
Wandering through Pyeongtaek…
Work… Gym… Repeat. quickly became the daily mantra.
Finances:
The rumors are true… South Korea is a very affordable place to visit and live. Like many countries, cash is king in SK, and of course, by that I mean Won is king (pronounced juan). Businesses that accept Apple and Samsung pay are relatively few and far between, and if you pay by debit or credit at mom-and-pops or local services, be prepared for a 5-10% fee to be added to your bill.
When paying with debit or credit, always pay in local currency when given the option. Your bank is going to give you a better conversion rate, just like the retailer’s bank is going to give the best rate.
K-Beauty:
On the peninsula, K-Beauty is almost as big as K-Pop. And yes, skincare products are much cheaper there than in the states, especially if you’re buying from Olive Young, which is like our Ulta or Sephora. I stocked up before I left and am thankful for it. Just an FYI for your departure: I had toner pads and face wipes in my carry-on and they were confiscated because they were wet 🙁 I’ve never had an issue with these products, even flying in the good ol US of A, so my advice, put all your skincare products in your checked bag… just in case.
South Korea is also known for its beauty/medical services, but because I so quickly became focused on work (including getting this blog site built and ready to launch) I did not participate in as many K-Beauty treatments as I would have liked (like, how did I leave there without even getting ONE facial?). I tried a hair spa in Seoul (8/10 would recommend) and got the Korean equivalent of Kybella ($66 for three treatments in SK, vs. $1500 plus in the states) to try and tackle my Turkey Neck, but that’s about it. If/when I have it to do over again I will definitely be focusing on taking advantage of all the beauty and wellness services South Korea has to offer.
Finally, for the most part, Nail and Hair services weren’t as cheap as I was expecting. However, if I were in Seoul, where there’s more completion and saturation, I might have different information to report. A gel mani and pedi was about $120 bucks and the hair spa treatment I got (I did add some upgrades) was about $250-$300. However, when I got my hair braided, with hair/length added, it was only $60. A similar service in the states would’ve easily been twice that if not more. So, as with everywhere else, you just have to find the balance.
Wandering through Seoul with my agi (baby)…
Desperately trying to look cute while battling 87% humidity :/
Food & Groceries:
Take advantage of the produce you can find! It’s cheaper, bigger, fresher, juicier and lasts much longer than anything sold in the states. However, one big shock I had in South Korea… there’s NO spinach, or kale, or anything similar, anywhere. I also had trouble finding strawberries, and well, any berries were really few and far between, and when I did find them, they were expensive. But if melons are your jam, you’ll be in heaven!
South Korea is also a coffee (especially iced coffee) lovers’s dream. Mega Coffee, Paris Baguette, Starbucks, and sooo many more on almost every corner, and in every corner store. If you’re looking for a caffeine fix of any kind, you won’t have to travel more than a few feet (literally) to find one.
Convenience stores double as lunch and dinner hotspots. If you’ve been anywhere near social media lately, I’m sure you’re aware of the variety and quality of food available at convenience stores and gas stations in South Korea and Japan alike. For a quick, easy and even cheaper meal, grab something from 7-11, CU or GS25 and eat in-store or on the patio in their provided seating.
"If you're a makeup girlie or person and here in the summer, you're going to want to pack your best primer, and even then, be prepared for your paint to melt."
Bathrooms:
Since South Korea was really a work reset for me, and because I used to live here, I didn’t do a ton of exploring or testing (like I’m a microbiologist or something?!?) public bathrooms outside of those at Starbucks and my gym. That being said, the only thing really to report is, like Barcelona, the preference is that you throw away your used toilet paper in the trash, as opposed to in the toilet… and now flushing TP down the loo is a largely Western Privilege I never knew I had, but have come to greatly appreciate.
Transportation:
Be prepared for hills. Coming, going, coming and going. It doesn’t matter where you go or how far. You’re going to get hit with an incline. The cities are also built for vehicles, so much so, that crossing the street, even at designated crosswalks, can be like playing Russian Roulette. Don’t assume you have the right of way because the green man tells you so, take it back to grade school and look both ways before you cross (at your own peril, LOL). Finally, be prepared to walk around cars parked or stopped on crosswalks, and even sidewalks.
South Korea does, however, have an extensive public transportation system, allowing you to take a bus or train to almost anywhere in the country. This even extends to boats you can take to Jeju Island and Japan. While navigating, whether it be on foot or in the car, know that Google Maps isn’t your friend, with the SK equivalent being Naver. If you’re going to be on the peninsula for any length of time and plan to walk or use public transportation, make sure you download the app.
Gyms: easy to find in SK… Gym-related supplements, however? Not so much…
Gyms & Health Products:
Outside of vegetarian meal options, finding vitamins and health supplements was the hardest part of my trip to the Land of the Morning Calm. Pharmacies don’t sell vitamins or supplements, and the only GNC I found was is the specialty food section of AK Plaza (think of a Dillard’s or Macys, but on Steroids… like instead of the Nike department, there’s a whole Nike store, but its also not a mall… so yea…), and there was only one vegetarian friendly protein powder (chocolate rice protein, anyone?). Luckily something told me to re-up on my pre-workout and supplements before I left Barcelona, so I wasn’t hurting too bad, but had I been there any longer I would’ve been shit outta luck. So if you rely on supplements and vitamins for training, working out, or just life in general, I’d recommend bringing them with you.
There are gyms EVERYWHERE however, (you’ve see Physical 100 on Netflix, right?) and as for the gym membership? At least the one I found, was CHEAP: I paid just $80 for three months of access to a three-story gym with ample equipment and options. On that note, if you’re working out in South Korea during the summer months, be prepared to sweat more on the walk home than you do in the gym itself! South Korea is HUMID, so super hot and sticky in the summer and cold in the winter… but more on that follows.
Environment:
Weather: While I was in South Korea from June – August on this trip, having lived here for two years while in high school, I can tell you with absolute certainty South Korea is a country of weather extremes, being super hot and humid in the summer and downright freezing at times in the winter. When packing, despite the time of year, make sure you bring layers, an umbrella (SK is no stranger to torrential rains and flooding), and even a handheld fan (manual or automatic) if you have one. If you’re a makeup girlie or person and here in the summer, you’re going to want to pack your best primer, and even then, be prepared for your paint to melt. Finally, if you’re walking, you will be exposed to the elements so pack accordingly, whether it’s a heavy coat and mittens in the winter or a baseball cap, umbrella, and SPF 75 in the summer, its best to be overprepared.
Garbage and Recycle: Public recycling and trash are everywhere, which is a blessing. Trash bags are a standard white, come in a variety of sizes, are sold in convenience and groceries stores. Don’t look for glad or hefty, save your money and time and just grab what 99% of the locals use.
Randoms: This one is Super Random, but many businesses have buttons and/or hand sensors on entry/exit doors (even “automatic” sliding doors) that actually open the doors. I discovered this after the first few times I went to Starbucks, with the main entry door opening with no problem. On the way out, however, no dice. I walked up to the door several times, at different angles and different speeds (think in Toy Story 2 when they’re trying to bust out of the toy store) until finally going out a back door. It took me 3-4 visits to see someone else exit by placing their hand over the sensor, LOL. Hopefully this saves you from some of the general “dumb-ass foreigner” embarrassment I had. 😀
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