It’s the little things, really

by Cat on September 29, 2006

As almost everyone over here in the ROK knows, Chuseok (추석) is next week. It’s a major Korean holiday that is frequently compared (by Americans) to the U.S. Thanksgiving.

Many expats, if they’re smart, plan months ahead to take a trip outside the country during this time, as most businesses shut down for the holiday. This year, both Foundation Day (Tuesday) and Chuseok (officially, Thursday and Friday) are in the same week, so many people are takingthe entire week off. Other expats advise that this is really the best time to stay in Seoul as you can experience it without the usual crowds.

We’re choosing that second option this time, mostly because we waited too late to make travel plans. Fortunately, another expat friend of ours is having a “Foreigners Chuseok” at his place (mostly, this will consist of a big meal, without any traditional rituals), and we’ve been invited. I happened to mention that we’d be happy to provide some “adult beverages” because we’ve stocked up every trip through the airport duty-free and at the Gangnam Wal-Mart.

Writing this, I realized that I don’t think one can buy booze at U.S. Wal-Marts. Beer, maybe, I think. But Absolut? Not so much. Feel free to correct me if I am wrong. You can also buy hooch at Kim’s Club, another major supermarket. I am not sure about E-Mart, the other big local chain.

Anyway, it’s one of the many little things I’ll miss when we move back to the States. Being able to throw a bottle of tequila in the cart along with the toilet paper and laundry detergent. That, along with the ATMs that count your deposit and balance your checkbook for you, and the street vendors selling manjoo, are my current favorites.

So, I thought I’d put it on the blog and open it up to other expats in the comments. What are the little things that you will miss about Korea, when and if you decide to leave? And, if you’re already gone, what are the little things you do miss most?

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{ 7 comments }

1

Brian B 09.29.06 at 11:33 pm

I will miss buying cheap cups of bad instant coffee from vending machines. Seriously! Also, I will miss being able to drop into the nearest PC bang when I suddenly need a computer or if I have an hour to kill.

2

The Colonel 09.30.06 at 2:50 am

it really is the little things (that make a difference). Like being close enough to touch someone when you really need to.

BTW, I received your candy flower and the Omaha Steak stuff on my birthday. Thanks a bunch for thinking of me. We really miss you both… heck, we even miss cats.

D-

3

JiMong 09.30.06 at 3:14 am

I wasn’t an expat..I do miss Pojang Macha.^^

4

Aunt Jo 09.30.06 at 6:54 am

I miss seeing the ocean every day. Also buying tequila at the bulk-buying stores like you can do when you are not in the Bible Belt.

5

MigukNamja 09.30.06 at 10:25 am

Two of the big things I will miss are the excellent subway system and feeling safe anywhere in Seoul. Those make living in Seoul much easier.

I’m also with Brian B on the cheap cups of bad instant coffee from vending machines.

6

Sandra 09.30.06 at 10:09 pm

I like that cheap coffee, too.

And the taekwondo bus, so I don’t have to drive my kid to his after-school sports.

U-turns. No tipping. Free delivery on everything, even groceries.

7

Rose Byrd 10.01.06 at 1:35 am

Like the Colonel, I miss you guys being close enough to hug. But I am so joyful you guys are happy and doing well there that I just ask whatever guardian angels might be flitting past you there in Seoul to give you soul-hugs. Be heart-happy,okay?

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