Being a student at University of California of Davis appears to be on a complete opposite side of the spectrum when compared to Seoul; however, I feel that Seoul and its citizens have offered me a great memory; good and bad.  The mass transit system in Seoul is by far the most impressive thing I have seen so far. Being able to take the municipal and bus transit by simply swiping your wallet across a machine, and being able to transfer 7 different railways at given point has been rather confusing, but very memorable. Unfortunately as much as I am impressed by it, I am still left clueless when looking at the map and trying to figure out which direction will lead me to my destination.  The trendy spots and style seems to come and go at such fast pace that I think many people forget to appreciate the new and the old. I was more fascinated with traditional Korean dress (Han Bok); taking pictures of them in front of the stores, meanwhile, very large numbers of girls were wearing Abercrombie and Fitch, a fairly popular brand in the States. I also feel that most of college students spend exceedingly well.  Besides clothes, I feel that Korean students spend way too much time socializing and trying to correct the order in which who is “sun bae” and who is “who bae;” also, who is older and younger. This event seems to be most important at the bars, where I am confident that everyone can drink at least an entire bottle of soju. I am often left pondering if Koreans are truly gifted in drinking alcohol as my non ? Korean friends always tell me, or are we just 2 steps away from becoming an alcoholic? And if drinking is a norm, is it a must that people smoke at bars and restaurants where food and drinks are being served?  As I was watching TV shows, I noticed that a lot of stars come out to talk shows to discuss “booking” “meeting” and “so gae ting,” and I suppose that is somewhat new to me. There aren’t such well supported program for young kids to go out and meet new people, and I thought it was hilarious the stories that come out of such events.  My ultimate favorite experience in Korea has to be eating all the junk food and drinking all the fun drinks while I am here. Within a week of being in Seoul, I managed to eat “duk bok ggi” + “kim bab” + “udon” for 3 dollars, and I think it tasted better because I was standing on the street. The fascination with eating outside has to be an odd one I am sure, but the memories that I have of Korea as a young child has been revived with such experience. Oh, and do not get me started on my obsession with Pineapple flavored soju and Apple flavored soju that is served on the fruit itself. I am such a huge fan that as soon as I get back to school, I am planning to have a party just so I can show off to my friends the fabulous drink.  With barely few days left, I am trying to see as many people as I can, and with friends asking to extend my flight for another week I shall be very sad to leave. I felt very welcomed from the minute I arrived to Seoul, and besides feeling very guilty for those who have recently become homeless, I hope the best for the economy and for the strong come back of prosperity.
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