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This is going to be a general "about Korea" from my observations and interactions...
Might be a little random...
Hmm... about Korea. Let's start with Koreans. (Mainly college students)
They study hard, but when it's time to relax, Koreans know how to let go. Order chicken/pizza and drink bottles of soju while talking and having a blast... And then the clubbing at night.. Holy shit clubbing in Seoul is ridiculoussss. I've been to clubs in Hawaii, but clubs in Seoul are PACKED and everyone is dancing... it was so much fun. Plus I was kind of wasted... Koreans know how to drink...
They also don't sleep much... they stay up until like 2, and then wake up at 7-8 am... and usually don't seem very tired... not sure how they do it. I've slept until like 11 and get called lazy by everyone here. :o
Everyone cares about how they look here. I know it seems a little vain... but I guess it's nice when people care about how they look wherever they go. Also, there are mirrors literally everywhere... Most things that the guys do here would be considered "gay" maybe, but here it's normal. Guys go to the bathroom the fix their hair and their clothes. Fashion here is standard. If you're not wearing cardigans and skinny jeans as a guy, something is up. Girls here wear some pretty nice outfits, and you can tell they go shopping online and in Seoul. I find myself rarely seeing anyone who stands out fashion wise, because everyone here dresses so damn neatly. Hair products and skin products sell like candy near an elementary store... My roommates combined have maybe... 50 bottles of products.. and everyone has a mirror by their desk. And on the fridge. And in the closets. And in the shower. And by the bathroom. And in the elevators. And outside the elevators. Yeah, mirrors everywhere. I guess some people would think it's weird, but I guess I feel like... it's a good thing? Also I have 4 pairs of shoes and it's half of what most Koreans have... guys at least.
The girls... oh my. Korean girls. And their legs... I love it. As I discussed with some other Americans, girls with nice legs are so hard to find in America... but here... EVERYWHERE. Nice legs. Gorgeous, toned, smooth legs. However, blessed chests are harder to find. I don't mind though, I'm from Hawaii. So many cute girls. Too bad you can't mingle with the opposite sex in the dorms... It's prohibited. All the dorms are seperated M/F. But at least we can eat together? :o
Koreans are pretty shy using English, but most of them are pretty good... They're actually required to take English in HS and in college, so even if they can't speak that much, that can understand quite a bit. I'm a bit embarrassed that my Korean is so elementary, but I'm working on it. Once you get to know them, Koreans open up a lot, but in the beginning they are very reserved. This might come of as... rude? But I guess I'm used to it also. Even the reserved ones are really friendly here though, courteous at least. But once you get to the 형/누나 relationship, things just open up. You start getting whacked by everyone and laughing a lot. And not really worrying about paying for much. And the English conversations are really entertaining haha.
Koreans are WIRED. Everyone has a smartphone, and this cool app called Kakaotalk. I don't have a phone so I feel REALLY out of the loop, and it makes everything really inconvenient so I NEED one soon. Koreans are always texting or on the phone when not in class, but especially on the subway. Everyone is watching TV, or movies, or playing some game or texting. Even old people. It's pretty hard NOT to find a place with 3G/4G or WiFi. The applications here are so awesome too. Train/bus applications, you can get tickets online and check subway status from your phone... so convenient.
Everything in Korea is seriously SO convenient, and practical. When you go to a coffee shop, after you order you get this blinker alert thing. Some of them even have TV screens. So instead of 50 people waiting around the counter, you go back to your seat and then wait for your thing to light up and buzz. Then you get your order. How smart is that? Also 24 hour delivery for almost all food places. Chicken, pizza... MCDONALDS. FREE DELIVERY. NO TIP. WHY is that not in America??? I really like the no tipping here.. it's like. You should do a good job, it's what you're getting paid for. Not, you get a bonus if you do what you're supposed to. Makes sense. Why we give extra money to waiters or delivery people who do what they should does not make sense to me.
I don't want to make it too long, so I'll cut it here.
but... ask me any questions about Korea and I'll try to answer them if I can!!~~
~~미주 ^^
EDIT: Oh and my practice for Code A is going OK. I think I finally understand PvZ, and I'm trying a new PvT style... PvP is going well for me, 1-gate robo into stargate ^^ Immortal/VR/Zeal :D
Need a Korean account ASAP~
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Hipster culture and extreme metro-sexuality. Sounds too perfect.
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Sounds like you're having a good time man. You should have come to the OSL finals with us.
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NeverGG
United Kingdom5399 Posts
I think people sometimes tend to overstate the whole 'Everyone dresses perfectly here/all the girls have gorgeous legs thing.' For every lady who I see that's dressed up there are loads more who are in normal denim shorts/t-shirts/hoodies. It definitely depends upon where you are, and what time of day it is. However, guys hoping to come over here and constantly be surrounded by SNSD/Kara-esque women are in for a reality check. I've been here for almost five years now, and in terms of how many 'idol level' pretty girls I see even in places like Apgujeong or Gangnam it's not exactly overwhelmingly common even at night.
Speaking of the drinking culture - I don't involve myself in that. I have no interest in it at all. I'm only annoyed by it if it interrupts with my sleep/getting home after shopping or being outside for other things. I do find it a bit pathetic when you see people sleeping in public during the mornings though. (I admit to laughing when I saw some random thirty-something guy sleeping in a full suit draped over a wall though. It was such a weird position to pass out in.)
I'm not into fashion much myself, but I do miss seeing really individual styles. I've found that only Hongdae (during the daytime and at events like the weekly markets) offers the chance to see punks or other alternative dressers/music styles etc. It's lovely to be able to pick up the unique work of the student artists/craftspeople too.
I agree with you about the convinience aspect. As a Brit it's so nice to live somewhere where it's possible to go out at 3am and get food/go singing etc. I don't really take advantage of that aspect of it, but it's still nice to know it's possible. The subway system and all the little time-saving measures employed here (like being able to use T-money in shops etc.) really make a lot of sense/are so useful. I also love how cheap life can be (aside from my expensive hobbies.)
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You're the guy who wrote the beginner's guide to Hangul right? Thanks for the little window into life in Korea. I hope you'll keep sharing cool stories with the rest of us. Good luck in qualifiers.
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On September 21 2011 13:31 mizU wrote:
EDIT: Oh and my practice for Code A is going OK. I think I finally understand PvZ, and I'm trying a new PvT style... PvP is going well for me, 1-gate robo into stargate ^^ Immortal/VR/Zeal :D
Need a Korean account ASAP~
Get a TW account.............
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Hey, you say that everyones always trying to keep themselves looking good and stuff? What about the people that are ugly? Are they shunned in that type of society?
It seems to perfect for me tbh.
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On September 21 2011 16:45 tests wrote:
Hey, you say that everyones always trying to keep themselves looking good and stuff? What about the people that are ugly? Are they shunned in that type of society?
It seems to perfect for me tbh.
I'm not the OP but I'll give my take on it.
Korea is one of the most "plastic" countries in the world. It's really not too uncommon for a person to have some form of plastic surgery done even if they aren't pop stars or famous. Also, Koreans are typically more blunt when it comes to appearance. I wouldn't say people are bullied or shunned, but if you're getting fat or if you look weird they'll let you know, but this shouldn't be seen as offensive as it is in western culture. Also, anyone remember when Puma said he wanted plastic surgery after he won NASL and was asked what he wanted to do with his prize money? A lot of Western people would see that as a really embarrassing thing to say from Puma's position, but I guess he felt differently.
The importance of aesthetics in Korea is actually a pretty discussed topic, and a lot of people criticize it for being shallow and teaching people the wrong values. Korea has pretty high suicide rates, and some (although I wouldn't even say a good portion of it) is due to this. If I had to guess I'd say the suicide rates have more to do with expectations through education, etc. and becoming successful and there's a lot of pressure on everyone including even the successful people as Korea has one of the highest suicide rates involving famous people.
Anyways, the good comes with the bad is what I'm getting at. I don't think it's something that should be pitied though because like I said, people view this type of stuff differently in Korea.
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On September 21 2011 17:36 Itsmedudeman wrote:Show nested quote +On September 21 2011 16:45 tests wrote:
Hey, you say that everyones always trying to keep themselves looking good and stuff? What about the people that are ugly? Are they shunned in that type of society?
It seems to perfect for me tbh. I'm not the OP but I'll give my take on it. Korea is one of the most "plastic" countries in the world. It's really not too uncommon for a person to have some form of plastic surgery done even if they aren't pop stars or famous. Also, Koreans are typically more blunt when it comes to appearance. I wouldn't say people are bullied or shunned, but if you're getting fat or if you look weird they'll let you know, but this shouldn't be seen as offensive as it is in western culture. Also, anyone remember when Puma said he wanted plastic surgery after he won NASL and was asked what he wanted to do with his prize money? A lot of Western people would see that as a really embarrassing thing to say from Puma's position, but I guess he felt differently. The importance of aesthetics in Korea is actually a pretty discussed topic, and a lot of people criticize it for being shallow and teaching people the wrong values. Korea has pretty high suicide rates, and some (although I wouldn't even say a good portion of it) is due to this. If I had to guess I'd say the suicide rates have more to do with expectations through education, etc. and becoming successful and there's a lot of pressure on everyone including even the successful people as Korea has one of the highest suicide rates involving famous people. Anyways, the good comes with the bad is what I'm getting at. I don't think it's something that should be pitied though because like I said, people view this type of stuff differently in Korea.
Skin care not plastic surgery.
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Oh, I was assuming closer to surgery/laser though since he did win 50000 dollars. I'm pretty sure he didn't mean just buying a lot of skin care products.
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Apparently plastic surgery happens a lot, but I can't really tell... :o
On September 21 2011 15:49 Tomken wrote:Show nested quote +On September 21 2011 13:31 mizU wrote:
EDIT: Oh and my practice for Code A is going OK. I think I finally understand PvZ, and I'm trying a new PvT style... PvP is going well for me, 1-gate robo into stargate ^^ Immortal/VR/Zeal :D
Need a Korean account ASAP~ Get a TW account.............
I just got my alien registration card today, so I think I can get a SC2 account now? Maybe? :o
On September 21 2011 14:46 red4ce wrote:
You're the guy who wrote the beginner's guide to Hangul right? Thanks for the little window into life in Korea. I hope you'll keep sharing cool stories with the rest of us. Good luck in qualifiers.
Yep, that's me. ^^
On September 21 2011 14:05 NeverGG wrote:
I think people sometimes tend to overstate the whole 'Everyone dresses perfectly here/all the girls have gorgeous legs thing.' For every lady who I see that's dressed up there are loads more who are in normal denim shorts/t-shirts/hoodies. It definitely depends upon where you are, and what time of day it is. However, guys hoping to come over here and constantly be surrounded by SNSD/Kara-esque women are in for a reality check. I've been here for almost five years now, and in terms of how many 'idol level' pretty girls I see even in places like Apgujeong or Gangnam it's not exactly overwhelmingly common even at night.
My judgement is probably clouded by my testosterone, but you're right. Not every girl here looks like SNSD. But there are quite a bit of cute girls here. If you like Asians, obviously Korea would be good. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ
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Thanks for sharing
South Korea looks beautiful too 
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Great read. I do plan on visiting S. Korea some day. Stuff like this makes me want to go even more. I am also very jealous of 24 hour food delivery. Not tipping would seem weird to me though.
Also good luck in your practice.
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On September 21 2011 19:17 Fox116 wrote:
Great read. I do plan on visiting S. Korea some day. Stuff like this makes me want to go even more. I am also very jealous of 24 hour food delivery. Not tipping would seem weird to me though.
Also good luck in your practice.
Don't feel bad about not tipping. It's awesome. The workers all smile before they give you the food, and after. With no tip. It's amazing.
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legs,,, too bad its getting cold now
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On September 21 2011 22:32 Benga wrote:
legs,,, too bad its getting cold now
I know... covering up begins. :[
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On September 21 2011 13:31 mizU wrote:
Koreans are WIRED. Everyone has a smartphone, and this cool app called Kakaotalk. [...] Everyone is watching TV, or movies, or playing some game or texting. Even old people.
My grandmother has an iPad ㅋ.ㅋ
On September 21 2011 13:31 mizU wrote:
Also 24 hour delivery for almost all food places. Chicken, pizza... MCDONALDS. FREE DELIVERY. NO TIP. WHY is that not in America???
Actually, Mcdonalds delivery isn't free. The cost is built into the food prices; if you compare the prices on the delivery menu with the prices at the stores, they're different.
-edit-
The K-goggles will fade away somewhat, but it's good that you're having a good time in Korea =]
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On September 21 2011 23:12 yoonyoon wrote:Show nested quote +On September 21 2011 13:31 mizU wrote:
Koreans are WIRED. Everyone has a smartphone, and this cool app called Kakaotalk. [...] Everyone is watching TV, or movies, or playing some game or texting. Even old people. My grandmother has an iPad ㅋ.ㅋ Show nested quote +On September 21 2011 13:31 mizU wrote:
Also 24 hour delivery for almost all food places. Chicken, pizza... MCDONALDS. FREE DELIVERY. NO TIP. WHY is that not in America??? Actually, Mcdonalds delivery isn't free. The cost is built into the food prices; if you compare the prices on the delivery menu with the prices at the stores, they're different. -edit- The K-goggles will fade away somewhat, but it's good that you're having a good time in Korea =]
Oh. Well chicken and soju delivery is free ^^ ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ :D
I don't even have an iPad ㅠㅠ
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do any of your korean friends play sc2? (are they any good?) and thanks for the blog hahaha
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man. i remember posting in your blog about the jochiwon campus earlier. i'm now back in the states (as of aug. 1), and i miss korea sooooooo much. even that nasty picture that quesadilla posted... i've stood on that street so many times hahaha.
fuck i wanna go back.
p.s. you definitely need to get a phone.
p.s.s. though nevergg always talks about how retarded the drinking culture of korea is, it's fun as shit. immerse yourself in it. you're '92 right? perfect time to start
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On September 22 2011 08:27 misclick wrote:man. i remember posting in your blog about the jochiwon campus earlier. i'm now back in the states (as of aug. 1), and i miss korea sooooooo much. even that nasty picture that quesadilla posted... i've stood on that street so many times hahaha. fuck i wanna go back. p.s. you definitely need to get a phone. p.s.s. though nevergg always talks about how retarded the drinking culture of korea is, it's fun as shit. immerse yourself in it. you're '92 right? perfect time to start
YESSSS Korean drinnking age is sooo great. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ And yes I hope to go phone shopping today... so I don't get lost at 고연전 T.T
On September 22 2011 07:27 Plutonik wrote:
do any of your korean friends play sc2? (are they any good?) and thanks for the blog hahaha
My floormate who lives like right across of me plays SC2. We talk about GSL in the elevator. We both play protoss, so we were QQing together about how there's no Protosses left. We played once, played like 4 games. I won 3-1, but it's PvP. Koreans are damn good. Mostly everyone plays SCBW though.
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NeverGG
United Kingdom5399 Posts
On September 22 2011 08:27 misclick wrote:man. i remember posting in your blog about the jochiwon campus earlier. i'm now back in the states (as of aug. 1), and i miss korea sooooooo much. even that nasty picture that quesadilla posted... i've stood on that street so many times hahaha. fuck i wanna go back. p.s. you definitely need to get a phone. p.s.s. though nevergg always talks about how retarded the drinking culture of korea is, it's fun as shit. immerse yourself in it. you're '92 right? perfect time to start
It's also not mandatory to join in, or like it. I don't drink because I'm emetophobic, and I don't see the point when I could be spending my time/money on other things. It's just a personal choice.
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On September 22 2011 10:37 mizU wrote:
YESSSS Korean drinnking age is sooo great. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ And yes I hope to go phone shopping today... so I don't get lost at 고연전 T.T
You're going to 연고전? I've always wondered how it's like participating as an non-연대/고대생 o_o
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On September 22 2011 16:39 yoonyoon wrote:Show nested quote +On September 22 2011 10:37 mizU wrote:
YESSSS Korean drinnking age is sooo great. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ And yes I hope to go phone shopping today... so I don't get lost at 고연전 T.T
You're going to 연고전? I've always wondered how it's like participating as an non-연대/고대생 o_o
I'm attending 고려대.... Thus 고연전 ^^
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On September 22 2011 20:38 mizU wrote:Show nested quote +On September 22 2011 16:39 yoonyoon wrote:On September 22 2011 10:37 mizU wrote:
YESSSS Korean drinnking age is sooo great. ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ And yes I hope to go phone shopping today... so I don't get lost at 고연전 T.T
You're going to 연고전? I've always wondered how it's like participating as an non-연대/고대생 o_o I'm attending 고려대.... Thus 고연전 ^^
Sorry, after we beat the crap out of them last year, it's 연고전.
Do you know the chants and songs and stuff? I always feel that outsiders look at it as some sort of lame brainwashing mob psychology thing, but it's really fun =[
This is probably the last 연고전 I'm going to since I'm probably going on an exchange program next year ㅜ,ㅜ
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>:[ I know we'll win tomorrow! 화이팅!!
I know some of the chants, and we learned some of the song lyrics in my Korean language class today. ^^
I loveeeee the energy, it's so amazing. ^^ I'm excited for post 고연전 :D
Exchange program to where? :o
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nice read, yo! ^^;; What are you studying? I'm most likely going to move to korea at the end of this year to study korean ^_^
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Love the blog and like the others, I can't wait for the chance when I can visit Seoul,South Korea. With this making me wanting to go even more, even with the ups and downs. I am aware that not everyone would look good but I'm not going for that. I'm only going mostly for SC:BW and SC2 (of course, the culture as well ). But most things said in the blog helps me keep my hopes up for having a good visit there.
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Great, now I have this image that all korean girls look like SNSD members and the guys look like they're from Super Junior. GEE THANKS.
Nah, thanks for the update and hope you rape Code A qualifiers
gogo Code S TL represent~~
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Seems you can't be disappointed by people's looks in Korea.
That's usually the case for me when i travel abroad, haha.
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Taiwan619 Posts
On September 21 2011 14:05 NeverGG wrote:+ Show Spoiler +
I think people sometimes tend to overstate the whole 'Everyone dresses perfectly here/all the girls have gorgeous legs thing.' For every lady who I see that's dressed up there are loads more who are in normal denim shorts/t-shirts/hoodies. It definitely depends upon where you are, and what time of day it is. However, guys hoping to come over here and constantly be surrounded by SNSD/Kara-esque women are in for a reality check. I've been here for almost five years now, and in terms of how many 'idol level' pretty girls I see even in places like Apgujeong or Gangnam it's not exactly overwhelmingly common even at night.
Speaking of the drinking culture - I don't involve myself in that. I have no interest in it at all. I'm only annoyed by it if it interrupts with my sleep/getting home after shopping or being outside for other things. I do find it a bit pathetic when you see people sleeping in public during the mornings though. (I admit to laughing when I saw some random thirty-something guy sleeping in a full suit draped over a wall though. It was such a weird position to pass out in.)
I'm not into fashion much myself, but I do miss seeing really individual styles. I've found that only Hongdae (during the daytime and at events like the weekly markets) offers the chance to see punks or other alternative dressers/music styles etc. It's lovely to be able to pick up the unique work of the student artists/craftspeople too.
I agree with you about the convinience aspect. As a Brit it's so nice to live somewhere where it's possible to go out at 3am and get food/go singing etc. I don't really take advantage of that aspect of it, but it's still nice to know it's possible. The subway system and all the little time-saving measures employed here (like being able to use T-money in shops etc.) really make a lot of sense/are so useful. I also love how cheap life can be (aside from my expensive hobbies.)
Nah. I think you're just on the wrong side of town nevergg 
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On September 21 2011 17:36 Itsmedudeman wrote:Show nested quote +On September 21 2011 16:45 tests wrote:
Hey, you say that everyones always trying to keep themselves looking good and stuff? What about the people that are ugly? Are they shunned in that type of society?
It seems to perfect for me tbh. I'm not the OP but I'll give my take on it. Korea is one of the most "plastic" countries in the world. It's really not too uncommon for a person to have some form of plastic surgery done even if they aren't pop stars or famous. Also, Koreans are typically more blunt when it comes to appearance. I wouldn't say people are bullied or shunned, but if you're getting fat or if you look weird they'll let you know, but this shouldn't be seen as offensive as it is in western culture. Also, anyone remember when Puma said he wanted plastic surgery after he won NASL and was asked what he wanted to do with his prize money? A lot of Western people would see that as a really embarrassing thing to say from Puma's position, but I guess he felt differently. The importance of aesthetics in Korea is actually a pretty discussed topic, and a lot of people criticize it for being shallow and teaching people the wrong values. Korea has pretty high suicide rates, and some (although I wouldn't even say a good portion of it) is due to this. If I had to guess I'd say the suicide rates have more to do with expectations through education, etc. and becoming successful and there's a lot of pressure on everyone including even the successful people as Korea has one of the highest suicide rates involving famous people. Anyways, the good comes with the bad is what I'm getting at. I don't think it's something that should be pitied though because like I said, people view this type of stuff differently in Korea.
Talking about PuMa, did you see his bright pink hairdo at IEM?? Crazy shizz
And yeah, I agree with most of your points.
To the OP, it looks like your having a blast there, keep having fun :D:D and hopefully you make it in qualifiers!
FYI you can get a taiwanese account, which also allows you to play on the korean account due to the region-linking patch blizzard did a couple months back. There are several guides on the interwebs that shows you how to get a taiwanese account.
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When you say quite a bit of cute girls... I want your honest take here. Can you honestly say that hot girls are EVERYWHERE or is it more like everywhere else but better bodies on average? I hear so much about Korean women looking beyond belief but I am skeptical in terms of general population. Can you compare that to other countries? What does an average girl look like?
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I have a Korean account now.
I like Asian girls, so I think I'm a little biased but, the ratio of cute girls to not is a lot higher than anywhere I've been... :O
I've been to Japan and China, and Korea has the best looking girls in my opinion. No, not everyone looks like SNSD, but I think as a whole, the girls here are pretty attractive. It does help that everyone cares about there appearance.
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Hmm this is a nice video that one of my classmates linked, I will make a blog out of it when I get the rights to do so. Seems like they shot this in an average class, what do you think? Does this represent? Fast forward to like the middle.
http://vimeo.com/26833191
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oh and i forgot to ask, hows your training for code a going?
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On October 09 2011 14:22 Plutonik wrote:
oh and i forgot to ask, hows your training for code a going?
I got to diamond!~
But I'm still trying to polish builds on NA before using them on KR. :\
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Hey hey as someone who has every intention of teaching english for a year in korea after i graduate from college in ~2 years i gotta say i loved the blog and hearing about your impressions as a foreigner. Very cool man, thanks for the write up. And good luck in qualifying !
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On October 03 2011 19:39 mizU wrote:
I have a Korean account now.
I like Asian girls, so I think I'm a little biased but, the ratio of cute girls to not is a lot higher than anywhere I've been... :O
I've been to Japan and China, and Korea has the best looking girls in my opinion. No, not everyone looks like SNSD, but I think as a whole, the girls here are pretty attractive. It does help that everyone cares about there appearance.
I used to think Korea has the highest ratio of cute girls too. I immedietely changed my mind ever since I took the first step into France
Anyway, nice blog - living in another country is quite the experience. Korea sounds great, but a bit too materialistic in certain aspects for my taste.
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EPT![[image loading]](https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/62743_641557701260_19909866_36045238_1152019_n.jpg)
