Things That Make Sense

Having been here eight months now, Emily and I have noticed some things in Korea that just make sense. Take a gander and see we can make anything catch on in Canada.

The bathrooms have tile on the floor, walls & ceiling. That way, it doesn't matter how wet the floor gets. There's also a drain in the floor, so you can just spray down the bathroom with the telephone shower when it's time to clean.

When you go to a restaurant, you get amazing service and they don't expect you to tip. They do a good job because they want to serve you and not for the money. As a sidenote: when they throw in something for free at a restaurant or a store (which they often do), it's called "Service." In Korea, service means free and is free.

You buy a card for the bus that you put a balance on and then use instead of money. There's an electronic sensor that beeps everytime you get on the bus. It can read through your purse or wallet, so you don't even have to take it out. You also get a discounted fare when you use the card.

When you drive, you go when you can and park where there's space. Everyone has their cell phone number on their dashboard, so if you have been blocked in, just phone the person and they'll come move their car.

If you do something stupid and get hurt, it's your fault. You can't sue someone else for your mistake. (Well, it feels like that, anyway.)

There seems to be more trust, integrity and common sense here. When you pay for a hotel room, you don't get a receipt. When you make a reservation, you don't give a credit card number. There are even some small towns that have convenience stores that run on the honor system.

You have a PIN number for your Credit Card.

You have assigned seating at movie theaters.

You take a number at the bank and then sit in nice chairs until your number is called - no line-ups!

A pair of reading glasses, including an eye exam and coated lenses, is about 50 bucks.

Income tax is 4%.

Everyone carries mounds of cash without the fear of being robbed.

You can walk around at any time of night and still feel safe.

Kids eat far less sugar, and you can tell. The twos don't have to be terrible. I (Jon) can pick out the students that eat the traditional rice & kimchi for breakfast and the kids that had chocolate frosted sugar bombs.

Most places don't open until 10:00 AM. Who wants to be up earlier than that, anyway?

Public transportation that is cheap and efficient. Your average taxi ride is $4. City buses cost 80 cents. You can get on the train, first class, and go across the country for about $45. You can take the bus across the country for $28.

Income tax is 4%. (That one is worth two. After income tax, pension and health care, Emily and I take home about 92% of our total income.)

Utilities cost $150. Total. For everything. Put together. Heat, water, electricity, garbage, cable, internet, and apartment fees.