Commonplace in Seoul

Here is a list of things to look out for when walking on the sidewalks.
- Motorbikes, yup motorcycles, scooters and all the like drive on the sidewalks as well as the streets.
- Cars, ya thats right cars are all over the sidewalks even though there seem to be cement pillars to block them. If you want to enter a building just drive up onto the sidewalk, get as close as you can to the entrance, park and go inside. (side note, when cars make u turns, they do it anywhere they want and multiple cars do it at once (no median) like a synchronized car commercial, except not so synchronized.



- Food vendors, oh the food vendors! You can find anything from fruits and vegetables to your Korean style deep fried drunk food all of the sidewalk and streets.
- Middle aged women handing out "business cards" for what seems to be prostitutes with free samples of gum or mints or both inside. (its a good way to always have gum).
- Religious fanatics yelling in Korean how much they love god and that jesus is the way.
- The sale of all kinds of things. A big pile of shoes on the sidewalk or a table set up with jewelry wallets etc.
- And if its nighttime and you are out in an area with a lot of bars/clubs, yup, youll find vomit.

If you venture into the subway system here is what to expect.

- You can still find the street vendors descending into the underground but then it changes. In this underground maze you feel like you are in a mall with clothing shops, food, arcades, and mini marts.
- Oh right there is also a subway. When entering the subway you will see a wall to not expose the tracks and sliding glass doors where the doors of the subway will be. Take a look down and you will find where your are supposed to stand and form a queue. I dont think my foot size fits in here.



- Walk into the crowded subway and take a look around. Yup thats right your the only non Asian face around. Pay closer attention and you will realize you are being stared at by lots of people. The subway is crowded and full of young and old abled and disabled

- Stay on for a couple of stops and the doors connecting the subway cars will open and one of two people will come out. A blind person panhandling for money while playing some traditional Korean music from a portable speaker device. Or, you will see a man with a microphone and sound system pulling a cart full of spandex leggings. He starts his sales pitch and surprisingly they start selling like hotcakes, maybe because they are only 4000 won about $3.50 or since just about ever girl here wears them.