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3. After being around the culture I was wondering how prevalent North Korea is… Like is it a typical discussion between

locals? do they still have relatives there or out of site out of mind?

North Korea these days isn’t something spoken of, but something always on locals’ minds. I’m often asked if I’m scared of the threat of North Korea, and every Korean is surprised when I say I’m not too bothered about it or that I don’t think about it too much. North Korea is often in the news, however the country’s presence in the press is quite international. Generally the population feels the north is a constant risk, and feels pain on the matter of a divided Korea. After the death of Kim Jong Il, North Korea was a big topic of conversation, and people were especially curious about what myself as a foreigner thought about it, but now I rarely hear any mention of it. Then again, it’s possible I’m just absorbed in my bubble of University student life.

4. When I visited Japan I found that people were very shy and reserved until they had a couple of drinks… Is that the case there?

It really depends on the person! People here are quite friendly, and I find that I myself am more shy in most situations. But people are generally nervous to approach foreigners (due to the language barrier), however extremely kind if you approach them. I have been helped so many times, and the people here are very caring. Restaurant owners will always comment on the level of spiciness of a dish, and sometimes bring out a less spicy version. This is burdensome for me as I love spicy food! I have never been in a situation where I felt insulted or unwelcome. People are very polite and curious to meet others and learn about foreigners; the most popular question I am asked being ‘why did you come to Seoul?’ Drinking culture, however, is also a big thing here in Seoul, but I find that people are just as open to interact while sober as drunk. Maybe a bit more direct and bold when drinking but it’s nothing different than anywhere else in the world.

5. Has being in this country shaped or changed any of your political or cultural views?

It has definitely changed both. When you live in a country completely different from your own, everything changes. Especially when you go from living in a multicultural country where each person holds their own different cultural background to one which being visibly different is a rare occurrence. It’s a struggle but also you appreciate that people are people, wherever you go. I hate the idea of imposing my own cultural or political values here, so I try very hard to study the culture, history, and social interactions of people so I can really communicate on the same page. Culture and heritage is such a strong part of Korean life and conversation, so it’s really easy to get lost without a knowledge of it. Sometimes I find myself approaching situations and impressions of people thinking like a Korean (especially judging educational background which is a big thing here in Korea). Politically, my views on what I believe constitutes an ideal place to live have been compromised and also expanded. I constantly compare and contrast living conditions between Canada and Korea, as is something unavoidable when travelling. However, my stance remains liberal/progressive, something unchanged by coming here; I feel like my political views fit with the attitude of the country.

6. Living in Austin Texas I know a little bit about live music myself, tell me have you ever heard of SXSW?

SXSW, I’ve definitely heard of it. I can’t say I’ve paid much attention to it as Texas is quite far from me, but the scale of it is incredible. I have always wanted to go to such a large scale music festival. It’s occurring in the next week, yes? It seems like a really incredible event!

7. That golf cart looking vehicle you rented looks awesome, Wait why have you only driven twice in your life?

Ah, the golf cart! That was awesome but also horrifying! Especially considering the gigantic tour buses that would suddenly appear out of nowhere while you were making a turn. Embarrassingly, although I live in the suburbs in Canada where a car is vital to getting around, I only got my driver’s license this summer. I always took the bus to get to and from my university (cheaper and more convenient) and have never had much of an interest in driving. Actually, a good public transportation system is one of the important factors I take into account when considering where to live. Toronto definitely does not have one. Seoul does! A comparison of the subway maps (and prices) will show you that!

8. The food looks wonderful im getting hungry just looking at your blog! What has been your favorite meal so far?

Oh dear that is an almost impossible question to answer. I’m a person who is very open to trying new and different types of food. I am not picky and will eat just about anything! I am a huge fan of Korean food though, and there has never been one experience where I’ve thought ‘wow this is bad, I can’t finish it.’ Some favorite dishes I’ve tried here are Ddeokbokki (a spicy rice cake snack), Gobchang gui (small intestines of pork, grilled), Jeon (Korean style pancake like dish), and of course Patbingsu, which is a shaved ice dessert served with red beans (or a variety of fruits and sweet syrup). I could go on forever about Korean food; even the dishes I initially didn’t like, I grew to enjoy

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9. You have written that you want to be a music producer and live there so far do you think that might be possible?

I think it is possible. At least that’s what I hope. If I manage to do a Master’s degree at Seoul National University, and continue studying Korean I think it would not be too difficult to find a job. These days, music companies here are specifically looking to hire foreigners, and with the Korean music industry becoming increasingly popular internationally, there is a demand to branch out. I read specifically that JYP was looking to work with foreigners. This is also what I’ve heard from a variety of other career choices as well.  In any industry it’s a wise idea to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and thinking processes. It is my impression that South Korea is trying hard in striving to become an international country and presence in the world.

 10. Like you I love good live music and a good drink. What is the drink of choice for most Koreans and what has been your drink preference?

You have that quite right about me! Here, of course, the national beverage is soju! It is probably cheaper than water. You can buy a bottle at a convenience store for 1,300 won (maybe under one US dollar). However, I would say many Koreans choose to drink beer. There is also the ever dangerous combination of soju and beer (so-maek), but I don’t recommend it unless you enjoy terrible headaches the next day. My alcoholic drink of choice is Makgeolli, a sweet yet tangy rice wine beverage often served with Jeon (the pancake style dish). I have been given the nickname Makgeolli Queen by some of my friends, I like it that much!