In The Land Of People Who Look Like Me

In a land far, far away - there was to be found millions of people who "look like me"; and upon exploring on my very first day, I have discovered that all Asians DO NOT look alike. And to make it even more specific, not all Koreans look alike. I have never seen so many different looking kinds of Koreans. While I have not seen a grossly obese Korean, they do come in all kinds of shapes and sizes. Some taller, smaller, wider, bent over 90 degrees, midgets, handicapped, disfigured, but most of them have dark colored hair, pale skin, wear black, and most do not wear sneakers.

I think for being Korean (American), it's odd to say that I think I feel a little bit on the outside. The way I look and the way I feel mostly. I am not sure if the others (Korean Koreans) see me differently, as they approach me and begin speaking in Korean, one even asked ME for directions (I told him that I was just as lost as him), and upon entering places, I do not notice a difference in treatment. Actually, because I tend to get treated just like everyone else, I have taken to mentioning that I do not speak Korean well (so that they will be tolerant of my inability to conjugate properly) - I do so more for the sake of not offending anyone, than because I feel unable to express what I need properly as I've been quite successful in getting around and getting some help when needed.

Things I have noticed so far:

1) 7 Elevens are ubiquitous, it's like Starbucks in New York - You can be at one and see the next one down the block. There are how many 7 Elevens in NYC, like 5? Well I think I've seen 5 standing from one corner alone.

1-A) I went for a 5-6 mile run along the Han River on my first morning in Seoul. Upon arriving at the riverbank and riverwalk/run/ride, there stood, all by itself, a 7 Eleven, rising up out of the sand - I found this to be just odd. There weren't any other stores or buildings around as far as the eye could see in either direction, just this 7 Eleven.

2) It seems that walking up escalators (and stairs?) you go up the left side and down the right side. However, when driving, it's on the right side of the road. In London it's the opposite. Drive on the left, walk up the right side of stairs and escalators; and of course mind the gap.

3) The subways work like I know subways to work, it's just getting used to the different lines and figuring out which direction to take. No uptown and downtown, cross town etc. You also "swipe" (actually it's more like tap or hover your T-money card over a sensor) going in and going out. You purchase a T-money card from a station agent, 2,500-3,000W (current exchange rate is 1441.58W/$1USD - down a little from like a day ago) and then add additional fare to detract from. Rides are 1,000W/ride (but it's also dependent on how far you go, most rides are 1,000W) but, if you buy a T-Money card, you save 100W/ride so it's 900W. I think, in general worth your money. I don't know if I'll ride more than 25 times, but I do plan to come back at some point, so for me I don't mind the cost of the card. You can also use the cards to buy things in 7 Elevens or the vending machines on the subway platforms.

4) Everything feels like a major accomplishment, lol. Like trying to exchange USD for Won at the bank so that I can finally buy, spend, get around. It's amazing how immobile one can be without argent to get around. It all feels surreal, like I'm in an alternate universe where I am not sure what is going on. The money looks and feels different, smells different, and even the value of it does not actually feel real. I know what it is, but I feel like I'm "playing store" in Korea.
I will upload some minor photos soon.

The only thing I am unsure of at the moment is my trek. Everyone is kind of freaking out about me doing this; friends, some family, even the ahjushis (translates as: misters or informal sirs) at the map store where I purchased a detailed book of road maps.

I have some thinking to do.