New Item #12
Steaming Pile of Meat Parts, or Sundae (Korean Sausage) 
The small and large intestines of pigs are salted and stuffed with a mixture of pig’s blood, rice, green onions, garlic, minced pork, and vermicelli before being steamed. The sausage is sliced when served with steamed lung and liver slices. It is common to use a toothpick or chopsticks to eat, dabbing each piece in salt to taste. I’m a vegetarian, so I will not be consuming this Korean Street Fair but I was awe struck by these huge piping hot piles of meat and the popularity of this ‘gray’ snack with the locals.
New Thing #11
This is a lamp, a very cute lamp. I think this lamp is totally fabulous, I am sure many people have seen and purchased this lamp. We spotted this lamp near Hongik University at a coffee shop/little store named good design. At 15,000 wan this little guy almost came home with me. I have a feeling I will go back and get him at a later date. If there is one thing for sure, Seoul knows cute. Cute abounds here in every little nook and cranny.
New Thing #10
This is the handy key-keeper at my apartment entrance, but it is also the power control for the electricity. NO Keys, NO electricity. Koreans are working towards energy conservation in many ways. This one took me aback in the start, but now I have to say I kind of enjoy it!!! It is perfect for me because I usually lose everything, my keys, phone, wallet…whatever. So far, knock on wood, I have not lost my keys. If I do, It will cost me 10,000 wan, which is only 10 bucks, but still.
The way it works: insert the keys into the slot and presto-magic the lights come on!
Note to Mom, Please see that the ‘safety whistle’ you gifted me is attached to the keys!
New Thing #9
Fresh Dragon Fruit or Pitaya or Pitahaya is the fruit of several cactus species most importantly of the genus Hylocerus (sweet pitayas). Among Central and South America Hylocereus cacti are also cultivated in Southeast Asia. Hylocereus blooms only at night; they have large white fragrant flowers of the typical cactusflower shape, that are often called Moonflower or Queen of the Night. Sweet pitayas have a creamy pulp and a delicate aroma. When cut open you may eat the delicious and mild center which looks like gelato with poppyseeds the outer peel in inedible. These are pretty pricey but really unique to try and they sport the coolest name of all fruits!
New Thing #8
This is a Kkul Tarae (honey skein). A traditional Korean Snack or Korean honey candy made of honey, malt and ground nuts (inside filling). We purchased our kkultarae from a street vendor in Insadong, which seems exhibit a more artful side of Seoul. Our kkultarae preparers were very animated, singing, songs, making jokes about our terrible Koream, and proud to show us how the delicious candy is prepared. We purchased a box of 8, read below to see the description included on the box.
“Kkul Tarae (honey skein) is a court cake made of ripened honey and malt which was once presented to the king and valuable guests. It is brewed with artisan spirit to make 16,000 strand suggesting the prayer for longevity, health, god fortune and wish-fulfillment. It is not much sweet, not sticky to teeth, but enjoyable with various tastes according to garnishings. It can taste better with teas as it is cold and frozen.”
This snack kind of reminds me of the flavor of a butter finger that crumbles and melts instanteously. It is best to stick the whole thing in your mouth otherwise it crumbles all over the place.
Here is a youtube video I found showing kkultarae being prepared on the street.
New Thing #7
McDonalds Delivery Moped! I barely got my camera out in time to snap this shot of a McDonalds delivery vehicle, as I have never seen a McDonalds delivery vehicle I thought it a worthy new thing. It is a little beyond my comprehension. Whoa! I bet they have to be extra fast to keep the fries hot! I guess the American documentary Super Size Me has either not been released here in Korea or it has had no effect on the consumption of fast food. Pretty slick looking little vehicle though. Even crazier, I read that Korea is the first to eliminate lines at the Mickey D’s, all you need to do is sit down, pull out your cell phone and order, get the crazy details here.
New Thing #6
This is a Beverage Waffle. Today I went to a really cute and very small waffle + coffee shop. The shop had enough space for the counter and about 6 chairs facing said counter. It is here that you can get a waffle stuffed with frozen yogurt and chocolate, apple, or blueberry sauce. I chose blueberry sauce. It was so delicious I can’t stop thinking about it. I think this place is called WafflCong!
New Thing #5
A Korean Jesus Tract. I was walking home after teaching and a really nice Korean gentlemen approached me and said some kind words to me in Korean which I did not understand. So he handed me a pack of tissues, with his right hand of course (it is customary in Korea to always use your Right hand for just about any situation). Since I was coming down with a cold I thought this was very serendipitous. Then I realized my new pack of tissues was in fact an advertisement for Jesus.
I will now accept all spiritual literature if it contains free tissues.
New Thing #4
A Korean Parking Garage. This is the parking garage at the International House at SungKyunKwan University in Seoul where I live.
New Thing #3
Korean Garbage Bags. The bag on the right (the orange one) is for food only. And the bag on the left (the white one) is for general garbage. General garbage is any garbage that is not food and that can not be recycled. Also, you must buy the bags locally at a grocery or market. Purchasing the bags pays for the garbage pick-up. These bags are for the Jongno-go district in Seoul.
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So I am posting one new thing I encounter for each day I am here! And who doesn't love new things?
- 365 same old things
- iced mochas and kimchi
- follow me on twitter
- myScoper.com
- the water heater
- up up periscope
