ISpyShanghai

Importing Korean culture to China; I brought my workmates some kimchi flavoured chocolate

When I lived in Seoul I would hear the occasional thing about Korean fashion, films and music being popular in other parts of asia. I always took it with a pinch of MSG though, since the Korean media isn’t always as fair and balanced as, say Fox News in the States, or a 4 year old child telling you why they should have an ice-cream.
Now though I’ve seen it first hand- people sporting clothes with the Korean language on there, hearing people rave about Korean drama series and films, and seeing Rain’s flat face splashed on billboards everywhere.

Military service and makeup for girls under 30 are compulsory in Korea.
The other lad is watching the telly on his phone- whatever next?

In Asia, Korea is cool- and that makes me very happy. I feel like a supporter of a minor football team (hello Doncaster Rovers) that have gotten it together and had some success in the Cup (hello Johnstone Paint Trophy). Plus, on my return I realised it isn’t all hype either, Korean women dress up all pretty with makeup during the day time- the whole bit, the men realise that wispy nostril hair and flannel pyjamas are unlikely to be seen on a Milan catwalk this season, and there are little boutiques and quirky bars springing up all over the place. On the Saturday afternoon I ate Tapas for flip’s sake- TAPAS! It’s a place with some style, no question.

I however do not, and went on a bit of a blitz on Saturday, the details of which are patchy but I shall do my best.

In Pulse with Cam, RL, SJ and Erin

First of all I went to Haebangchon for a multimedia / chin-stroking festival where my mate Peter had a few photos and a guy called Chris showed an animation called “Fake Laugh” that I’m still having nightmares about. Therein I met Amy, went with Amy to Wolfhound where I met Heidi and her entire football team, got drunk on booze, then went to Friends bar (happy hour lasts until 3am there), Pulse, then breakfast at some 24 hour pork restaurant. Back to the hotel for about 8am (a guess since I had no watch, but it had been broad daylight for quite some time) and was kicked out of the room at midday- feeling faaantastic

A random girl in Pulse

On Sunday I ordered a chicken burger and chips and just stared at it for 30 minutes before having it wrapped up in a foil coffin which I wanted to jump into. Officially my worst hangover of all time.