Before I came to Korea, I was pretty excited about multiple aspects of Korean culture. Now that I’m here, there are even more fascinating things I’ve discovered and subsequently delighted in. Here’s just a few of them:

Danmuji- Danmuji!!! This is a side dish almost as common as kimchi in Korean restaurants. Most of my Korean friends think it’s funny how much I love it, because I think it’s sort of like being obsessed with dinner rolls or salad or something. Danmuji is sliced pickled radishes that is for some reason a brilliant neon yellow color. I realize this sounds disgusting, but if you’ve never tried it, you’re going to have to trust me on this. It’s marvelous. And it tastes like neither pickles nor radishes. More like a really crispy, slightly tangy apple. I am addicted.

Gaudy manicures- I know complicated nail art is kind of a thing in the U.S. too, but it just seems more popular here. And more readily available. I can think of at least 3 places within 5 miles of the university where I can get as much glitter, sequins, and bright colors as my heart desires dumped on my nails for about $15. Totally worth it.

Things with eyes on them- Coffee cups. Erasers. Hairbrushes. Trash cans. Everything has a face and it’s too cute to handle.

Babies in giant coats- Since it’s still fairly cold here (in the 40s usually), I see a lot of babies on the subway bundled up beyond recognition. It literally looks like a woman is carrying a wad of sweaters strapped to her chest. Then you see the two little feet sticking out the bottom of the wad, and you’re like, “Oh! An infant!” Then you squeal with joy.

Shower slippers- I have always been a proponent of wearing flip-flops in any shower that is not my own. I was afraid this might be perceived as weird here. Au contraire! Pretty much everyone wears plastic slip-on shoes in the bathroom and shower. And not just any slip-ons. These things basically look like the colorful jelly sandals I had in elementary school, except with an impressive platform sole and little heart-shaped cutouts for water to drain through. I have been raving about plastic shoes for six sentences now so I should stop.

Neon crosses- Every church has one. Most are red, but I’ve seen a few white or blue ones too. It reminds me of a Lady Gaga music video or a Baz Luhrmann film (but maybe that’s because I’m way too excited for the Gatsby movie). I can see five of these giant glowing crosses from my dorm room window every night. I feel like in the U.S. some people might consider neon crosses sacrilege. But it’s the norm here and I love it.

Korean GQ- I’m a longtime fan of this publication. Everything about it is fabulous. I should’ve known the Korean version would be even more sleek and vogue and glam. I might subscribe.

Instant coffee- I tried instant coffee once in the U.S. It was traumatic. Kind of like someone had filled and empty Starbucks cup with flat Pepsi and sprinkled in some hot chocolate powder. Maybe it’s just me being in love with Korea, but the instant coffee here is fantastic. For 40 cents I can have a nice hot cup of sugary caffeine whenever the heck I want. I even bought a special pig mug just for this purpose (see photo).

The general infatuation with Maroon 5- Maroon 5 is my guilty pleasure and always will be. So imagine my excitement when I hear “She Will Be Loved” or “Misery” every 5 minutes when I’m walking around Bucheon. Boutiques play it. Restaurants play it. Noreabangs (karaoke rooms) are equipped with the entire Maroon 5 discography for you to sing along to. ROCK ON.