The Korean Bucket List

Yeah, I like lists.  A lot.

Most of the foreigners here keep track of the things they want to do while in the country on their own Korean bucket list.  Here are some of the most common experiences: eat live octopus, eat dog, go to the sex park in Jejudo, the penis park in Samcheok, and visit the DMZ.

I didn't really come to Korea with much of a list.  I knew that I wanted to learn some of the language and become comfortable here, but I got the live octopus, the DMZ, and then Dr. Fish down without words written about how I wanted to do them. (Actually, they all kind of just happened without me really wanting to do them.  But, you know, I'm glad I did them.)

Well!  I've found something that's so big, so awesome, and SO totally happening that I have to make a list, just so I can write it down!

You ready...

#1

I want to go diving with sharks!

Seriously, guys.  While manta rays are my favorite animals, hammerhead shark are a super close second.  I think these creatures are so beautiful, so elegant, so strong, and just plain amazing.  Reading Alex's blog about her time with the sharks in Busan got me so excited, and it sealed in my mind that I'm totally doing this.

#2

I want to get laser hair removal!

Okay, okay, this one sounds a little weird, but, really, what girl do you know who wouldn't jump at the chance to not have to shave ever again?  And what if the price in Korea for the same procedure was less than half the price of the procedure in America?  That's what I'm talking about.  I totally see it as an investment.  Just think of all the money (and time!) I won't have to spend on razors and shaving!  Not to mention the confidence boost for a girl with dark hair and fair skin... I'm excited.

#3

I will go to the jimjilbang (the communal bath).

My friend Holly has convinced me.  It has to happen.  I'm going to be weirded out of my mind at first, I'm sure, because being naked around people is not something I'm a fan of, but, she says you get used to it.  The baths aren't coed, but, still.  Old ladies, little girls, and me, all hanging out in the showers... It's going to take a lot of go-get-em power to do this one.

#4

I would really like to go to North Korea.

Okay, yeah, this next one might not happen, especially with all the uncertainty surrounding the area and its leadership, but my friend Kara met someone at church who's an official guide, and we got the idea into our heads that this plan could actually work.  I have no idea if we'll ever be able to justify spending over a thousand dollars on one weekend (you have to go through the Chinese border to get into North Korea as a tourist), so this one's just a tentative wish.