Kimchibilly

This I certainly wasn't expecting. You ever heard of "Rockabilly" music? Cool cats like Jerry Lee Lewis, Elvis Presley, and Bill Haley? Well Rock and Roll artist of the 50s and early 60s make up a genera known as Rockabilly and though their hey day was over half a century ago, Rockabilly is alive and well in Korea. The only difference is... all the artist are Korean, and all the lyrics Korean! Hence the name "Kimchibily" (that really is what they call it, I didn't make it up). I must say, they pulled it off too. This show was kickin' and with fans varying from locals to foreigners. Turns out I happened upon a big Kimchibilly event as well, so all the big bands of the scene were here to perform. The only stinger was the 20,000 won ($18) cover charge at the door. However, with some liquid wit, and begging, I was able to talk the doorman out of charging me ;) so give it a shot. Worst comes to worst, you'll pay the cover and get a kick ass show! Check out the "Rock Tigers" on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/therocktigers They have some killer jams.

Again, this is yet another experience I highly recommend if you ever find yourself stomping around Seoul.

-TDtravels

Take Me Out To The Korean Ball Game!

Hey there. This week I got to experience first hand, a Korean baseball game. These guys go NUTS for baseball! In fact thats an understatement. I had always heard how in Japan baseball is all the rage, but little little did I know the extreme popularity of the sport over here. Not a huge surprise though, seeing how a lot of American culture bleeds into modern South Korean culture. Actually, that right there spot lights whats so cool about this... the culture mixing! "Hot dog please?"no no no no no... not happenin' at a Korean ball game. How about dried squid, and various fried snacks on long tooth-pick like sticks. Now you know you're at a Korean baseball game. Also, when your team is up to bat, you best stand up and get ready. It's time to dance and sing! They even have the cheerleaders and mascot running through the aisles charging up your already pumped state of mind.

I tell ya.. you'll be tired after one of these games. With all that dancing, hooping, and hollering, you'll work up a sweat. Drink up too, unlike at an America ballgame where they'll charge a fortune for some tiny pathetic cup of beer, these guys keep the prices down and the cups filled. 20oz of beer might cost you a buck fifty. Oh and did I mention you can grab a great seat for only 9 bucks?! Seriously MLB.. STOP RIPPING US OFF! That goes for all you Professional sports organizations back home. Take it from the Koreans, make your money but don't drive us broke in the process. 

Anyways... if you find yourself in Seoul and it's during baseball season, definitely a worthy adventure.

Funny Engrish

Hey there guys! For this week I wanted to point out some funny usage of English I've spotted around the suave city of Seoul. This is South Korea, so obviously everyone's first language is NOT going to be  English, hence mistakes are to be made. Nonetheless, some awkward wording can't help but steal a quick laugh from those of us whose native language is English. I'm not talking about misspellings or anything of the sort, just wording, that at first glance might make your eyebrows rise and your mind ponder. (Hey, at least these dudes know other languages at all! Unlike us sorry monolingual Americans *sigh*)

Powerful Romantic... okay. Romantic Powerful? You lost me.

Sounds like the tagline for a Bruce Willis Romantic Comedy

Britney Spears lyric and Education... can you say oxymoron?

Sounds good to me

Hey at least they tried

Happy Chuseok!

Hey there folks! This week during my travels in Korea I experienced the celebration of "Chuseok". This is one of Korea's biggest holidays being their equivalent to our Thanksgiving. I went down to the city center, where they had a festival in front of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. Many tents were lined with arts and crafts, foods, and traditional games. My pictures attached to this post showcase some of the various festivities they had to offer.

Before coming to South Korea I was not aware of Chuseok. I've found it quite fascinating and fun to partake in the events. The holiday lasts for 3 days over which time family members gather to have bountiful meals and exchange presents with each other. (Don't you wish Thanksgiving lasted for 3 days?!) Apparently a VERY popular present to give to a relative is a big ol' case of Spam, yes.. SPAM. In Korea Spam is treated as a luxury (go figure). I checked out the local grocery store to see how much of a dent Spam would leave in my wallet. To my surprise, if you were to buy a case of 6 regular cans and 6 mini cans, it'll set you back a whopping 47,000 won, which translates to roughly $45!!! Jeez.. I guess your everyday Spam musubi is something for the 1% folks over here. Add Spam to your list of protest "Occupy Wall Street Korea" (if there is such a thing). Oh well, guess I'll be on a Spam diet while I'm here (which probably isn't such a bad thing). Thats all for this week! Stay tuned.. and enjoy the pictures.

-TDtravels-