"Beauty can be found in the most odd places, all it takes to find it is an open mind and heart."
Traveling to Seoul, South Korea for study abroad was an amazing opportunity that allowed me to learn about the rich culture and traditions of the people here. However, before beginning my journey, I remember being incredibly nervous of traveling without my family to a foreign country. All of my concerns slowly melted away the longer I stayed in Seoul. South Korea has proved itself to be a country that truly cares for its citizens, culture, and even foreigners and this realization was made as I walked through Seoul's streets and just tried to focus on the small things that are put in place for the betterment of the people.
The preservation for tradition and culture and the act of sharing it:
As a tourist the first thing that stood out to me is how easy it was to learn about South Korean's culture and traditions.
Many of the places we visited had English options and versions for foreigners to have a better understanding and reading what certain things were about or if they had a larger meaning.
This martial arts show for example, had translations in English, Chinese, and Japanese, ensuring no one is left out of the experience.
Hanboks are available for rental anywhere, showing how Koreans want other people to experience their culture and appreciate it.
Old buildings are also preserved and most are open to the public so that people can visit and learn about the buildings historical significance and what it was like to live in historical periods.
Old Architecture is seamlessly blended amongst modern architecture, allowing for traditional styles to live on.
Harmony with the earth:
Steps for any and all:
South Korea is a country that is startlingly inclusive when it comes to transporting around the city of Seoul. The government has invested in all kinds of accommodations for people with disabilities and physical ailments. This is notable on the sidewalk, subway, and the bus.
This button can be found at cross walks and guides the blind by announcing when it is safe to pass.
These poles are placed in the center of escalator entrances to prevent people from trying to bring carts or strollers onto it, ensuring the safe passage of those riding on them.
These lines serve to guide the visually impaired throughout the city. When the line is straight they are guided through a sidewalk, when the bumps change to circular, then a person would be able to tell when they are crossing the street.
This machine can transport wheel chairs up and down stairs.
Ramps can often be found accompanying stairs, event in subways.
On subways and buses there are seats saved for people who are injured, disabled, pregnant, or elderly, these always stay empty for those in need.
At cross walks there are light up strips on the floor that are red when you can't safely cross and green when you can, these were made for people who are constantly looking down on their phones.
Cooly convenient:
Additionally, there are a lot of small things that are also often taken care of as well as larger things in cases of emergency.
Something small is how there are tiny stands to dry umbrellas after it rains to not drag water inside .
While, something larger is that the subway is a shelter that can be used in case of emergency, so there supplies scattered throughout the lines.