Living in Korea has been an interesting and incredible experience and really nothing like I ever could have imagined. I’ve found that most days I feel like I’m still living in the states.  Everything here moves so fast and a lot of the comforts of home are easy to find in a big city. In fact, I’ve spent many a weekend trying to escape the city in search of a truly authentic Korean experience. The open market has become almost like a sanctuary of some sort for me to escape the hustle and bustle just a quick walk from home. Ironically, this market tends to be bustling itself in a different way.

The open market is essentially like a Korean farmers market on steroids. It’s twisty turny aisles of vendors selling fresh produce, meat, fish, rice cakes, desserts, and more. Many of whom are shouting out greetings or sale prices. It’s tucked away right inside a square of busy streets yet all of the noise of the city seems to disappear. This market has become my nearly weekly grocery shopping market, particularly because it’s the only place I seem to be able to find cilantro in this county. It’s a little spot to quiet down for a moment, practice my…s l o w l y… improving Korean, and enjoy some of the culture of this country.