Sankameshwar
Exchange student, VIT University, India

Finally a moment to sit and relax with a Korean coffee! Oh, my God! That is an Espresso! People call it a coffee? In India a coffee is a perfect mix of milk, sugar, and coffee. A Korean friend told me there is something called milk coffee, so I inserted 200 won in a vending machine, which are probably more plentiful than people in Korea. From the list of hot mixes I chose milk coffee. This is a new experience for any normal Indian arriving here, having to fight with the machine. Luckily, no one else saw what I did! It was again the same Espresso but with a little milk flavor. I drank it with no choice! Sorry Korea!  I'm doing a stint in South Korea, more specifically, in Seoul. Never thought I would be here, but the first impression is always the best! It was the transportation, since I have a special interest in automobiles. I hate travelling in buses in Korea, because it feels like flying in a plane. This is not the case in India where a bus fills with 3 times its normal capacity.   Being a vegetarian in Korea seems impossible unless we cook, and that is how I manage. Do you know what vegetarian means? I was served fried octopus with a vegetable porridge in a restaurant. My God! I wish Koreans would prefer vegetables over meat.   I still don't understand the economy of Korea; a drink costs approx 600 won while a pencil costs 400 won! I am banking with Woori Bank. The banking services here are far superior to anything I can find anywhere.   I would like to know from Koreans, where did you learn such hospitality, honesty and politeness? Wow, amazing! The people here are the most honest people on the face of the earth (They are the people I meet in the university and socialize with). Everyone is treated with the utmost respect, as if a person is God descended from Heaven. People are willing to go out of their way to help you and show you around. Plenty of Koreans speak English exceptionally well. But still, the longer I am in Korea the slower my speech becomes. You are the leaders of technology as far as I have seen! The education system is comparatively equal, but the difference lies in the infrastructure.  Being an Indian I should say a few words about India. I believe both Korea and India are known for their great culture and heritage. It's the population that is so different! The cordial relationship between the two countries extends back to 48AD; even Buddhism unites India and Korea from centuries back. India speaks 22 different languages and Koreans speak just Korean! That shows our diverse culture and people. Festivals are the most special thing in India and they are always unique. Most Koreans see India as an IT country, but there is a lot more to know about the Incredible India. Come! Visit us! Feel the warmth. I hope the Indian-Korean relation grows stronger.  Visitors never feel like leaving Korea. You make us so comfortable. Thank You Korea and Koreans. Korea is really the Soul of Asia!                                                                         rsankamesh@gmail.com