What their long commutes say about Koreans

I had been surprised that around 5 pm the crowdedness of Seoul’s subways was bearable. I learned my lesson yesterday: On my way to a jazz concert yesterday – it was 7 pm – I hardly could get in and out of the train. For some standing room it’s just leaning on others for support – nothing within reach to hold on. At each station the shuffle begins – very physical but somewhat orderly. No yelling, huffing or puffing (though I felt like it). Despite the lack of any space, most people are on their phones – reading, calling someone, playing video games, or looking at the newest in fashion and K-Pop (I couldn’t avoid watching even if i wanted to) . Almost all of my fellow riders were returning home from work – at 10 pm!! At least one hour each direction. They looked tired. How much “happy dinner time” (a phrase coined by my friend Insu) will be left? Our work life balance in Canada is a lot healthier – and yet many Canadians are complaining.

I had to transfer to an express bus taking me to my airbnb in Suwon. My friend GaYoung laid it all out for my on Naver – the must-have navigation app in Korea. As part of a perfect public transport system in Korea, subway exits are numbered. So I took exit number 4 at Sadang Station as told by GaYoung, and at first saw a long but disciplined lineup at the bus station. It was cold and windy – oh my! But then I saw my bus waiting and I jumped on. The seat I found was very uncomfortable: A real big guy didn’t budge a iota and focused on his video game. Very inconsiderate – but in Korea you don’t have to take it personal, because everybody is in everybody’s bubble. Their bubble (private space) is more internal than in Canada – it has to be. We are very fortunate in Canada that we have a spacious bubble around us and can get closer to people at will, not by default. The worry-bone that I am, I got off the bus one station early, but that added only a 5-minute walk. I made it “home” and was proud I found my way – and thankful for GaYoung’s help (my own route would have taking 30 minutes longer 🙂