5 KOREAN ALCOHOLIC DRINKS KOREANS CAN'T IMAGINE LIVING WITHOUT

Koreans are thirsty souls. South Korea is the leading country in consumption of hard liquor over 20% among OECD countries. It is no surprise that “Let’s drink together later!” is also one way to say goodbye in Korea. Let’s take a look at some useful (or may not) and interesting info on it. 

1. Soju

Sold by 360ml bottles at 1,400 KRW in a mart or 4,000 KRW in a restaurant, Soju is the king of Korean booze. Although soju falls under “hard liquor’ with 15.5~25% ABV, Korean men love their spirits filled in the green bottles. They, on average, drink 150 bottles a year, which is a bottle every other day (Holy crow!). There are different Soju brands, but it is impossible for you to tell the differences.

Soju shot 

In Korea, there is a special shot for Soju, quite similar to a whisky shot. Since one bottle of Soju fills 7.5 shots, so last shot is only half filled. Rumor has it that its' Soju companies' sales gimmick to induce people to order another bottle. 

What makes a good combination with Soju

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Some say there is nothing that doesn't go well with Soju. I guess it’s because Soju is so blend that anything can be delicious after a shot of Soju. Many people pick Korean barbecue for the best Soju’s partner. 

2. Beer

Honestly, Korean beers are no match for globally famous ones. Although, recently, some efforts are made by Korean brew-houses to improve the quality, I  still wouldn't recommend trying Korean beer unless you are in adventure of untasty beers. In 2012, According to <The Economist>, Korean beers are worse than Daedonggang beer of North Korea. End of discussion.

3. Somaek

Technically it’s just a mixture of Soju and beer. But since Koreans love so much, it deserves to be mentioned separately. The mixing ratio totally depends on personal preference, but generally people first pour a half shot of Soju in a beer glass and add beer until it reaches the logo on the cup. Koreans love Somaek for it's not as strong as Soju and not as sparkly as beer.

4. Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine)

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Although it has only 6% ABV, it gives you a terrible hangover next morning. Even a gentle shake is enough to explode the bottle, you need to pay special attention when opening the bottle. It is customary in Korea to enjoy Makgeolli with Pajeon (green onion pancake) on rainy days.

5. Traditional Liquor

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You can easily find traditional liquor such as Bokbunjaju (Korean raspberry wine) and Maesilju (Korean plum wine) in any convenience stores. In case you wanna go for more luxurious options, Andong soju, Kyodongbeobju, Hansan Sogokju, and Moonbaeju are the ones you should try. 

More Korea

1. 9 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED TO INTERNET IN KOREA  / BY MARCUS

2. 7 USEFUL TIPS AT KOREAN RESTAURANTS / BY KARLY 

3. 6 TOURIST SPOTS IN JEJU ISLAND THAT WOULD HEAL WEARY SOULS / BY KARLY

4. 5 BEAUTIFUL ROYAL PALACES IN KOREA / BY JOONMO 

Written by Gibbon

Born in Korea, he grew up in Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. This young self-appointed ascetic abandoned his university and is currently on his spiritual journey in search of true meaning of life roving from mountains to mountains. His weather-torn and hair-covered appearance reminds of some mystical Bigfoot and he looks 20 years older than he is. 

YUMMY OR SEXY TOP 12 JAPANESE SOUVENIRS

Buying souvenirs for your family, friends and yourself is amazingly difficult. For our readers do not want to waste your whole day wandering around to buy super Japanesey souvenirs, we have listed down 12 must buy souvenirs suitable for all races and ages.

1. Kendama (For kids and immature friends)

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Kendema is a traditional toy that came to Japan in 1700s for kids. Today, it gets super popular all around the globe. There are even Kendama competitions and associations around the world. Check out this video clip! This is how you are supposed to play with.

2. Tenugui (For your mom)

flickr/ma_shimaro

Tenugui is a small size rectangular cotton towel made of terry cloth. Since it is just a towel with fancy pattern on it, the chance of your Tenugui not being used is very low. If you do not know what to buy for your family or friends, just get this one, they will figure out their own way to use it. 

3. Camera (For a person you are heavily indebted)

flickr/AndysRollei

Everybody knows Canon, Nikon and Fuji. But Japan has got more world class camera brands such as Minolta, Pentax, Konica and Mamiya. Japan is the place to buy camera and it is way cheaper than in other countries.  

4. Green Tea Kit Kat (Just for you)

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If I were a chairman of Nestle, I would have launched this green tea chocolate all over the world. I am so sick of being asked to send this chocolate to foreign friends. This limited Kit Kat edition is only in Japan.

5. Royce Chocolate (For your romance)

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Asian travelers put this chocolate on the top of their shopping list while traveling in Japan. Though Japanese chocolate is obviously not as famous as Italian, you could trust Japanese people’s fastidious taste. 

6. Perfect Whip (For your sisters and female friends)

tarekkuma's Blog

It's sensationally popular in other Asian countries especially in South Korea. Pretty much every Asian girl never forgets to shove this cleansing foam into their luggage. Don't get disappointed if you see an empty shelve, it happens quite a lot. 

7. Cat Figured Goods (For your niece)  

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Japan is heaven for cat lovers. You could buy all sorts of products designed with cats or shaped like cats every corner of streets. They have far more than just Hello Kitty. 

8. Maneki Neko (For your miserable friends)

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You might not have heard of it, but you must have seen it. This fortune bringing lucky charm is available in all sizes and all material. Japanese people believe the beckoning cat brings the luck and prosperity. Even if you are not a believer of lucky charms, Maneki neko is just so cute enough to buy. Gotoku-ji temple is said to be the origin of the cute kitty. 

9. Daruma Dolls (For your still poor entrepreneur friends)

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Representing the founder of Zen Buddhism, Daruma dolls are believed to bring luck, prosperity and accomplishment. All the brand new dolls waiting to be sold on the shelves have no pupils. The one who buys the doll is supposed to draw one eye when making the wish and the other one when the wish is fulfilled. You could buy from pretty much every gift shop.

10. Chopsticks (For Sushi lovers)

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If you are a person who appreciates Asian cuisines, you would certainly know how the Japanese chopsticks are different from other countries. Short and round Japanese chopsticks are perfect for Sushi and Gyudon. 

11. Calpis (For ...m....eh...)

flickr/dgmckelvey

People from English speaking country are crazy about this Japanese fizzy drink made of fermented milk. If you find it difficult to believe author’s recommendation, just try it. Just one sip is enough to make you put your faith in my recommendation.

12. Adult Videos & Sex Toys (Sh! Sh! For yourself)

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Japan has developed very unique, shocking and perverse adult entertainment industry for centuries, and the advanced Japanese adult industry plays the central role in the global market. They have great selection of creative adult products well beyond your imagination. It could be great presents for your horny friends, but under aged people should never go near any of that.  

More Japan


1.  JAPAN'S GEOGRAPHY FOR DUMMIES / By Marcus

2.  JAPAN'S 9 UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES BETTER THAN THE OTHER 8 / By Marus

3. TOP 6 SUSHI BARS IN TOKYO : IF YOU DON'T GO, YOU ARE AN IDIOT / By Shibasaki Tabong

Written by Shibasaki Tabong

Oversized Shibasaki Tabong is an epicure who loves to eat all sorts of Asian foods. He used to own a restaurant in Osaka, but his great passion for Asian food made him leave his homeland and travel around Asia.  

7 TIPS THAT WILL SAVE YOUR ASS FROM GETTING FLOGGED IN SINGAPORE

Some travel tips are “just useful” meaning that somebody can take it or leave it unheard. But, as long as we are talking about laws, it’s serious and you can’t roll your eyes like “err, whatever.” You know Singapore still does floggings for punishment, uh? Singapore has a damn hard-core law system.

If you don’t want to end your travel in tears, now pull your chair in and keep your eyes open throughout this page. 

1. No smoking under an air conditioner (1,000 SGD)

deviantart/YOURsSMILEY

Smoking a cigarette indoors takes 1,000 SGD fine, which is 740 USD. But, it’s not that the whole city is cigarette-free. Ashtrays are here and there around the street and you can smoke at the designated smoking areas. So, don’t get antsy too much. Calm down.

2. No drinking any beverages on the public transportation (500 SGD)

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It will fine 500 SGD. Hygiene is like a virtue in this country. When in Rome, do as Romans do. But, you know what though? You won’t use public transportation for that long anyway because the size of the country itself is quite small.

3. Illegal trash dumping or spitting (1,000 SGD)

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No wonder why the streets of Singapore are so clean. Not many countries would fine for spitting, but many of us would hope our countries are clean like Singapore.

4. Possession of gum (1,000 SGD)

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You don’t need to go back to check if it was gun. It’s still G-U-M. In Singapore, nowhere sells gum and nobody is allowed to bring it in from overseas. Chewing gum is, out of question, illegal. The gravity of gum chewing violence is on a par with illegal trash dumping in Singapore. Why? The former prime minister of Singapore back in 1992 once pointed the finger at gum chewing for a culprit of the squalid street. 

Since 2004, gum for medical use has been available. But, it’s hecka hard to get or sell one. Someday, they may have a “gum control” issue in the future. Who knows?

５. Leaving un-flushed in toilet (150 SGD)

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In Singapore, you won’t get disgusted by someone else’s unsightly trace in the restroom. When the hard work is done, finish strong and flawless.

6. Things to check up before getting on a bus

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The mass rapid transit system in Singapore is nicely designed. But, it isn't perfect because Singapore buses are not kind enough to announce at each bus stop. So, check in advance how many bus stops you need to pass up to your destination.

7. Taxi fare gets different depending on the color of vehicle

Wikipedia

In Singapore, blue, yellow and red ones are normal cabs charging 3~3.40 SGD at the basic rate. White limo cabs charge 3.90 SGD and Black Chrysler, 5 SGD. Don’t lose your shirt on cabs. Be smart!



More Singapore

1. SINGAPORE’S NATIONAL HOLIDAYS IN 2015 / BY KARLY

2. SINGAPORE WEATHER EVEN 4 YEAR OLD MY DAUGHTER ALREADY KNOWS / BY JOONMO KOO

3. SINGAPOREAN TOURIST VISA INFO THAT YOU MUST KNOW / BY GIBBON

Written by Gibbon

Born in Korea, he grew up in Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia. This young self-appointed ascetic abandoned his university and is currently on his spiritual journey in search of true meaning of life roving from mountains to mountains. His weather-torn and hair-covered appearance reminds of some mystical Bigfoot and he looks 20 years older than he is.

9 WAYS TO STAY CONNECTED TO INTERNET(WiFi) IN KOREA

Have you heard Korea that gave birth to IT giant Samsung and LG have free wifi everywhere? If you visit Korea unprepared based on the rumor, you could not be more wrong. In order to prevent you from visiting coffee shops ten times a day just to get WiFi, I rounded up ways to get connected in Korea.

9th. Visiting Coffee shops every time you need WiFi

Flickr/k16

Except for Coffee bean (coffee chain), pretty much all the coffee shops provide WiFi. Since you would not wanna drink coffee every time you need WiFi, don’t be too serious about the coffee shop thing.

8th. PocketWiFi Korea

Pocket wifi

It’s a recently established pocket WiFi rental company in Korea. Pocket wifi is a small portable device that send WiFi signal and a few people can use it simultaneously. You will have to meet up a guy to pick up and return the device at Incheon airport. There always is a chance you might not be able to meet the guy and the customer service is rather poor.

7th. KoreaWiFi.net

Koreawifi.net

Though this small pocket WiFi rental company has been in the market for quite a while, there is no online reservation and payment system as yet. Reservation is done via email, daily rental fee is 5,000 won, and pick up and return point is either her office (far from city center) or your hotel (10,000~15,000won service charge). The website can be found here.

6th. Olleh One day WiFi-Pass

Olleh

Convenience stores sell a WiFi-Pass at 3,000 won. You could have access WiFi using ID and password stated on the pass. Since Olleh hotspot zone is very limited, if you want to get constant signal, let’s scroll down and skip this part.

5th. EG Sim Card (3G)

Eg Sim Card

Evergreen mobile is selling prepaid Sim just for foreigners. You could buy it at designated stores or online and pick up at the airport. Price varies depending on data capacity, but 30,000 won Sim is the most popular. Being Sim, it is quite easy to use, but it’s extremely complicated to register and it is super expensive and slow (nobody uses 3G in Korea anymore).

4th. Smartphone rental and tethering

Pixabay/bohed

You could rent a smartphone from SK roaming counter at every airport. The daily rate is 9,000 won with 1Gb data provided. You will have to pay for the bill as much as you make phone calls. 9,000 won per day for 1Gb of 3G network is rather expensive. If you have never used a smartphone and want to use it, it is definitely recommendable.

3rd. Olleh Egg

Olleh Official Blog

The famous Olleh Egg is actually the name of the Olleh WiFi router. It’s so famous most foreigners still call any kinds of WiFi router ‘Egg’. Since Olleh Egg is based on Wibro network, its speed and coverage are far worse than LTE (4g) network. Its battery also does not last long, but, by and large, it is pretty awesome. Daily rental is 8,000 won and pick up and return are possible at the Incheon, Gimpo, and Gimhae international airport, but not at your accommodation.

1st. LG Uplus LTE router

Digital Times

Based on LTE network, you could enjoy fast connection anywhere in Korea. Daily rate is 8,000 won, and you could rent it at the above three airports. Since battery only lasts 4~5 hours, you should prepare an external battery (power bank). This is the one of the best option you could get in Korea. You can found the information here.

1st. WiFi-Korea ESP

budgettravel2korea

WiFi-Korea provides two models of pocket WiFi routers, UDP and ESP, at 3,000 and 4,000 won a day. Especially ESP, the most up-to-date router model, boasts super connection that covers the entire Korean territory. In terms of speed and battery life, other service providers are no match for ESP. You could pick up and return at Incheon airport, your accommodation (anywhere in S.Korea) and WiFi Korea office at the heart of Seoul. They also have exquisite customer service.

More Korea

1. MAKE SURE YOU CHECK KOREAN WEATHER! IT CAN BE A BIT NASTY! / BY JOONMO

2. 7 USEFUL TIPS AT KOREAN RESTAURANTS / BY KARLY 

3. 6 TOURIST SPOTS IN JEJU ISLAND THAT WOULD HEAL WEARY SOULS / BY KARLY

4. 5 BEAUTIFUL ROYAL PALACES IN KOREA / BY JOONMO 

Written by Marcus

He was born in Singapore and went to schools in China and Australia. Having Engineering background, he have worked in Japan and South Korea before finally settled in Seoul. When he is not working, he loves to go on a quick trip to anywhere he wants to go with his beautiful wife.

INTRODUCTORY SESSION FOR GEOGRAPHY OF MALAYSIA



flickr/mdpai

Malaysia has 30 million population and 67^th largest land. The size of rain forests and wet lands account for about 75% of its total territory. Malaysia is divided into two, one in the Malay Peninsula and the other one in Borneo island.  

 

1. Malay Peninsular & Borneo Island 

 

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If you look at the map, the Malay Peninsula and Borneo part bordering with Thailand and Indonesia respectively almost seem like two different countries.

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2. Malaysia actually in the Malay Peninsula

 

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It borders with southern Thailand and, to the south, Singapore. Malaysia’s capital Kuala Lumpur is in this part.
 

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The famous holiday destination ‘Langkawi’ is situated near the northern border with Thailand. It takes 5 hours driving and 90 minutes boat trip from KL. A rising holiday top pick ‘Pangkor’ also lies in this part. If you want to enjoy both beautiful natural landscape and city’s night life, this part is definitely recommendable. 

 

3. Borneo Island (AKA East Malay)

 

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Brunei, Indonesia and East Malaysia are living together in Borneo. East Malaysia occupies the northern part surrounding its tiny little neighbor Brunei. 

 

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Kota Kinabalu, the top honeymoon destination and one of the best holiday places in South East Asia along with Palawan, Bali and Boracay, is right here in this island. Especially, Mount Kinabalu(4,101m), the highest in South East Asia, gives wonderful trekking experience. 

How to travel around Kota Kinabalu

 

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Although there is even an international airport you could directly fly to, Kota Kinabalu hasn’t got much public transportation. 

Only transportation you could rely on is a taxi that doesn’t even have a taximeter. You will always have to haggle over the price with drivers, but don’t worry too much. Since the city is so tiny you could walk around in 20 min and you will only need a cab when traveling outside of the city, and it’s usually 10 USD for 15 Km distance. 

 

Warning!

The eastern coast of Borneo is near Philippines’ Mindanao Island where terrorist activities take place frequently. Since Filipino rebels insisting on their independence often kidnap people around this place and ask for ransom, you should be extra careful when traveling the eastern cost of Borneo. Peace.

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More Malaysia

 

1. MALAYSIAN TOURIST VISA INFORMATION THAT YOU MUST TO KNOW / BY MIRA

2. HOT MALAYSIAN WEATHER MORE THAN JUST HOT/ BY JOONMO

 

 

Written by Karly

She graduated in a university in Korea double majoring in social studies and political science. After graduation, she worked for a while at the Nation of Assembly of Republic of Korea, but now she is working as a reporter. Having a life goal of being a Asia-specialized travel reporter, she travels around the world in her spare time.