I'm a bit behind posts here, so I'm going to make this quick. First impressions within my first week of residing in Korea:
Koreans like their neon lights-- so far I appreciate the cities more by night than by day. It looks like a fun and festive carnival is happening on every street.
Don't lose your jacket at the airport-- it's fricking cold. FREEZING.
It's awesome to be surrounded by people with whom you automatically have something in common with. Social discomfort disappears when you have so many topics that you simply can't avoid talking about. Where are you from, why are you here, and where have you been?
Thai food is better.... so far.
People here are very, very nice. Koreans and foreigners alike. Although tossed into the situation as we are, there's the possibility most of us foreigners may be being nice out of necessity so as to not be left alone and friendless in South Korea rather than it being a natural personality trait.
You can get liquor for less than a US dollar. Enough said.
Korean writing is way easier than Thai.
Thai language is way easier than Korean.
We've had a lot of presenters this week. The best ones make us laugh at least every five minutes, even if it's just a small chuckle. Something to keep in mind when public speaking.
So far it's been okay-- but any culture to shock to come is going to be without the redeeming qualities of delicious food and excellent weather.
