This photo was taken in Insadong, the so-called “traditional street to both locals and foreigners” of Seoul. This street is where I have generally seen the most amount of non-English speaking tourists. Insadong is one of the the places that you go to when you visit Seoul. It’s got a traditional vibe and even a Starbucks with the sign written in Hangul. However, like all around Korea, you won’t find trashcans. On a busy day it means that ledges invariably get turned into dumpsters.
It’s not to say that Korea isn’t developed enough write it off as a minor annoyance, such as when visiting Lao PDR or Cambodia. Korea, however, is advanced and developed enough to have them, especially in major tourist zones. For a country that’s cultural MO is saving face, I think they are doing a poor job of that in this respect. What are tourists to think when they are getting charged almost $50 for special tea at a boutique when right next door there is a pile of frappuccino cups?
However, I do sort of enjoy the whole buying “approved” trash bags thing. Everyone in Korea is supposed to buy approved trash bags for pick up by their building. It sort of eliminates the whole debate about paying for trash pick up in places like San Diego. That way, people don’t have to pay for the removal of some yahoo who consumes way more than everyone else. I like the idea of knowing that I can control the cost of my disposal. Some people find it annoying. However, until dumpsters become the norm, I’d much rather do this.
But seriously, Insadong needs some trashcans.
