Quirky Korea part 5: Fabulous Findings

Here's some final little gems to round up my weird and wonderful discoveries in Korea:

You've seen padded bras, but padded pants are the way forward. They're the best way to get you an ass as hot as Jennifer Lopez.

Spam gift sets. The perfect gift for your loved ones.

Dolled up dogs. This little pooch is actually a boy- can't you tell from the blue outfit? I think it must be a little confused.

Amazing night life. The cities come alive after dark. With most shops staying open till midnight and 24 hour restaurants and clubs, there's no time for sleep. The neon signs, decorated shop fronts and big screen adverts are a feast for the eyes.


And after a hard night on the town, what better to make you feel better than a steaming bowl of hangover suop.

Quirky Korea part 2: Vending Machines

In Korea, vending machines are everywhere! They pop up more often than a Starbucks (and that's saying something). They're reasonably priced and beautifully designed. They display their products in a way that makes them look like works of art. Here's a few that I found...

This is your typical vending machine selling soft drinks. It sells a wide variety of products from chilled green teas, iced coffee, juices and fizzy drinks. The clean, white design with decorative touches is a lot more appealing than the brash Coca Cola branding we tend to get in the UK.




I found this one selling books at Busan station. The covers of the book open and close so you can have a peek inside.


This type of vending machine was often found at the entrance to a public loo. It sells all sorts of handy things from chewing gum, mouth wash, painkillers, wet wipes and feminine hygiene products. Everything you want in life at the touch of a button!

Quirky Korea part 1: Brilliant Bogs

I've just got back from a trip to Korea in which I discovered all sorts of innovative and crazy things. Koreans are very much into their high-tech design and I was constantly impressed by their forward thinking. Being half Korean, I though I'd dedicate my next few posts to my second home.

Everywhere I went, I was pleasantly surprised by something, often in a place I least expected. This leads me onto my first post, dedicated to the wonderful toilets I came across. Never has going to the loo been so exciting!

I discovered this little gem at a department store in Seoul. A special little loo has been built so that mother and child can pee at the same time. Now that's what I call bonding...


I came across this clever device when I made a trip to the ladies at Seoul City Hall. It's called an 'Etiquette Bell' and you use it when you want some err, discretion. At the press of a button it creates the sound of flushing so you can poop to your hearts content.


This digital pad is a toilets best friend and I found them everywhere. Even my Grandma has one. You can control the temperature of the seat so your cheeks are nice and toasty. If you press the wash button, a little nozzle pops out the basin and sprays water so you're sparkly clean down under. Naturally, you'd blow dry afterwards.




This is the hygiene king of toilets. The seat is covered in plastic wrapping and when you press a button , it revolves so it's all fresh and new. You won't catch anything from this bog. As you can see, I had fun playing with this one. I think I need to get out more...

After all this modern design, I breathed a sigh of relief when I discovered this classical style loo at the Deoksugung Palace. It even came with male and female signs dressed in traditional attire. Brilliant!

Foot Pedalled Mini Coopers

OK, so the Olympics might be over, but I came across this great little piece of branding used in Beijing. As one of its sponsors, Mini Cooper transformed traditional Chinese rickshaws into

contemporary bike powered Minis. I love the golden dragon embellishment and dangling ornaments. These little touches have kept the vehicle in tune with the culture. The brand doesn't over dominate the tradition, but works with it in a light hearted tone.