Local Excitement: We Have a 7-11!

We live in a neighborhood that was built on two lots in a small farming village. We're not quite in the middle of nowhere, but compared to where most people live in South Korea we're pretty isolated. My family medicine doctor was flabbergasted when she discovered that the closest physical therapy place to us was a 20 minute drive, and the closest pharmacy was a 10 minute drive. When we moved in, there were hardly any shops nearby and the ones that were closest were not very useful. So when we saw that an empty building at the end of our street was being converted into a 7-11 it was very exciting! 

Convenience stores are a significant part of Korean culture. You can get what you would expect: drinks, snacks, some prepared foods, but also things you might not expect: socks, underwear, makeup, some basic medicines, alcohol, hot water for your cup noodles (similar, but way better than, packaged ramen), baked sweet potatoes and tables to eat and drink at. Convenience stores are actually popular hang-out spots in the evening, and a decent lunch option during the day. 

Here is our new 7-11 on its opening day. You can see many flower pots and a big flower arrangement out front. These are gifts given to new businesses to wish them good luck and prosperity. There is a picnic table out front to the right, and on the far left of the building is an enclosed porch with four more tables to eat at. Later in the day when the weather got warmer the porch doors were opened and people were already hanging out!