In my 3 years and 3 months in Seoul, I walked to work and walked back home. I had chosen to live a 4 minute (uphill) walk from my office in the neighbourhood known for its foreigners, Itaewon. 3 months ago, my office moved into a new building in the far west of the city, one that we designed and built ourselves. The new neighbourhood is really pretty, we're just by a very nice stream which makes gives us more incentives to take hourly breaks. The building itself is really comfortable and I have a desk by a large window with plenty of sunlight to have some desk plants.
However, my 4 minute commute has now become a 40 minute commute which involves taking the subway. Thankfully, I live on the same line as my office - Line 6 - and don't need to go through the hassle of transferring. But I have had to modify my very comfortable life to accommodate this commute. One thing I like to do on the subway is to notice what other people are wearing. Seoul is very fashionable. I started taking the subway to work late winter and have seen how the fashion has changed over the last three months. To make my commute more interesting, I started photographing people's shoes and putting it up on my Instagram. Strangely, a lot of people enjoyed it. So I'm making it a series here too!
This morning, I woke up late - I have problems waking up after my routine was messed up when I twisted my ankle and was confined to my house for two weeks. Before that, I was good to wake up at 6 30 - 7 a.m. without an alarm, exercise from 7 30 - 8 15 a.m., shower, make lunch and get out of the house. Today, I woke up at 8 06 a.m., showered and got out. I hope I can change this soon but I'm just struggling to get my sleeping and eating back to normal.
Anyway, the subway was not as crowded as it usually is. I got a seat almost immediately. I was listening to Mayer Hawthorne and watching the people around me. I think people are usually more relaxed on Fridays.
Sneakers/Trainers/Runners are popular in Seoul through the seasons. I was taken aback by it when I first came here. But it seems like these are the shoes of choice for a lot of people. After living here for a few years, I understand why - if you don't travel by car in Seoul, there is a lot of walking to do. Uphill, downhill and on different surfaces. I've worn out some pretty footwear this way within no time. I still haven't jumped on the runners bandwagon - I don't have the pizzaz to pull it off with all my outfits, usually dresses and skirts. I think I look odd in them. But oh, when I do, it feels SO comfortable.
Office goers don't have the chunky shows but still some version of closed shoes. I'm not sure what exactly you call this style.
These shoes actually belong to a woman in her 60s who I enjoyed watching put on very elaborate make up this morning. She was in her hiking clothes and was in the process of churning out some of the best eye make up I've seen! I personally don't wear any make up and would have no idea to how to do what she was doing to her eyes. I hope her hiking buddies compliment her on her effort.
There are two types of women on the subway - those that wear the shoes and those that wear prettier footwear opting for a well coordinated outfit over the comfort of walking easy. I really liked these loafers. I remember owning a really nice pair of tan loafers that I'd use to walk anywhere and everywhere when I lived in France and am wondering if I should maybe buy myself a pair.
I got off soon after this and enjoyed my walk to the office by the stream. It's Friday, so I'm looking forward to the weekend!
(What kind of community is good for these random posts?)