Awesome Things about Korea #20: Fall

Today might be a little rainy, but fall weather is something to enjoy here in Korea.  The humidity of the summer has long since burned off and now you can enjoy the cool, crispness of the mornings and evenings.  We're in the midst of the slow slide to winter, and it is gorgeous.  The leaves are changing; trees explode in vivid reds, oranges, and yellows amongst the evergreens.  The smell of burning wood from a construction site takes me back to winter fires at home.  You can trade the iced coffees for the hot ones, or indulge in a hot chocolate or soothing hot tea.   (I highly recommend the Mint Hot Chocolate from Tom & Tom's.)

We put away our shorts and dig out our pants, light coats, and scarves for those chilly mornings and evenings.  Flip flops and sandals give away to sneakers, cute boots, and closed-toe shoes.  Stores bust out their rainbow of tights and stockings for the women seeking to accessorize their skirts and dresses.

There's new foods to enjoy as well.  Persimmons (감) and tangerines (귤) make their return to sellers' carts and grocery stores, their cheery orange and yellow color inviting you to buy.  I had never tried the former until I came to Korea, but I was not disappointed.  Persimmons have the appearance of tiny pumpkins, with the slight taste of cinnamon, pear, and apple mixed together.  To me, this fruit is a true sign of fall.

Enjoy the weather and the colors, as before we know it, winter will be here!

Persimmons (감)

Tangerines (귤)