There's something magical about touching down in a city you've never been to before. (Ok, technically I've been to Seoul, but my 2 year-old self doesn't remember a thing.) Each unique skyline holds the promise of discovery, of utter difference from what you're used to. We landed in the early evening, but the sun quickly hid itself, revealing a metropolis of neon perched on sky-high buildings.
But while I was overwhelmed by the brand new, I couldn't help but notice that which was the same on the street level. Not-so-little American stake holds that dot the landscape in the form of Dunkin Donuts, KFC, Coffee Bean, Outback Steakhouse and of course, Starbucks. And I'm not talking about spotting one of each - not like, oh look, the only Outback Steakhouse in all of Seoul. This was multiple locations noted on the bus ride from the airport and within the area around our hotel. While not completely shocking - Seoul is known for embracing the West - it'll be interesting to see which brands manage to gain popularity on Korean soil, and what that says about local consumers.
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