Day 9 - Itaewon

I need a haircut. This is no small matter. If I get a poor cut, I might not be able to blend. There are several places near me. The Institute even has a barber shop below the cafeteria for 5,000 won which is roughly $5. My colleagues recommended against getting my haircut at the Institute claiming it was very traditional. Not sure what that means, but I'm guessing you get what you pay for.

I was about to get a cut at a place that charges 30,000 won. At least I think that is the price of a cut. Then, someone suggested going to Itaewon. Itaewon is near a U.S. military base. As a result most of the vendors there speak a fair amount of English. That seemed like a good idea except that I don't really like Itaewon. I have not explored that much of Soeul, but Itaewon is definitely the seediest place I have visited. Still, getting my haircut by someone who understands English seemed like a good idea.

The Itaewon market was fairly busy Saturday morning as I began my search for the universal barber shop sign. As I explore the market, I saw several bars. One of them was advertising an unbelievable happy hour. Drinks are free! Thursdays 3-7 p.m. free drinks for men and women. That doesn't seem right. It was at this moment that I spotted an Asian in his mid 20's being escorted out of a bar called Russian (at least that was the sign hanging outside). It was clear he has had too much to drink, and the elderly lady helping him was losing her patience. I move on.

There was one barber shop. A cut is 5,000 won. I just can't do it. I try a side street when the drunk Asian emerged from a parking lot. He was alone and having trouble walking. Indeed, he couldn't navigate the curb and falls face first onto the street right in front of me. He was not getting up. He was moaning so at least he was still somewhat conscious, but I have no idea what to do. There are four of us near him. Three Africans and me. I don't think any of us speak Korean. More people pass by looking at him. Finally, a Korean notices him and started to help. I really don't like Itaewon. And I really don't like feeling helpless. I felt helpless today. Have to do something about that.