Energy Use

The Koreans are quite efficient when it comes to energy use, sometimes in a backwards way. Their fuel costs are similar to what you may find in Latin America or Europe. I believe that it is about 6 dollars a gallon (1400won/ltr) and they of course have a much lower average income. Again, similar to everywhere else in the world but nations North of Mexico, the cars here are compact. There are actually a few number of SUVs, but the majority of vehicles on the road are scooters, compact cars, and public buses.
Possibly also directly related to the high cost of fuel, they are very cautious about heating costs. In the main building, where my classes and office are, the hallways are cold. Each room is cold until someone comes into the room to use it and turns on the individual heater for each room. I saw an extreme version of this in China. We saw endless sky rise apartments all with individual air conditioning unities sticking out every window. An ugly and surprisingly individualistic sight. Oh, and speaking of the Chinese and saving energy. They often turn off their headlights when driving at night. Not just when stopped and not just the main headlights, but often cars and scooters turn off all lights. They think that it saves fuel. Crazy! I think that the probability of an accident would out weigh any conceivable savings from turning off your lights. I can’t even get into a conversation about an alternator with them. I just laugh and am extremely careful when walking (even on a sidewalk). The Koreans do it too
Another thing they do hear to save on energy costs is seriously limit the supply of hot water. In all the dorms, they turn off the hot water from 10am until 11pm. At least, that’s what they say. But in a huge dorm, the supply runs out quickly. Monday through Friday there is hot water from midnight until 7:30am. In most public bathrooms, there isn’t ever hot water. It is motivation to wake up early and also to take quick showers. It’s pretty effective in an authoritative way.Because of this, public baths are very popular. I see them everywhere. I think I should explain them in another section. I’m still on the bus toward the border, and there is still nothing but fight scenes on the TV. I thought that American TV was supposed to be extremely violent. We’re definitely not the worst.