Seoul, KOREA – The constant hustle and bustle of this society never seems to fade.

On every street are numerous original stores and specialty shops. Though Korea has its fair share of globalization – McDonalds and Starbucks are well established – the real spirit of the Korean economy lies in small, independent restaurants, shops and vendors.

The dizzying array of signs in the cities here and their innumerable occupants are myriad in number compared to any American city I have visited or lived near, including Minneapolis, Washington D.C., New York, San Francisco, and Chicago.

What one has to remember is that Korea is smaller than my home state of Minnesota. And if you include the fact that only half of the country, South Korea, is being discussed, as well as the truth that about 70 percent of the country is mountainous, this area called Korea that the visitors get to know is actually about as big as Rhode Island.

This exceptionally concentrated space is exploding with life. That might be reason why the energy of my home country always seems irresistibly vivacious and never-ending.

Going back to Korea allowed me to look at everything from a fresh perspective. I became more appreciative of the Korean culture and what this country has to offer.

There is a saying in Korea that goes, "The smallest chili pepper is the hottest."

It seems obvious that this phrase applies to Korea itself. This often overlooked country in Asia may be tiny, but within it, there are many charms and surprises that will spice up your visit.