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14 Day SOUTH KOREA Quarantine FOOD REVIEW & FIRST MEAL in Seoul
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- Published on Oct 25, 2020
- Completed my mandatory government 14 day quarantine in South Korea and here's what the food, hotel situation looks like also things I wish I had and what to expect during this process.
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in a hotel for 2 weeks ? food delivered to the door 3 times a day? sleeping alone whenever you want? not being bothered by people for 14 days?????? YOU ARE LIVING MY DREAM LIFE.
Basically you want to go to prison lmao
@Hi for sure since I'm pretty introverted
No doubt it gets tedious but believe me during lockdown in a 2 bedroom house with hubby working from our bedroom and homeschooling two kids I fantasised about being locked in a hotel by myself with Netflix.
@Lu do you know what a introvert is
Bro same 😭
Seeing him in absolute joy after eating his first meals after quarantine is honestly so nice 🥺
Korea has the best quarantine system in the world...people who arrive to Korea, and have to stay alone( quarantine) for 2 weeks, clear for cov 19, and free to visit, and travel. Also for Korean people, government gives people 2 weeks of food, and other essential things such as toilet papers, sanitizers, water..etc.
@wild fire in Korea? How can govt afford that?
@Wonderlandidi You can do that in Korea too. It all depends on the facility or where you’re staying.
Food is delivered free of charge for two weeks in isolation. Other toiletries, bottled water, and hotel care are all free. This is crazy.
Nz is the same but you can order food from anywhere including supermarkets so if definitely argue that it’s better in New Zealand
Thanks for being open and honest about the anxiety you've been experiencing. I was nodding emphatically the entire time you were speaking on it. You are not alone.
@Glitterqueen08
He looks like Jacky Chan
You are such a ray of sunshine!!!
The moment you realize that people would rather be homeless in Korea than stay at their home in America. I am with you Mike!
@Rachel Jestice He wasn't suggesting you should deliberately spread disease. He was referring to politics.
@Rachel Jestice only free country left in the world. Oh god… I am ashamed as an American that there are other Americans who feel this way.
The fact Mikey deliberately chose to become a customer for the Korean aunty who’s noodle stall was the least crowded is just.... AMAZING. He truly means it when he says “supporting local food”
@Kris LVgirl agreed although the irony, but yes agreed
Now it will be packed
@God Kill Me she made it seem like he only chose that stall because he wanted to support that aunty and I don't like sugar coated things.
@Andreea P then if you knew why take a dig at him lol. Like this comment didn't dispute the fact that he wanted to stay away from people lol.
@God Kill Me I didn't say he doesn't support local food. I said that wasn't his main reason to chose to eat there this time. I know him and I'm following him since a long time ago.
Thank you for taking this seriously. I have anxiety about it as well and see so many people here in America just refuse to care. The beginning of this year I got a virus that damaged my lungs. Because of Covid the hospital couldn’t treat the asthma complications I developed and I spent days struggling to breathe.
I’m frightened of what would happen if I get Covid.
We got Covid last year at this time in America. We went to the ER and the doctor was mad as hell that we were there. They would not help us at all. We called clinic after clinic and no one would help us. Found a clinic with a doctor who had already had Covid who would see us. My husband had Covid Pneumonia, and other things. The doctor was surprised he was not in the hospital. He was sweating like someone was pouring buckets of water on the bed every day. I had bronchitis. We thought we were going to die alone at home. He was going off the road a bit here and there on the way to the ER and when we went to the clinic. It was terrifying. Then I waited the 3 months and got the first vaccine and had a bad reaction to it.
He had no choice. The SK government is on point and requires this of everyone entering the country.
Hope you are feeling better
This quarantine video was really informative and a great insight into the down to earth person Mike is. He didn’t try to make it seem dramatic or glamorous just a normal fellow. No doubt it was challenging but he tried to focus on the positive side. Thanks for sharing your story about your anxiety.
This is a very interesting and personal video diary of a quarantine in a foreign country. I love Korean food - and it is very cool to see it in such a state, almost like refugee camp rations or train food (although I'll be train food in Korea is better). I look forward to seeing the next video in the timeline. Thanks Mikey.
I love your positive attitude. You’re making the best of a fourteen-day quarantine. Not everyone could do that. 💕
Yep he’s keeping it real - not trying to make it overly dramatic or glamorous.
Dang that quarantine food is way better than any Hospital food I've ever eaten.
Ikrrrr
This isn't hospital food so why compare
It’s Korea duhhhh
@Pheatrix li'mp
yes it is
I went through something very similar to you, regarding living and travel. I'm a writer, and I moved to Ireland in June of 2019. I was supposed to go home within a year, but COVID hit 3 months before my departure date. I've been through 3 lockdowns, and had my permission extended 5 times. Occasionally I'd be given a brief window to return back to the United States, but comparing the COVID situation back home to Ireland - and looking at some of the news back home - I thought that it was the best choice to stay away for now. Glad to see that you got through it!
I was fortunate enough to live in Korea for about a year and it was one of the best places I have ever visited. I never felt in danger and everyone was super kind. The best country in Asia. I've been to China and Thailand and Korea is great. The weather in Seoul area isn't always great but the people make up for it. Anyone in Korea hiring American professionals in the aviation sector? I'll love to come over there to work and live!
this is one of the best explanation I've heard of how COVID has mentally affected me. Granted, I've always struggled with anxiety, the whole lump in your throat thing that he talked about was so relatable. Glad to know its not just me
Do they ask you if you're allergic to any foods before you begin the quarantine?
Glad to know you are in a country where people are taking the virus seriously, and where they actually care enough about their fellow human beings to take precautions to protect one another. That says alot about the government *and* people of South Korea.
@Molly Abcede You have a great president, as does Brazil as well.
@John Kim Pretty much anything that is reported coming from China itself needs to be taken with a grain of salt.
@HkJoK I totally agree with you in regards to human rights issues in China. I also know that the 1st amendments issues are notorious in China too! I was referring to how they locked down a whole province in order to get control of this problem.
As someone who has spent a great deal of time in hospital throughout my life where the only thing to look forward to that is positive is the food and it’s not that good. I would be incredibly happy if I received food like this in my daily life let alone in hospital, so in a way I feel his expectations are way too high and that most people would be more than happy with the meals provided.
mikey im glad that you're taking a 'break' or 'vacation', it's really a struggle for you're health and im happy you're taking care of yourself. best of luck!
I like how you give very honest review on the quarantine food and also how you support that aunty.. usually people will go for stall that have many people because it show that their food is delicious...big respect 🦊🦊
Hey, you were really lucky with your hotel. The food you have been given looks really varied and you got plenty of fruit. I got put in a Ramada and the food was pretty terrible. I took photos of every meal i had over the 14 days if you are interested in seeing what could have been. Thankfully i have a couple of friends here who were kind enough to send me a box of snacks and some homebaked goods. I might have gone mad without it.
I know this is a travel and food channel but I really appreciated the short talk about your mental health during these times. Know that myself along with a lot of your subscribers are feeling this way too. This is why you’re so loved by everyone who watches your content, you’re so relatable and honest.
COMPLETELY AGREE!!! A Great, Moving, Emotional and Relatable Video. Stay Well, Mike…..and EVERYONE!!!💟
I totally get it. I was paranoid and depressed for months, after all that paranoia, my husband and I ended up testing positive. It was a long two weeks of feeling like garbage, but we made it out okay. I'm actually still dealing with side effects, but vaccine dose one is done.
I'm currently in Shanghai, starting Day 3 of my 14 day quarantine, and your food looks good, but I think our hotel has healthier food....lots more veggies, and less fried foods. I'm really enjoying my hotel's food so far. We don't get a snacks like you get though, so that's a nice touch you had at your hotel. With all the exercise I'm doing in my room all day, and eating very healthy, I'll be in such great shape. I'm still struggling with jet lag though. In my hotel, they come and take your temperature via a heat gun 2x per day...which is way more sanitary.
he looks so kind. i love watching his videos. they’re so relaxing and they feel safe
I relate so much with you, my stress level is never decrease from back in march and now everyone become even relaxed when things actually got worse
This is probably the longest Mikey has gone not eating chili oil 😂
That’s so true
😁😂😀 lollollol. I suppose he'll make up for it later.
The shakes from the withdraw lol
he's gonna have withdrawals. gotta make a trip to chinatown ASAP
Mike, I am glad you made the quarantine program in Seoul. I love your advices on how to ride out this crazy time. Please stay safe and be well.
How are you? Hopefully, you are better back in the US. Thank you for giving us an update on the quarantine process in S. Korea and what to expect.
I'm so happy for you Mike! You deserve it! Have an amazing and safe stay!!
Reminds me of the quarantine I did in Saipan. Food in similar boxes, and it was the highlight of my day whenever it was delivered. I felt like a dog, with my whole life revolving around getting fed. Alcohol was not allowed in the Saipan quarantine facility, can you get alcohol in the Korean quarantine?
Man I love your life. I wish I could just drop everything and go to a different country and eat delicious foods and explore. Next best thing, I can live vicariously through you in these coming weeks. I can't wait for more food vlogs from Korea
❤️
I see your pfp are you a minarchist?
Me too ☺️
Ngl I think anyone can as long as your personality is clean and you look good
@Jake L it’s all about your ability to catch people’s interest you could start with recipes at home, even taste test the snacks in a vending machine at work during your break just gotta gain traction
girl ur everywhere
Mikey, you're so funny when you remind us to bring our own food because you're hungry all the time and it's not enough food. So funny...
Fantastic video and really enjoyed your message at the end. Mikey!
Mike is like all of us. He wants his Korean series with some English subtitles.
Thank you for addressing your personal experience and emotions regarding the Pandemic. It was beautifully put and honest.
Kudos to the Korean government for enforcing the quarantine policy. I am glad you are in a safer place now. South Korea has been a paragon for the world for how to combat this virus . By the way you called the grey jelly "mung bean jelly". It is actually acorn jelly (made from acorn starch).
I love that you went to the noodle booth that was empty. Most people only flock to busy restaurants. Glad you found a gem.
You are 100% right that canned tuna in Korea is way better than in North America.
You cannot believe how good this food is compared to the quarantine food of other countries.
In my country they sometimes doesn't give ypu food for 2 days. A lot of ppl complaining. Some has shared pics of the one bread roll they got for lunch. One small, dry and tasteless bread roll.
Nz quarantine food is amazing
*nyu
Nyc kids crying omg
for 2100 dollars, you're practically investing 70% of your budget towards quarantine which is pretty extreme imo
As a public health, biology, and microbiology student, I can understand you. I wish people in this country (U.S) TOOK THIS VIRUS MORE SERIOUS. It sucks that the majority of these restaurants and social gathers are still happening. I wish the states took everything seriously. I am currently attending every remotely online for grad school and back home on the Navajo reservation. Here on the reservation, we have 48 hours lockdown starting Friday and ending Monday morning at 5 am. Also, stores and everything closes at 3 pm now. We do not allow anyone on the reservation anymore unless you actually show proof of residency here on the reservation. If the U.S took this more seriously, we could've been prepared back in January. but i love this video :)
Thanks for sharing!! I am sure there are more people going through / dealing with the mental health issue during these times than are admitting to. Awesome video!! Stay safe!!
I got excited for you when the tuna arrived. You did so well being in quarantine for two weeks. Xx
Spends years trying to convince us that he isn’t Jackie Chan then comes out with this video
Yea kinda sus ngl
Frl
Same here!!!
That's what I thought
Take care of yourself. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
Facts
Hell yes.
Happy you checked out my recommendation for Kings Avatar
Agree we want you Mikey to be healthy and happy so you can continue making videos for us even if it means a break every now and then
You wouldnt think a quarantine video could be interesting but....I keep rewatching this one. Even locked up, you still manage to make it interesting 💕
Hi Mike, thanks for your sharing about your mental health situation... really appreciate it. I’ve been following you for a while now, always see you so energetic and descriptive in your food adventures so I never really expected you to share about your own mental health state. This whole covid thing has been tough on everyone, some even more. Didn’t expect my own mental health to be that affected but now standing at end of March 2022, I begin to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Hoping to be able to travel to Korea and Japan soon… I also miss Europe so much. Greetings from sunny Singapore! Hope you can come back to Singapore soon to film lots of food videos! 💪🏼💪🏼😂😂🥰
I am Korean and that for 14 days looks like torture 😂😂. Love your show, keep up the great content.
You're the best
So glad you're taking care of yourself, Mike. You seem to be in a more peaceful place, mentally and physically, and that makes me breathe a sigh of relief for you. Enjoy Korea for as long as you can.
Damn, I wish I could go to places where you were just for a day... Food looks sooooo delicious and I am a picky person 😋
Just randomly found this guy tonight, this is the second video I've watched. He's fantastic, no notes. Love him.
The red stuff you keep calling “bulgogi” is actually daeji bulgogi (spicy pork). It’s sweet and spicy, but I prefer it on the spicier side. Traditional bulgogi is beef. The banchan you called “snot zucchini” is hobak bokkeum, pan fried zucchini, which is really delicious. It’s a shame that what you had was not.
I don’t say this often…actually I never said this but what a well put together vlog! Loved it. Caught myself not wanting it to end.
Korean food is so good, even the quarantine version is better than regular food from elsewhere. I need to go to Korea right now!
@kek
relax.
everybody can have different tastes. do u tell your friend who loves In-n-out how bad their food is cus you like mcdonalds more? of when your friend compliments his GF how pretty she is, u have this uncontrollable urge to say "actually, your gf isnt pretty at all, arianna grande is prettier"
dont be that guy. urg
Then go.
@kek
I enjoy PI lechon of Cebu. But the variety of Kbbq can't be beat from beef, chicken, pork. Have you been to Korea's Jeju Island? Mike been there and covered it, he even said it's the best pork he's ever had. I've tried it, Jeju bbq pork trumps lechon easily. I been to HK and Japan. They're both good, one thing about Japanese cuisine is their presentation is world class, but I never felt a sense of having hearty meal.
@kekIdk, they're all pretty equal in terms of excellency to me :/
@Nomomania I agree too! I'm a French girl (though I live in America now) so I'm a very picky eater, and I've been to most of Asia by now, and Korean food is my favorite too! The first time I tried it, I literally felt like I was in heaven!!! Kbbq is creme de la creme, plus all the mouthwatering soups, side dishes, kimchi, topoki, braised meats, kimbab, I feel like I can go on forever haha.
Thank you for expressing your feelings about your anxiety. That is perfectly normal. Hmmm...it seems that the situation is the same as when you were in quarantine in South Korea. I'm in Spain and I am older and have had to take 3 ...I REPEAT .....THREE .... Covid vaccines! I hope that your anxiety has gone down. Peace.
I just finished the second half of this video since it was first posted and I feel you regarding the state of being with regards to the awful state of affairs... I'm singing, you are not alone.... the realm of uncertainty is ueber stressful. Sending big hugs 🤗 to you and safe travels.. ps, I love the Chinese clothes dryer, lol, the Germans have one very similar😉
✌💌💙❤
i wish Canada and the States also have the same quarantine procedure with designated facilities.
Wow! Thank you for sharing your quarantine time with us. How much did the accommodation with food cost for your entire time in quarantine? I am glad you were able to leave the US when you did. Covid is out of control in the US right now. That is strange that there are no sheets. Have you figured out why that is the case? I hope you find some sheets and continue to enjoy your time in Korea. 😊
Gosh I wish I could move too. A lot of people in my country aren’t taking the virus seriously and it caused me to NEVER leave the house for the last 7 months. My mental health has been suffering too until I blocked every single news site and just tried to forget the virus existed. This was nice to watch. Thank you,
I’m currently in quarantine at home with nasty covid symptoms. I love your travel videos and wish I had an appetite
Great video! Thanks for showing the ups and downs of quarantine.
Lmao this video really made my day. You are just soo hilarious. I wish i could have a friend like you honestly😂
I actually wonder how do they cook so many meals a day and it's still so good
I love Mike so much lol. I've been binge watching his channel since about March of this year. Great stuff man.
Omg I LOVE quarantine meal reviews. Plus Mike. Gold.
Job well done! I really appreciated this blog. Thank you for sharing your journey and your tips and tricks! You make me excited to get back out there, with very much safety
Mikey I don't think I could do the quarantine thing in a motel room I would go stir crazy but you are sure handling it well especially the food I would cry!!😫😫
mike throwing each bag of nuts and fruits he pulled out more and more aggressively 😂
Mad respect for teaching everyone to take covid seriously and follow protocols.
Great, honest vid Mike. First one I've watched showing quarantine in reality. Stay safe.
Bedsheets are life savers!!! It's hella cold out there. I can still remember my trip in Seoul and the first thing I was looking for in my Airbnb was thick bedsheets. hahaha
I hope you take it easy on yourself in Seoul and take care Mike. Stay healthy and stay safe 😊😊
Bro! I stayed in the same hotel when I came to Korea two months ago! Haha. The food was solid, but after a few days it got to me 😂 We survived quarantine! 💯
Thanks for talking about Covid anxiety and how tough it’s been here in the US.
I hear you on your anxiety level and frustration with U.S. Covid response. That said, I am now a new subscriber... you are giving those of us who are "stuck" a much-needed vicarious recharge!
I've heard that korean canned tuna is in a class of its own. There's stories about how if you gave people the choice of instant noodles or canned tuna nearly everyone would take the tuna.
Nice to see that the stories are actually true!
@천사 The brand I want to recommend is 'Dongwon Cham-chi(Tuna)' . It is the biggest canned tuna manufacturer and bestseller in Korea. But I don't know if Dongwon is also being exported overseas. I hope you can find it around where you live! For your information, the non-flavored tuna is nothing different from the others, so i recommend you to buy it in flavored one!
@KFX now u make me want to try it. Any specific brand so i can check my local grocery???
@Mike's Big Mouth I think the Tuna itself is nothing different from the others but a variety of flavors that you can't find any elsewhere makes it special. Like the jja jang(black bean paste) flavored tuna or ramen flavored one and etc.. It sounds a bit weird at first but every each flavors are excellent.. at least for me... (sorry about my poorEnglish tho haha)
@XpiR3d the one he ordered was flavored. He thought he ordered plain because everything else was sold out.
total overexaggeration IMO. the nonflavored tuna (same brand he ordered) tastes exactly the same as it does the US tuna cans. have not tried the flavored ones tho.
Yay! You're here!
Good job getting through quarantine. I was curious about the hotel food. I stayed at an airbnb, so I had to mostly order my food.
watching you eat those quarantine meals brought back memories when i was in a psych ward.. *shivers* but your food looks a lot better than what i had in the psych ward. Lot of negative memories at that place lol. but at least you could order out.. i downed a 12 pk of coke after leaving my stay at the ward alongside a pizza.
@Manisha Sinhababu yeah media portrayal is veryyyy different from reality. At least in the U.S. for adolescents. I can't speak for everybody but when I was a kid going in and out of mental hospitals (in two different states) they were all awful. the doctors where I was at were basically trying to drug everyone up, and most times I couldn't go outside. if I did, it was a small courtyard. unfortunately the way these places were structured, they made things for me far worse in the end. they would use punishment, tranquilizers and restraints to get people to behave. it was a pretty traumatizing experience for me. I wish it was like the K-dramas :/
Same for me!!! And the tiny room + those towels 😭
Take care of yourself mike! Don’t forget to keep in touch with family and friends. Lots of people in the same boat as you. At least we all fear covid together.
During my first time at a hotel in Korea, I called the front desk to report that the housekeeper forgot the bedsheets in my room. 😁😂😂😂😂😂😂 They kept telling me they don't use them there. I thought they were lying to me. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂
When Mike bit into the donut and giggled .. absolutely delightful ...
Also , Holy crap did he actually eat broccoli ?? Korea broke him.
It only took how many days of isolation?
Desperate times my friend... desperate times 🤣
I hope you are feeling well and better in s.korea mikey!
Wow! Food delivery is so amazing in Seoul!
You be eating the heck out of foods. Love c watching you and learning the culture.
Hi Mike 👋🏻
I want to go to Seoul but I don’t know if the quarantine is worth it or I should just wait until they lift the quarantine.
How do foreigners sort out quarantine accommodation?
Mike, I’m just like you. My health anxiety is high and I hate living near people and with a government who don’t take this seriously. I’m thinking of doing something like you except the fear of the flight is holding me back.
You are not alone - so many of us are anxious and stressed - recognizing it is the most important thing - and getting support/treatment to help with it -
Love the honesty at the end confronting your anxiety.🤜
I had to laugh as this 'quarantine' seems like a minimum security prison. If you do the crime you need to do the time. I suspect when Mikey gets out of the slammer he is gonna go eat everything in Korea!
Those eggs are actually "maekbangseok gyeran"/"jjimjil gyeran" or "hot spring stone eggs." They're basically slowly baked for hours on hot stone which is why they turn that color. People eat them after coming out of korean spas/jjimjilbangs
@Justqt yes, the ones that are packaged like in the video are usually called 구운계란
Wait so are they like 구운계란??
@Nadeem That one is different, it’s herbal boiled egg 😃 Smells really strong and can put you off but taste is decent.
My mom went to China and she tried an egg boiled in tea she almost threw up 😂
i lovee them
I am very happy when you create the latest content. And I really want to try it 🤤
Love this video. I’m glad you’re ok Mike. Enjoy Korea. 😁💙
Honestly the meals don't look that bad. I'm hungry 😭
Really needed the mental health message in this video !! 🙏🏻 Your videos are so comforting / relaxing.
HOLY COW, HE ATE BROCCOLI, did not expect that.
Poor guy is so desperate for stimulation he does a round with his mortal enemy.
@Mike Chen your d best....
I thought Mikey would choose hungry over broccoli. I am wrong.
Desperate times call for desperate measures!
@Mike Chen 🤔Gotta be careful with that. That could be how the cannibal tribes got started. 😁
The videos that you do are very fun and interesting. Love the fact that you travel and go to interesting place and eat different things.
Wow 😃 that’s my university! (Hongik univ) i’m so happy to see my univ and my favorite restaurants on this video ! I hope you to take the full rest during this time. You know, mental health is most important thing. Anyway, Covid 19 in korea seems like getting serious i think... so take care and enjoy the time
Never in a million years would I ever see Mike Chen eat a or even be that close to a piece of broccoli
Your message about prioritizing your mental health will help a lot of people. Thanks for being so honest. Be safe and be kind to yourself.
The best thing I got from this is your amazing positive attitude. It almost seem like they were throwing everything at you that might dampen the spirit. Clearly shows nothing can ruin your day...not even Broccoli. Nicely done Mike.
I'm Korean living in Brazil, watching last 7 min of the video made me homesick.
Honestly, right now Korea must be one of the best place to be in...
I love how you support small businesses!
Damn the facility I’m staying at is much less strict, probably because of a different time of visit though lol. Some food delivery is allowed, as well as deliveries from coupang which can get you anything basically.
I can speak from Experience that it is so stressful waiting for an Airbnb host to review and respond to you! 😅stressful ash just thinking about those times lol