Pristine steel

We are at an AirBNB in Gunsan. The kitchenette has just been remodelled. Maybe you think I can tell because of new appliances. Nope, they aren't new. Maybe you think I can tell because of clean towels. Nope, not so clean. I can tell because of the blue plastic in the sink.

This is a common sight in Korea. Blue plastic on stainless steel kitchen bits. It means that everything is new and good and you don't have to worry about anything.

New bits are installed without removing the protective cover. Often the bits are even welded in, and you cannot take them out to remove the plastic. It doesn't matter that when the plastic finally starts to come loose that you cannot remove it cleanly. It doesn't matter that the last little bits of plastic sticking out from the seams, those that you cannot remove, are the grubbiest thing in the world.

In kitchens all over Korea, there are little lines of grubby blue plastic sticking out of sink drains, cupboards, and stove-top grease hoods.

Its all brand new.