Last week’s post was heavy, looking back on the Cu Chi tunnels of the Vietnam War. To lighten things up, I’m proud to present a piece I’ve been working on for a while: The Awesomeness of Pencil Cases in Korea. I have long been an admirer of my students’ stationery supplies. Those who know me well know that I have a weakness and it goes by the name of Morning Glory stationary shops. I love pens, notebooks, sticky tabs and all things organizational.

After years of pencil case appreciation in the classroom, I’ve finally managed to compile some examples to show you here. Before I get started I’d like to remind everyone that of course there are “normal,” “plain” pencil cases that exist here too, but who cares? That doesn’t make for good writing. I’m about to show you the best of the best from my kids, grades 3 through 5. The grade 6 kids get too cool for funky pencil cases and start to feel the pressures of adolescence at which time, blending in is often easiest. Without further ado, let’s do this! (click on any photo to enlarge)

First and foremost, these are amazing. They are called “zip-it” brand pencil cases and they are sometimes in the shape of a monster (as shown) but sometimes just a rectangular pencil case made of one huge unzippable zipper.

My student kindly does a demonstration.

Next, I’d like to address the sometimes ludicrous English messages printed on pencil cases here. Often the messages are sweet and cheerful while others send chills down my spine.

This one reads, “The Anne Story: Planning is bringing the future into the present so that you can do something about it now.”

That’s pretty deep discussion. I just wanted to borrow an eraser. Let’s move on.

“When you want something, the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

Mmmm…’k…Not necessarily true but moving on…

I don’t even know what to say. That one makes no sense at all, but the cartoon girl is cool.

“I can endure so my own despair, but not…another’s hope.”

Wow. That’s just dark. Definitely not borrowing an eraser from you. You just stay the hell away from me.

Let’s leave the dark side and enter the land of pretty vintage dolls printed on a lot of popular cases these days.

Teddy bears are always a classic choice as well, although more popular with the younger kids.

All right that’s enough cute. Now onto the weird and borderline gross. The “Larva” cartoon characters are really popular with kids these days. They are literally larva. In cartoon form. What the hell Korea? Seriously. The first pic shows the two main characters while one farts a cloud of faeces, much to his friend’s displeasure.

The next one showcases Mr. Farty Pants eating a mini hot dog snack while his larva and bacterial/blueberry friend watch in horror. (This one actually folds out into a 2-tier case which is pretty cool.)

For the grand finale I’d like to show you some of my favourite pencil cases, for no reason other than I think they’re awesome.

A milk jug-shaped pencil case! Genius.

It’s an otter! His back unzips and the zipper tag is his tail :)

Shiny. I love shiny.

This one is made with traditional Korean designs.

That’s it for this week folks. Thanks for indulging me as I complete another life goal here in Korea. My kids had fun showing off their pencil cases and no larva were harmed in the making of this post. Next week I’ll be interviewing Canadian musician Ryan Cook. Stay tuned and be well!