Summer in Seoul 2021
During the summer of 2021, I traveled to South Korea to attend Korea University. I took two courses that focused on the Korean Language and Culture, while also exploring the bustling capital of South Korea, Seoul. This international experience enriched my knowledge and perspective on other cultures.
Upon arrival in Seoul, students were mandated to quarantine for two weeks due to the intense Covid restrictions at the time. I stayed in a hotel room and meals were delivered to my door three times a day. The hotel had over 20 floors, and I was able to look down over the streets of Seoul. Classes began during this time over zoom, and I was also able to use this time to learn some basic Korean phrases. I was able to meet other students in the program, who attended universities all around the US. After leaving the quarantine facilities, I moved into the dorms at Korea University, with two roommates also in the program.
I was able to take a course taught at Korea University, and take a virtual linguistics course with students from all over the world. It was amazing to learn about Korean linguistics while also learning about each student's native language. It was fascinating to see how languages had similar aspects or were completely foreign to some. The class nicely complemented the Korean Language class I took, so I enjoyed learning the sounds of the Korean alphabet. We were required to take speaking exams for the Korean Language course, which helped us practice basic introductions, phrases, and questions we may need to ask someone during our stay.
Due to the pandemic, I was not able to attend in-person classes, but I did not let that stop me from exploring Korean culture and city life on my own. My roommate and I set a goal to venture to a different area of Seoul every day for the first few weeks, and by doing that, we got to see so many different districts, some for shopping, some with amazing street food, and some with beautiful scenery. We found our favorite cafes and pet cats at a cat cafe. We made an effort to navigate through the city with as little translation as possible. We were able to sound out the Hangul (alphabet) symbols at the subway stations, and slowly learned more and more pronunciations of food and drink items. Some parts of the city had many English-translated signs, while others were not as tourist-friendly. The program I traveled with also provided several excursions to some of the most famous locations in Seoul, like their tallest tower, an indoor amusement park, and a palace where we dressed in traditional Korean attire (Hanbok). I was also able to stay after the program and take a train down to Busan, where I stayed for an extra week. I learned to be very adaptable and outgoing on my own. This experience helped me become more independent and also improved my communication skills so that I can be confident even when I am unsure of something.
Things I learned in Korea
Personal Space is Different
I knew there was a large population in Seoul, but I was not prepared for the busy streets filled with people walking. Not even New York city compares to how close people are to each other. Whether you are crossing a busy intersection, or you are standing on the subway, there is most likely a shoulder touching yours, and it is not because people lack respect, it is because small areas get crowded so quickly with a large number of citizens. With that being said, I have never seen such efficiency when it comes to pedestrian traffic. Everyone walks at a brisk pace, and you rarely see people bump into one another.
Bowing = Respect
Showing respect to those older than you is one of the most important traditions in South Korean culture. The two main ways to show respect are using the proper honorifics, or titles that follow someone's name, and bowing. You may bow not only to show gratitude, but also when you are saying hello, or goodbye. It is especially important to bow to all elders, and the deeper the bow the more respect!
Be Quiet in Public
When riding on the subways, or in a quiet area outdoors, it can be rude to speak loudly. Many people will listen to music with headphones, and there is little noise in a lot of public areas, so if you are speaking loudly with others, you may receive a glare from someone. There are plenty of bars, designed for people to talk and laugh with their friends.
Dietary Changes
Diet was a big change for me because I do not eat a lot of meat when I am in the states. Most dishes in Korea contain meat, usually beef or pork, with a side of rice, and fermented food like kimchi. We were served a variety of meals during quarantine, some of which were Korean food so I was able to start adjusting to the food. Then, I was able to explore the massive amount of restaurants and street food vendors to find my favorites. Beef bulgogi, Korean Corn Dogs, and Tanghulu quickly became some of my go-to's, and I can not leave out Bingsu, which is Korean Shaved Ice. Nothing felt better than eating a sweet frozen dessert after walking miles during the hot summer in Seoul.
Prices of Food
Another thing to keep in mind is the prices of produce compared to the States. Meat is a lot less expensive, and you can buy a meal for around 6 dollars, but certain fruits or vegetables that are imported could run you at least 5 dollars for one serving! Street vendors sell various foods, some for under 2 USD, so make sure to do some exploring to find the spots you like.
People May Stare & it's OK
Something I noticed right away when I arrived was that I was getting a lot of stares. It made me feel out of place at first like I was doing something wrong, but it is very common. Korea is a very homogenous country, and there is less diversity compared to the US. For this reason, it is very easy to stand out, if you did not grow up in this society. Foreigners draw attention, not negatively, but out of curiosity, so do not feel uncomfortable if someone stares at you on the subway!
Photos
Here are some photos and videos I took while in South Korea!