This exchange experience is definitely a life changing moment. I can feel how much I've grown, and how much insights I've gathered during these 4 months. Although there are many happy and adventurous memories here, there were also challenges I've been through that I did not expect to go through, which makes this trip extra special and rewarding. I remember the very first challenge that gave me a shock is my body's ability to adapt to the new environment. I was mentally ready and excited to be in this new country, but physical my health needed to catch up. Every time when you go to a new country, the food you eat, water you drink and use, even the air is different. I remember about complaining how my hair is falling out for no apparent reason and my skin was breaking out. Thank god it's only a temporary problem. After a month or so, my body began to adapt and accept the new culture.
Korea in general is an easy country to live in. One of the biggest problem people would raise would be language barrier. I guess I would be a living proof that you can survive in Korea with just a few basic phrases in your pocket. I would recommend learning how to read the alphabets before arriving or soon after arrival since it helps a lot, especially when you are lost. The Korean alphabet system isn't that hard to pick up as well. Many of the Koreans here are very nice. Up until this point, I haven't met anyone who is unkind or unwelcoming. They are very fun to be with, and a true example of "work hard, play hard". I find many of the Korean students work twice as hard as the exchange students here. If you take a quick tour around the school at night, there would still be students studying in the lounge or in the library. However, once our busy weeks are over, they party and drink like there is no tomorrow. It's amazing how Koreans don't need sleep to stay awake!
In terms of travelling, there are many major local areas that are "must-go" destinations: Hongdae, Sinchon, Gangnam, Itaewon, Dongdaemun, Namdaemun, Insadong and Myeongdong. Of course, don't close the doors to other smaller neighborhoods that can offer a different kind of experience. For example, I came across an area called Hyehwa that is apparently very lively with street dance performances, musical performances, and street food/shopping. I lived in Anam, which is an amazing area if you enjoy peace and quiet. Hongdae and Sinchon are the core of Seoul if you love to party, drink, karaoke, and among other night life activities. It is like the part of the city that never sleeps. Itaewon is a nice place to go to if you are experiencing culture shock, since it mostly foreigners who go there. Some Korean students even go there to practice their English! Dongdaemun, Insadong and Namdaemun are known for their markets. Here, you will find many cultural and traditional souvenirs/gifts. Shopping is also very reasonable. My favorite place to go is Myeongdong, which combines the best of both worlds- shopping and good food. I will not talk much about what is in each of these areas or which is the best because it is very subjective to everyone. My best advice would be to be an explorer and discover what is truly amazing to you here in Seoul.
Food!!! The one of the challenges with food in Korea is that there are too many choices that you don't know which one to go for first. Well, here's a short guideline to what I have tried and what I deem to be good: Gamjatang (Korean pork bone and potato soup), Samgyupsal (Korean barbecue with pork belly meat), Ddeokbokki (Korean rice cake in chili sauce), Dolsot Bibimbap (rice and veggies/meat in a stone pot/bowl...you will find a surprise towards the bottom of the bowl), Kimbap (to-go food..sort of like Korean style sushi), Naengmyeon (cold noodles, awesome for the summer), Dakgalbi (shared dish with chicken, squid, sauce..among many others, served with rice) and my favorite, Bingsu (Korean shaved ice, I personally like it better than ice cream). One thing to note about food is that it is usually communal, so you always have to look for a group of people to share your food with. The other challenge regarding food is that it is really difficult to find fruits and veggies if you're a health conscious person.
Coming and living in Korea is an experience I will never forget. Not only did it make me a stronger person, it encouraged me to go travel more and take on any opportunity in front of me that is up for grabs. It made me more open minded and helped me confirm that it is safe to step out of your comfort zone. To everyone out there, travel when you have the chance to. It's an experience that can't be described.
