1 November 2017 11:51 AMSCINTILLATING PERCEPTION EU-TOPOS|
The most iconic flower were the Globe Amaranth. This flower is known for being timeless. (The purple ones above) I am being literal, as the flower does not change color after being dried which is how it has gotten its name of "1,000 days flower". In the states we have roses, in Korea they have the Globe Amaranth resembling eternal and unchanged love. On the other hand, the field had food vendors but keep in mind that they would charge you more so don't be afraid to haggle for prices! We eventually took a taxi to one of the most beautiful cafe I have ever seen. Let me tell you, it was one heck of a ride getting to cafe 비루개. (Bilugae). It reminded me of home, as we drove through scenic trees resembling a drive on the Pali towards Kailua. After driving on a unmanaged trail for thirty minutes, we made it! The cafe is literally a deluxe tree house for adults, but we were so disappointed finding that they did not have food on their menu, only coffee (an incentive to keep people in and out quickly). My friends decided to stay to do work as we waited for our time in a rope hammock. It was 6:00 PM, pitch black dark and we tried calling a taxi. We waited, and we waited... As confused as we were we ran back into the cafe and asked the workers if they could dial a taxi for us. However, we received the strangest suggestion. They said that there is no way a taxi would come into the surrounding area and the only way we could get out of the cafe is to carpool. Yes, carpool with strangers. As afraid as we were, we really wanted to get out of the place as it was getting extremely cold. We built the courage and asked a couple, shockingly, they were not reluctant as we were and offered to take us down the mountain. After a bit of small talk they asked us where our destination was to and told us that they would take us directly to our subway line so we wouldn't have to transfer. Needless to say, they drove us for a little over two hours and we were extremely grateful. Contrary, we all got yelled at by our peers and was told to never carpool ever again. But it was sort of a life or death situation..? Anyways, we made it back home!
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26 OCTOBER 2017 3:34 PM"COLLEGE MIDTERMS IN KOREA" SOMNOLENCE | Now, exams. Exams here will bring fellow students to a standstill. Whilst securing a high grade on these tests, well, needless to say, they are difficult. You will witness students living in libraries three weeks prior to the exam period while surrounding cafes fill to the brim throughout fall break with the most studious students I have ever met. Before all else, as a fair warning, if you plan on cramming your courses within an entire day or a span of 2-3 days a week, well, please take into consideration that you will be taking your exams all on that day or the span of 2-3 days during midterm week and finals week. Also, grades will not be announced, it will happen whenever the professor feels like posting it. Now getting into the nitty-gritty of my course midterms I can say that midterm week has beat me to my pulp, but I made through it!
During midterm week I was interviewed by a journalist who is a writer for “Segye Times”. There was a bit of a language barrier but we were able to overcome the odds. The question was "One, how did you overcome cultural differences and two, can you tell us about your struggles being an exchange student at Korea University?" This is what I said :
In spite of Korea’s increasing interest in westernization, social interaction is dictated by a Confucius or collectivist society. To put into perspective, in America we have the tendency of valuing individualism, and speaking up for one's self. On the other hand, in Korea their perception is what benefits the group entirely, opposed to an individualist approach in any given setting. This ideal is prominent and embedded into the fabrication of their societal norm. With personal struggle, I feel as if there is a tremendous pool of labor that you are in competition with, but the catch is that you are blinded. It has become a vicious cycle of trying to become the hardest worker without having to show it, and despite a strong spirt and weak flesh you still have to keep up your appearances even when you are at your breaking point. Often times I feel as if I am living in a suppressed society, but despite this system I believe that this is what makes Korea unique. Notwithstanding the negative implication, I believe that this is what makes an embracement of a different culture, or studying abroad not just challenging, but enlightening. Before we parted ways, the journalist handed me an enclosed envelope with two heart stickers that sealed the opening, "A gift." she whispered while pointing to the two hearts and with a big smile she said "me and you, thank you." This week, if I were to condense it into one sentence in respect to what I have learned, it would be: Carry out an act of kindness with no expectations of reward, rather, have it safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for you. 10 OCTOBER 2017 11:09 AM"THE CITY OF TOMORROW" BUSAN | Chuseok weekend was memorable as it was 10 days of being school free. Me and a group of friends decided to go on a quick exploit to Busan, the unheralded city in South Korea. Here, you'll find the city brimming with cobalt oceans, verdant mountains and amaranthine bound of seafood. From Seoul, you would have to take a train to get to Busan. There are two options:
During our stay we went to the following places:
1 October 2017 8:59 PM다 잘 될거야 (IT'S GOING TO BE OKAY) ROSY | Week 5 has been well; I have gained a sense of righteousness towards the people who live here. As my observance towards the culture here, I have found a leveled grounding and mutual understanding of what Korea has to offer, or throw at me. This upcoming week is Chuseok, which means "Autumn Eve". This is said to be the largest holiday that people celebrate in South Korea. Contrary, this means that schools out for an entire week and it's time to travel! I will be making my way to Busan and the surrounding area over this "Thanksgiving holiday". I wanted to go to Jeju Island but tickets were sold out the entire week as it is a trend for local people to go there over the holiday weekend. But there is still time to do that! I had the opportunity to try a hanbok but in modern usage. Renting a hanbok for 20,000 Won gives you a traditional dress, hair styling, and a petticoat. I would recommend going to Insadong for this experience. Foreigners are highly encouraged to try this traditional dress. Upon the experience, the entrance fees to surrounding palaces are free! Needless to say, here are some of my favorite moments this week : |
AuthorCindy is an epicurist, a food photographer, and a self-proclaimed creative writer. When Cindy isn't studying at Korea University Business School (2017), she can be found in cafes, asking random seoulites for directions, or singing at noraebangs (korean karaoke). Archives
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