Every day here since I've landed has been packed with either exploring, eating, shopping, or running errands. I will describe events that stick out to me as well listing some observations I've made about Korea as a Westerner.
A typical breakfast I eat every morning that my host family makes me.
Marisa and I (Marisa is my American friend and MSU student who has been in the same Korean class as me for the past two years) were fortunate enough to meet my mom's Korean friend to take us to the immigration office to get our alien registration cards. You need an ARC if you're in Korea for more than 90 days and we wanted to get ours before the rush of international students. You also cannot do/get many things in Korea as a foreigner without an ARC like a phone plan. I'm SO glad we went early. We were there for two hours and that was before everyone else went. We were also very grateful for my mom's friend because there were a lot of steps to get the card that we were unaware of such as getting fingerprints. I pick up my card on September 15, so until then it's no phone plan for me.
Marisa and I after we filled out everything for our ARCs.
I had orientation yesterday (Tuesday) for all Fall 2014 international students. We meet four students from England and two of them, Marisa, and I ended up sticking together the rest of the day. We ventured to Insadong, Korea's traditional district, and then we went back to Sinchon to introduce them to 막걸리 (makkeoli), a Korean fermented rice wine that is like nothing I've ever had before. The best way I can describe it is that it is milky, slightly fizzy, and slightly sweet. It may sound gross but after having it for the second time it's now turning into one of my favorite alcoholic drinks.
막걸리, a Korean rice wine.
A statue of King Sejong at Insadong.
Like I mentioned, my days are filled with exploring, eating, shopping, or running errands. I've explored some parts of Seoul like Gangnam and City Hall and I also have been exploring Yonsei's campus (which is unfortunately under a lot of construction). I've eaten both street food, Korean food, Japanese food, Chinese food, and items from a bakery. If you know me well you know that I'm quite the foodie so I've enjoyed having the opportunity to eat delicious, fresh, diverse, and even healthy food a lot. I haven't done a ton of shopping, which is good for my wallet, but I have bought some school supplies and I even caved and bought a Korean casual dress that fits very nicely. It's hard not to do shopping here because there are just so many stores filled with the cutest clothes and items. And depending on where you shop the prices are cheaper than the U.S. as well.
A part of Yonsei University.
As a Westerner, I have observed how Korea is (obviously) very different from the U.S. in some respects. First is that living quarters here are much smaller; I am still becoming used to being comfortable in smaller spaces. Second, because Seoul's plumbing system is old and it's too late to completely change the entire system, you cannot flush toilet paper. Instead you throw it away in the trash. Third, Seoul is very couple-ly and places high emphasis on being social and having friends. If you go to restaurants by yourself, sometimes you'll be asked where your friends are. As far the couple-ly thing goes, there are a lot of flower shops, benches for two people, and a LOT of cafes which are perfect for dates.
I am sure everyone who has ever written a blog about Korea has said the same things. I'll try to write more observations as the weeks go on, but for now I have to get ready for my buddy orientation where I get to meet my Korean buddy! Every time I have the opportunity to make more friends I get very excited because as an exchange student it can sometimes get lonely. Here's to positive thinking!
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