My journey to Seoul
“It gives you freedom and broadens your horizons.” Why? Find out the answer from Akmaral Issayeva.
AI
Akmaral Issayeva
Thu, 22 Jun 2023
First of all, welcome to Seoul, the soul of Asia!
Where should I start my story? From the very beginning of my very own Korean experience. It all started with the exchange program at Seoul National University (SNU) back in 2012. I lived in Seoul during the Spring semester which is the most amazing season in this city. As you may know, the most awaited event in Korea is the cherry blossom. The city is waking up after the cold and windy winter. The whole city is blooming, the colours turning white and pink.
All the citizens come outside to celebrate this Spring festival. It is very beautiful and charming
Life in Korea can be pretty tough and busy. Starting at a young age and up until retirement, you could say that Koreans have a dedicated work ethic. You could even say they live to work and not work to live. It goes without saying that higher education here is considered key to a successful life. Studying at a prestigious university is never taken for granted and Koreans put a lot of work to achieve this. I was impressed by how many hard-working, passionate, and competitive people there were. According to Wikipedia sources, there are forty universities in this city.
SNU is a very prestigious university and it is considered to be right at the top of the educational pyramid. Its main and biggest campus is located far from the city centre however it creates a unique student atmosphere there. The campus includes most of the university’s colleges, plenty of libraries, student centres, sports spots, and several different dormitories. Campus life gives you a whole student universe so you do not really need to go outside to the city on a regular basis. There are plenty of entertainment spots nearby campus though if you want them. In fact, there is a prestigious "SKY" trio of universities formed of - SNU, Korea University, and Yonsei University.
When exploring outside of the campus, you will enjoy very different sights of the city. There is no downtown area in Seoul because the city is very big and different.
It is a city of contradictions managing to be as traditional as it is new age, as conservative as it is modern, as old-fashioned as it is progressive, as local as it is international
The spirit of this city is just breathtaking. It gives you freedom and broadens your horizons.
You may enjoy traditional sights such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, tourist attractions such as Bukchon Hanok Village or Seoul 63 Building, romantic spots such as Cheonggyecheon stream, local spots such as Han River, main FiDi and the banking district such as Yeouido and many more others
The main areas to explore if you're looking for entertainment are Gangnam, Hongdae, and Itaewon districts. You might know about these places from K-pop culture - movies, doramas, and songs. Each of them shows a different lifestyle.
Gangnam is known as a modern centre, it's home to many designer brands, high-end restaurants and is the neighbourhood of the rich and wealthy.
Hongdae is known for its urban life - local culture, arts, music, shops, clubs, and other such entertainments.
Itaewon is known for its cosmopolitan life, party atmosphere, and vibrant nightlife. This is a very diverse area - you will find Korean BBQ restaurants and low-key kebab stores on its corners, there is also the Itaewon Antique Furniture Street and the War Memorial of Koreas nearby.
As well as education, business, and entertainment, healthcare is another large aspect of life here and an attraction for many. There are plenty of medical clinics and hospitals around the city. Since South Koreans work hard, they are paid well and have a high standard of living. Medical treatment can be expensive, but it is fully trustworthy.
An interesting fact, lots of universities and businesses in Korea also have their own medical centres. As an example, SNU or Samsung hospitals provide services for both local and international clients
Last but not least I want to tell you about the citizens. Meet the Korean people. The vast majority of the population [and not only of Seoul but the country in general] are Korean people (hanguk in Korean).
Their most amazing quality is their hospitality. They may not speak other languages however they will help you with any problems. If you get lost in the city, or get confused in the subway, or have language difficulties – do not worry too much, Koreans will find a way to help you.
Their etiquette dictates every aspect of their communication. The Korean language has its own rules of how to address people from peers to elders, from close friends to strangers. Korean culture sets the standard of their behaviour. I was positively surprised by how I was treated as a foreign student. Everyone was nice, polite, friendly, and supportive on a daily basis.
Still, when we talk about Seoul, we're talking about multicultural society. There are a large number of ex-pats from diverse ethnic groups from all over the world. The high social standards of Korean culture has spread out amongst all the other communities.
You will always find good places to hang out, delicious cuisine to enjoy, and interesting people to meet
I hope you enjoyed my story about this city. A piece of my heart will always belong to Korea.