Korea Photo Diary

Four months ago on this day, most probably I was busy studying the maps of South Korea and cracked my head thinking where we should go on the next day while craving for some local authentic Shin Ramyun. Yeah this was my desk. I was sitting in this cozy hostel room in Inha University, overwhelmed by the excitement of exploring a whole new world. I can't stop smiling when I am writing this post, just couldn't believe that I had been to so many places. Studying abroad has always been my dream and it has come true now.

I was there three weeks (only!) for a summer programme offered by Inha University, Incheon. My university, University of Malaya was so generous and kind to sponsor some of us there to experience their unique culture as well as introducing ours. The people I met there are fantastic. ♥

Here I will share my favourite photos and things that I missed the most about this amazing country. By this I guess I can summarize the whole journey in a beautiful and memorable way.

Inha University

My Dorm           Inha University          Last Days in Inha University              Korean Wine House  

Incheon

That's RM60.

China Town       One Night in Korea-Wolmido Island       Ganghwado Island       Bupyeong

Seoul

(Above) My favourite shoot of the whole bunch. 

 

 

Gyeongbukgong Palace        Word Cup Stadium       Gwanghwamun Plaza         Wearing Hanbok    

Dongdaemun      Hello Kitty Cafe        Trick Eye Museum      Myeongdong

 Busan

Jagalchi Fish Market      United Nation Memorial Cemetry      Busan Saranghe      Busan Tower     

Haundae Beach        Haedong Yonggusa Temple         Mysterious Library         Busan City         

Gwangalli Beach

My Top 5 Must-dos in Korea:

1) Meet K-pop star

After dining at Hello Kitty cafe, we went to Innisfree and I was testing out a green tea perfume when we heard loud screams and shrieks of girls, I mean many girls. Then we saw cameras, lights and some tough men who were apparently bodyguards. We asked the girls working in the shop then we realized they were BEAST. We continued to buy perfume.

Curiosity and busy-bodyness won over anything so we rushed to the front row and watched these A-list celebrities being interviewed, sang and dance live, played some games with lucky audience and made some girls cried.

2) Eat

Local street food is definitely a must. Spicy rice cakes, red bean ice, seaweed rice roll, fried food are just a few. Kimchi and kimchi jigae win my heart and I constantly think of them. Naengmyun (cold noodle) is a refreshing food for summer but erm, only for the brave ones.

3) Wear Hanbok

You can wear Hanbok for free at Tourist Information Centre in Seoul. Also, you can make free international calls back to your country and lay your hands on DIY some handicrafts. All for free!

4) Stay in Jjimjilbang

Staying in the sauna was my most unforgettable experience as I got to shower naked with so many ladies. And Koreans always do that in dramas so why not?

5) Visit One of the Palaces

This is Gyeongbukgong Palace.

FAQs by family and friends:

1. Did you have fun in Korea? 

Of course!

2. Did the food suit you as a vegetarian? 

Erm, nope actually. Apparently being vegetarians is not popular there so vegetarian restaurants are limited vegetarian restaurant. What I did was to adapt myself to it and try my best as meatless as possible.

3. What did you buy in Korea? 

Honestly I spent more money on train tickets, food and entrance tickets. I only purchased a small amount of skin care products, souvenirs, bags and a few piece of clothes.

4. Were the living expenses high? 

Yeah higher than Malaysia. One meal costs around W4000-6000 (~RM12-18). However, transport is still affordable and beauty products are waayyyy cheaper.

5. Must we know Korean language if we travel there? 

If you go with travel agency it should be no problem as they will settle everything for you. And especially if you visit popular tourism spots there must be English signs and translation. Also most beauty stores in Seoul have Chinese shopping assistants (promoters) who can speak Mandarin. If you are travelling to less popular spots, such as Incheon, Bupyeong, Gwanghwado Island and some local eateries in Busan, all menus are written in Korean. So not understanding Korean might be difficult for you to order the right food. I learnt a little before I went so... okay for me.

6. So you know how to speak Korean? 

I'm not a genius so learning a new language in 3 weeks? No, not possible for me.

7. Are the guys and girls all good-looking? 

Yeah, fashionable and gadget-savvy. BUT, smoking and getting drunk are common among them so... selectively some of them are good-looking and decent.

8. Plastic surgery? 

My Korean friend said it's common and I saw advertisements everywhere but I don't know anyone who undergoes it.

9. How's the summer like?

I would say, hotter than Malaysia, seriously. It was dry and burning hot. Probably not the best weather to back pack and travel around but... let me remind you, if shopping is your main goal then travelling in summer might suit you best as the clothes and beauty products are more relevant to our own weather and need.

My friend Min Ji just said that she will come to Malaysia next year!! Oh my I am thrilled and glad! It's my turn to return her warm hospitality and show her the beauty of my country. I might have to start planning already.

My dear Korea, I look forward to seeing you again. And you gave me a wonderful summer, an unforgettable experience, and taught me so much about society, culture, self reflection and the world. I am grateful.