Now that we are midway through the semester, I’ve settled into a rhythm and have a better understanding of how the academic system works here. It feels very different from what I’m used to at Alabama. Most classes do not include regular homework or smaller assignments. Instead, final grades rely almost entirely on midterms and finals. It took some time to adjust to that structure, and while it can be stressful at times, I’ve come to appreciate the flexibility it offers. Without constant deadlines, I have more control over how I manage my time during the week.
Most of my classmates are Korean students who are taking English courses as part of their degree requirements. While the lectures are in English, it is common for students to ask questions or clarify something in Korean, which sometimes makes it hard to follow everything. Even so, the professors have been mindful of international students and do a good job keeping things clear. It can be limiting at times, but it has not kept me from keeping up with the material.
Outside of class, I have gotten to know a few different parts of the city. I spend most of my time in Anam, since it’s right next to Korea University and where my dorm is located. It feels more residential and student-oriented, with a lot of casual restaurants, cafes, and affordable spots to eat. Most places close by midnight, so not somewhere you go for nightlife, but it is convenient and good for meeting up with friends or grabbing dinner and drinks after class. Itaewon has been one of my favorite places to visit. It has a wider variety of international food and a more relaxed feel overall. There are also bars with things like darts or pool, which makes it feel more like a place to hang out rather than just drink. Hongdae, on the other hand, is always packed and the energy can feel chaotic, especially near the clubs and crowded streets. I have gone a few times for clothing shopping, which is solid, but I usually do not go there at night. I have not been to Gangnam yet, but I plan to check it out soon. It’s more expensive and focused on high-end shopping and specialty spots like themed bars or rooftop lounges. I am curious to see how it compares.
One of the best parts of the semester so far has been getting the chance to travel outside of Seoul on the weekends. My first trip was to Sokcho, a coastal city on the east side of Korea. I spent the day hiking at Seoraksan National Park, climbing close to a thousand icy steps in freezing weather. The air was noticeably cleaner than in Seoul, and being surrounded by mountains after weeks in such a dense urban environment made the whole experience feel refreshing. It was a tough hike, but the views from the top were incredible and made it worth it. A few weeks later, I took the high-speed train down to Busan. It was also cold and windy when we visited, but the city had a great vibe; more laid-back and coastal, with ocean air and beach views that reminded me of what I imagine the West Coast feels like. It felt smaller than Seoul and a little harder to get around, since the public transport network was less developed, but I liked it a lot. There were more kids and families out, which stood out to me since I rarely see children in Seoul. The nightlife was also surprisingly better: less crowded, better music, and a more relaxed atmosphere. I also thought the fashion there was more stylish overall. If I had to compare, Seoul feels more like New York City, while Busan gives off more of a California energy. Both trips gave me a nice break from city life and helped me see different sides of the country beyond what I experience day to day.
Now that I’m more settled into life here, the semester is starting to move faster. Between classes, exploring the city, and taking trips on the weekends, the past few weeks have gone by quickly. I still have a lot more I want to see and do, both in and outside of Seoul, and I’m trying to take advantage of the time I have left. It feels like I’ve gotten past the adjustment phase, and now I can just focus on enjoying the experience while it lasts.
