Graduation Trip: Seoul, South Korea

Seoul was a learning experience for me, in more ways than one. Some of them below:

1. I learnt to let loose and be a lot more spontaneous.
2. I learnt about a new culture (through prior-to-trip research and experience), new ways of doings things, handling native Koreans who can't speak English/Mandarin Chinese with the little knowledge I have of the Korean language. 
3. I learnt to speak up and really try my best to communicate in Korean. I started off the trip feeling a little sheepish about my language ability but got more confident to converse in a few sentences when the locals spoke with me. Sure, a lot of the conversations were initially difficult (because they speak really fast) but being in that position humbled me and somewhat taught me how to better manage myself when meeting new people.
4. I discovered how nice the Koreans are, in general. Perhaps it's just their culture, but on the trip, we experienced many scenarios that are very common in Singapore but in Korea, the local people had such different reactions... e.g. passengers lightly pushing each other to get out of the subway, an old lady asking someone to get out of the way because she wants to sit on the subway seat etc.
   Most, if not all, passengers are gracious. They don't "tsk" anyone (Korean or foreigner), or give anyone a stink-eye for doing something unpleasant. From my observation, everyone, even after getting shoved hard or told off by some random stranger, just shrugs it off and continues enjoying their music or tapping away on their phones without once showing a scowl or expressions of irritation. That's something I think is really desirable in a society.
   I think Singaporeans can occasionally give off a "I'm nasty and bitter" vibe - getting cheesed off by trivial things (e.g. getting shoved), very outrightly wanting to express their disapproval/discontent and spoiling their own potentially good days by having big reactions to such small matters... I myself do get annoyed over some trivial things that happen on public transport too and have dished out my own share of "tsks" and scowls. So, certainly that's an area we can work on to create a more gracious Singapore? :) Perhaps.  

I've always wanted to travel to Seoul since I was 17, and at 22 I finally fulfilled my life wish. Seoul turned out to be more awesome, more interesting, more exhilarating than I'd expected and my nine days in Seoul and Jeju Island were possibly the best in my lifetime (at this point). It's after all the first time I'm travelling to a developed city without family or much older people, which makes for more opportunities to be fully spontaneous and do (fun) things one would never do in Singapore.

Over the next few days I'll update this post with links to the individual-day-itinerary travel posts of Seoul and Jeju Island. Feeling overwhelmed with almost 2000 photos and video files to work with and edit. It sounds like a small amount of files for 9 days, but it's no joke trying to manage the pictures when my Macbook Pro is almost full (everything is lagging!).

It makes me sad to say that I damaged my compact camera on the last day of our trip. It still works fine and can take pictures, but my LCD screen is damaged. The pixels are not appearing properly and there are black lines appearing over my screen and they are spreading? :l I can get it repaired for a cost (ugh) but I hate the thought of myself spoiling my own stuff. Besides, I'm not even sure if this problem is covered under warranty, or am I even still under warranty... I'm really passionate about photography and good cameras so I have that sort of emotional attachment to all my cameras just like how men have the same attachment to their cars. Lol.

Below are some photos of the trip. I really enjoyed myself in Seoul. I was constantly updating my family members with some pictures/videos here and there via WhatsApp, and my sister commented that I never looked so happy and carefree. I think navigating a new place and living in a cosy guesthouse gives the feeling of "complete freedom" and this "complete freedom" is just invigorating for the soul. At least, my soul anyway. 

Similar parkas (not intended) to battle the cool weather! Seoul in early May has refreshing weather, with temperatures about air-conditioning-level most of the day.

Beans Bins - A specialty waffles and coffee cafe chain which can be found all over Seoul

Namsan Seoul Tower

Watching Cookin' Nanta at the Myeongdong Theater, a non-verbal performance that integrates Korea's traditional rhythm, Samulnori with comedy and drama in the kitchen (Official Nanta Website).

Beautiful lantern set-up at Jogyesa Temple 조계사 in Insadong to commemorate Buddha's birthday.

Awesome Bibimbap 비빔밥 at a street in Hongdae. A signature Korean dish, Bibimbap literally translates to "mixed rice", and has seasoned and sautéed vegetables, 고추장 gochujang (chilli pepper paste) and soy sauce atop steamed white rice.

Jeju Island 제주도

The day a Korean grandmother made my morning! She came up to me and said the flowers on my shorts were very pretty! As I said on Instagram, I was quite shocked that she would comment on a foreigner's clothes (I read that the older Koreans generally were abit xenophobic towards foreigners because they had very limited exposure to foreigners). 

Then again, it seemed like we were often mistaken as Koreans - two ajummas on separate occasions asked us for directions (and we were babbling in English the whole time in front of them, and there were plenty of other young people to ask around us) so we were some degree of shell-shocked and amused hahaha...

Korean Food Home Delivery - This is spicy chicken soup 

닭국 (dak guk) and spicy sausage stew 부대찌개 (budae jjigae) from 밥사랑 (bap sa rang) and possibly my favourite aspect of Seoul! Being able to have piping hot soups and yummy goodies brought to you in PROPER bowls and chopsticks and spoons, not disposable ones, made lazy dinners at the guesthouse so comfortable and nice. 

Never once regretted staying in the Hongdae area. Hongdae is known for its urban arts and indie music culture, clubs and entertainment. There is live music every night along the streets with watching passers-by and supporters. Definitely my cup of tea! In addition, everyone here is extremely fashion forward and it's actually hard to find a poorly-dressed person here. Absolutely great for the eyes any time of day. 

Mandatory banana milk purchase.

Was trying to highlight the gold details on my white blouse but I look kinda awkward posing like that. Haha... Gotta level up my selfie skills. Everyone here openly takes selcas/selfies/outfit of the day and no one gives anyone odd looks for doing it.

Best churros I've eaten in my life. Enough said.

At the airport awaiting our flight to Singapore.

Flying Singapore Airlines back, absolutely a pleasure to fly with them. Our flight to Seoul had the best service experience. Both of us were quite in love with the steward attached to our column of seats for his impeccable service, very nice voice and extreme politeness. Being two people who are really detail-oriented and particular about service quality matching up to its price, this steward just made us feel really at home and comfortable. 

Ending off this short summary (turned out to be really long lol) with a picture of me in Korean traditional costume called the Hanbok.

More posts on Seoul coming up!