Back in Seoul

Since I haven't posted in a long time, I wrote a bit more for ya peepz! :3



On 02-23-2015, I arrived in Sinchon. Shortly after arriving, I met up with Luke so we could find my place that I will be staying for the next five months in Korea. As we arrived at the Gosiwon (small room usually for students) our expectation was pretty low because the entrance didn't look to great. We were guided to my room and upon arrival more than disappointed from the rooms size. I literally thought I was living in a closet. A closet with a bathroom, mini fridge, bed, and desk. I cannot exaggerate enough how small this room was. The picture of the room size was so misguiding from the picture posted online. Luke suggested that I should stay over his place during the time I figure out where I stay for the next five months. So, I stayed over his place for a few days. After moving all my luggage into Luke's house the Jeong's treated us out to Galbi barbeque! The food was great! We ate till we were full.

Galbi was cooked with hot coals

Luke

Galbeeeeehhhhhh !

On the 24th, was the international orientation. I attended the orientation but left early. Around 5pm I came back to the same location for the buddy meeting. Yonsei University has this neat program called the buddy program where an international student is grouped with a Korean local to become more familiar with the culture and environment. From 5pm - 7pm I bought a shirt, got free refreshments from the orientation and learned the Yonsei cheer. We danced for around an hour learning the Yonsei cheer. After the orientation ended, I met up with Luke and went to Lotte. Just for those who might come to Korea and want to estimate how much money you might need. I took pictures of a few item's prices so you can get an idea of how much money you might need to bring.

Note: The pictures below aren't good quality cuz I didn't wanna get in the way of the customers.

Lotte Kimchi

milk carton

water (20)

Korean yogurt

Ramen (necessary for every college student)

Soondae & tteokboki (pretty spicy here) 

(By God's grace, I was given a great place to stay. It meets everyone of my needs. Private bathroom, mini fridge, stove, bed, and etc.)

(more food pictures) 

Soondae. I can't tell you how much I love this

Yangyum chicken. Uncle owns a yangyum chicken store. He said I can come get some anytime :)

Opinion of Koreans way of life

When eating at a Korean restaurant people normally take off their shoes and sit on the floor. In America, we keep our shoes on and sit on a chair. Sitting on the floor is a bit discomforting for me but I guess its part of the Korean cultural experience. I guess it's a good experience because immersing oneself into another culture involves sometimes going out of your own comfort zone.

Back to the past

            On 02/17/2015 I went to sonbul (손불) with my dad, cousin, and uncle. There we visited my grandfathers and grandmothers grave (dad's side). My cousin and and uncle paid respect to the dead by giving them fruits and pouring a cup of soju. My uncle would then pour the soju onto the ground where my grandmother and grandfather was buried. 

Afterwards, we tried to find my dad's house in which he lived twenty something years ago... We asked the first person we saw (man below) and he knew my dad's father. Apparently he was a well-known doctor and was known for his very pointy and long eyebrows. The man said I looked like my grandfather and was tall and good looking like him.

Dad's old house

After we met up with my dad's old friend and ate at a restaurant. There weren't many restaurants in the area so we chose one next to the sea because it had a nice view. After we ordered the lady took one of these fishes in the video and served it to us raw. I didn't see that coming (I actually saw it coming). It wasn't too bad I guess. It was definitely different from sushi though. All I can say is, my diet has changed dramatically since I came to Korea. Instead of hamburger, pizza, and fried chicken it has been replaced by lots of healthier dishes.

If there is anything you'd like me to post about tell me :) or if you have any questions that you want answered I'd be more then happy to answer them in my next blog post!

I also post pictures more often if you'd like to follow me and see what I am up to on my IG (instagram): James_o_park

2nd week into Korea


I've done so much, and went to so many places so far. Korea so far has been great. I've met many good people! Everyone has treated me with the utmost respect and generosity. My clumsy self forgot to bring a few things to Korea such as pants, face cleanser, battery charger for my camera, and a lot more. I also thought I'd be financially not well off. But God has completely provided for everyone of my needs. My uncle provided me a jacket that costs 26,000 yen. Which is also equivalent to 218 bucks. My aunt got me shoes because they had holes in them. Basically every one of my needs have been met. I even tried to buy my own coffee but one of my dad's coworkers didn't allow it.

on 02/16/2015, I went to Gwangju to meet my aunt and my three cousins for the first time. My cousins and I went to a buffet and ate so much! The food was great! Usually the desserts in a buffet isn't that great but this place had awesome desserts! After eating we went bowling. The bowling alley was not lighted well but had disco lights. Lastly, we walked around to buy my facial cleanser because I forgot to bring mine from the U.S. Faceshop, Innisfree, and other products like these are so cheap here in Korea. I was so surprised! I'm probably going to stock up and bring lots back to America. I was going to buy my own cleanser but my cousin Hongjin took it to the counter and paid it for me. She absolutely refused that I pay for it. I am being taken care of really well.