안녕하세요 여러분! Hi everyone! It’s Elizabeth!
As I write this blog post, I just posted my “Day 16” highlight on my Instagram. With August 2nd’s move-out day quickly approaching, I’m trying to make the most of each minute while I’m in Seoul.
I want to share some of my strategies with you to save time and money, told through vignettes of my life studying abroad in Korea. Thanks in advance for reading!
Time-Saving Tip #1: Understand Seoul’s Subway Logic
I’m a chronic people-watcher, and I’m chronically running not-quite-late. As in, exactly on time if I walk a little extra fast. So, I’ve learned some helpful things about the subway and want to pass them along.
- Pass on the left: In general, many people in Seoul fast walk. But some people fast-walk fast-walk. Like on American roads, slower traffic, keep right: On escalators and moving sidewalks, those who want to stand stick to the right, and the walkers walk on the left. Please, if you’re running late like me, utilize that left side and fast-walk your problems away.
- Notice arrival/departure times: The subway system runs continuously during the day, but if you’re running late, waiting four minutes can make or break you if you need to transfer to another Line. The trains wait for no one. In this situation, keep your eye on your KakaoMaps/NaverMaps for arrival/departure times. If your app tells you a train’s two minutes away with a four-minute walk to transfer, you can definitely make it in a pinch. (You’ll sometimes even see people running to make the transfer. I won’t say I see it every time, but it’s not an uncommon sight. I suggest doing it at least once, both for the thrill and for the story afterward.)
- Use quick exits: Usually, your navigation apps will tell you which subway car will be closest to the exit you need. If you’re waiting in the station (or even on the train!), you can walk to that car beforehand to optimize your travel time. I’ll typically do this in the station while waiting for the train to arrive. It can save you some time! (I’ve memorized Anam’s quick exit, in case you’re wondering: Car 5-3!)
Time-Saving Tip #2: Class Periods
Studying at Korea University through TEAN, I had to choose two classes. I chose one in Period 1 (9 a.m.) and one in Period 5 (4:50 p.m.) This window of time is perfect for popping around a different neighborhood, or dong, in Seoul. Each neighborhood has its own flavor and things to do, and I relish the chance to explore a new one each day.
For me, I know six hours is long enough to travel by subway, enjoy a new space, but head back to campus before I feel too drained. For someone else, the magic combination might be Period 1 and 2, freeing them up for day-long adventures until their bed calls their name. But, a Period 1 and a Period 3 class leaves just 100 minutes between the two classes, with little time to do much.
In general, I would really emphasize to anyone studying abroad: If you can, choose your class periods strategically to give you time to adventure before, between, or after your classes.
Time-Saving Tip #3: Do (Some) Research Beforehand
Seoul is really, really big, and each street is full of amazing cafés, stores, restaurants, and activities that you’ll want to do! My suggestion is to do some research beforehand and figure out what areas you want to prioritize, or what places you particularly want to go to.
For instance, I didn’t realize until I did this research that I really needed to spend time in Seongsu-dong, which is known for amazing pop-up stores and fashion. But I found a lot of interesting places online within three blocks of each other, and I would have missed some of them entirely without doing research because it’s so jam-packed.
The same goes for Myeongdong: I loved my day in the neighborhood and saw lots of amazing places. But then I saw my friends’ stories from the same neighborhood and realized I missed out on a lot of amazing food, cafes, and experiences! So now I want to go back. Part of that is just Seoul being amazing. But part of that is doing your research, too!
Time-Saving Tip #4: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
If you’re an introvert, I’m so sorry for this tip. You can scroll past it, no worries.
But I’ve saved so much time simply asking people for directions or for expertise. With very elementary Korean, you can learn invaluable information like where the bathroom is (instead of wandering a floor for ten minutes before asking and learning it’s on another floor — true story).
Or, you can ask store owners if they have certain items by showing them pictures of items on your phone and saying, ” Isseoyo?”
And, often, they’ll even know English and give you a warm smile as you thank them for their help. I’ve found many people to be very warm and gracious as I’ve asked for help, so I promise it’s usually worth a try!
Time-Saving Tip #5: Use Papago
Truly. Papago is more accurate than Google Translate, and it has a useful feature for taking pictures of things and translating the text on the picture. Download the Papago app and see for yourself.
Please, trust me. Use it.
Time-Saving Tip #6: Check the Weather Forecast
This tip is more important for those studying abroad during monsoon season, like me, but I think it always applies.
If you like being outdoors, do your outdoor bucket-list items when you can. Some days will simply be too hot or rainy to go on a hike, or even to go shopping comfortably. The museums or department stores like the National Museum of Seoul or Hyundai Mall will always be there, but the rain in Seoul can truly be a beast. Try to adapt to it to make sure you go to all those parks like Olympic Park or Seoul Forest while you can. If not, it could take a while to go comfortably again.
Thank you for reading! Best of luck on your time-saving endeavors in Seoul!
Elizabeth Chandler, Berry College, is studying abroad in South Korea with TEAN.
