My stay in Korea was one of the most enjoyable months of my life. However, as I prepared to return home, I realized there was still so much I wanted to do. In retrospect, I could have done some better planning and been more adventurous. My pre-arrival research led to a long and undoubtedly unfulfillable bucket list. The real-life outcome of these to-dos was that they were abandoned, and instead, I enjoyed each day naturally. The best part of my stay in Korea was everyday life and appreciating the beauty of what might seem mundane. Bucket list or not, there’s no end to the possibilities of fun!
Nevertheless, I’m here to delve into what I wish I’d done differently to experience Korea better. With the convenience of subways and buses, it was easy to move around Seoul and explore the areas around us. Given how often I hopped on the subway, I thought I was traveling quite a bit. In reality, I took most of my transportation to places like Hongdae and Myeongdong for shopping and eating (shoutout to Line 2). It wasn’t until the end of my stay that I took public transportation outside of Seoul. My day trip was so fun that it left me reflecting on my lack of travel. Whether you make the same excursion as me or plan your own, I highly recommend getting out of the city and exploring somewhere new.
Getting Out of Seoul
Through HISS, I experienced the coastal and mountainous region of the Gangwon province during an overnight trip. That, in addition to a previous Jeju Island trip and my first arrival days in Incheon, were my only explorations outside of Seoul. In order to get away from the city and do some independent travel, I researched how far the Seoul Metro Line ran. I found that I could leave the city while staying in the Gyeonggi province. My destination: Yangsu.
Standing at the entrance to Dumulmeori, I can see Yangsu village and the botanical garden across the water.Travelling to Yangsu
The ride to Yangsu Station was an easy hour and a half. It’s a perfect time to listen to your favorite podcast while watching the scenery change outside. I had my little adventure during the hot and humid days of July, and while I found it plenty enjoyable, I can only imagine the beauty of a bright spring day or the vibrant colors of autumn foliage.
Arriving in Yangsu, I felt the presence of a calm and peaceful summer. Some ajummas chattered in a group, a car circled the roundabout, cicadas sang at each other, and time moved like honey. Across from the station, luscious green mountains stretched on, surrounded by fields of vines and crops. Beyond that is the water. My real destination for the day was Dumulmeori, a beautiful place to explore on foot or by bike. Dumulmeori is on an island in the Yangsu village and has become a popular spot for Korean tourists wanting to escape the city. From Yangsu station, it’s a quick bus ride or a 25-30 minute walk.
The fields in Dumulmeori are beautiful; the tall grasses embrace a variety of wildflowers, and butterflies float about.Exploring Dumulmeori
Dumulmeori gets its name from being the meeting point of two waterways. Its location makes it a popular visitor spot during lotus flower season. Despite the festivals being over, I was lucky enough to spot some flowers in the paddies. I recommend reserving a few hours to stroll around Dumulmeori and enjoy the scenery leisurely. There are cafes and food carts around the island to grab a cold drink or savor some fresh roasted corn. After I cooled down with an icy lemonade, I wandered on paths that took me through mini grassy meadows. The warm, humid air carried the bird and bug songs so softly, and the views across the flower-dotted grasses will never leave me.
I saw some beautiful white and pink lotus flowers that were still open.Exploring Dumulmeori was the perfect chance to experience Korean culture outside of Seoul. I suggest taking any day trip out of the city if you can. My solo Yangsu trip gave me the space to reconnect with myself over a slow and peaceful day. I created some of my favorite study abroad memories with myself that day. If you’re comfortable with it, have an independent travel day and immerse yourself in a new environment.
A cool art installment hidden amongst the trees and grasses of Dumulmeori.When you travel to Korea, spend time with yourself, explore different cultures, and travel as much as you can! Had I known the ease of leaving Seoul on public transportation, I might have done so earlier and taken more trips.
Breegan O’Hearn, William & Mary, is studying abroad in South Korea with TEAN.
