<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss version="2.0" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:wfw="http://wellformedweb.org/CommentAPI/" xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:sy="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/syndication/" xmlns:slash="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/slash/" > <channel> <title>seoul Archives - TEAN</title> <atom:link href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/tag/seoul/feed/" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml" /> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/tag/seoul/</link> <description>The Education Abroad Network</description> <lastBuildDate>Wed, 01 Jan 2025 22:54:21 +0000</lastBuildDate> <language>en-US</language> <sy:updatePeriod> hourly </sy:updatePeriod> <sy:updateFrequency> 1 </sy:updateFrequency> <generator>https://wordpress.org/?v=6.7.2</generator> <image> <url>https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/cropped-TEAN_favicon1-32x32.png</url> <title>seoul Archives - TEAN</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/tag/seoul/</link> <width>32</width> <height>32</height> </image> <item> <title>Exploring Jeju Island Vlog</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/exploring-jeju-island-vlog/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben Weeldreyer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 14 Jan 2025 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Student]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Veritas Christian Study Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[benwheeldreyer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[jeju]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=35095</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Follow along with video blogger Ben as he explores South Korea’s popular Jeju Island! Ben … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/exploring-jeju-island-vlog/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/exploring-jeju-island-vlog/">Exploring Jeju Island Vlog</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Follow along with video blogger Ben as he explores South Korea’s popular Jeju Island!</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="Exploring Jeju Island | TEAN Study Abroad Vlog Fall 2024 | Ben Weeldryer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LTttDYukPiI?feature=oembed&rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p><strong>Ben Weeldryer, Bethel University, is studying abroad in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Korea</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/exploring-jeju-island-vlog/">Exploring Jeju Island Vlog</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>A Half Marathon in Korea Vlog</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/a-half-marathon-in-korea-vlog/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben Weeldreyer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Sat, 30 Nov 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Student]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Veritas Christian Study Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[benwheeldreyer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=34807</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Video blogger Ben trained for a half marathon in two weeks! Here’s how it went. … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/a-half-marathon-in-korea-vlog/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/a-half-marathon-in-korea-vlog/">A Half Marathon in Korea Vlog</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Video blogger Ben trained for a half marathon in two weeks! Here’s how it went.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe title="A Half Marathon in Korea | TEAN Study Abroad Vlog Fall 2024 | Ben Weeldryer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2AX0aVcFl1s?feature=oembed&rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p><strong>Ben Weeldryer, Bethel University, is studying abroad in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Korea</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/a-half-marathon-in-korea-vlog/">A Half Marathon in Korea Vlog</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>My Favorite Spots in Seoul</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-favorite-spots-in-seoul/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sera Albers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 26 Nov 2024 12:00:18 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seraalbers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=34675</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Seoul is a really unique place that offers a mix of traditional and modern at … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-favorite-spots-in-seoul/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-favorite-spots-in-seoul/">My Favorite Spots in Seoul</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Seoul is a really unique place that offers a mix of traditional and modern at the same time. I recommend exploring anything and everything, especially with the transportation system being so easy, cheap, and convenient. You can never be bored in this city because there is so much to do and see around every corner. I encourage anyone coming to Korea to really immerse themselves in the culture and experience everything with an open mind—and an empty stomach.</p> <p>Here is a list of my favorite places in Seoul after being in Korea for three months!</p> <h3>Namsan Tower</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34689" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34689" style="width: 1512px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34689 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JBNDXBSBSCA8WSZT6FWTWKE9-low-res-branded-.jpg" alt="" width="1512" height="2016" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JBNDXBSBSCA8WSZT6FWTWKE9-low-res-branded-.jpg 1512w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JBNDXBSBSCA8WSZT6FWTWKE9-low-res-branded--225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JBNDXBSBSCA8WSZT6FWTWKE9-low-res-branded--960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JBNDXBSBSCA8WSZT6FWTWKE9-low-res-branded--768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JBNDXBSBSCA8WSZT6FWTWKE9-low-res-branded--1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JBNDXBSBSCA8WSZT6FWTWKE9-low-res-branded--233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="(max-width: 1512px) 100vw, 1512px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34689" class="wp-caption-text">A picture from hiking up to the tower with TEAN! It was a bit exhausting but it was definitely worth it, especially since the leaves had begun changing colors. The trees and surrounding forest were absolutely breathtaking to look at during the walk up and after reaching the top. There are also options where you can take a gondola or bus to reach the top if you don’t want to hike.</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Cafe Pokpo</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34683" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34683" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34683 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9095-1-233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34683" class="wp-caption-text">The prettiest cafe I have ever been to in my life! Located in the middle of Seoul, about 20 minutes away from Yonsei University, this hidden and unexpected scene was one of my favorite places in Seoul. You can enjoy delicious treats and drinks while sitting right next to a waterfall; this was the perfect place to relax, take pictures, or even do homework.</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Lotte World</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34676" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34676" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34676 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0452-233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34676" class="wp-caption-text">Known by some as the Korean Disney Land, this was a great place to hang out with friends and go on fun rides. The tickets were not very expensive, coming out to only $26 USD for a day pass, and there are many food options that aren’t very expensive either. If you plan to come here, definitely go early and take advantage of the all-day pass. Many people go here, especially on weekends, so lines can get long. For example, we waited for a ride for about two hours and couldn’t get on other rides because we did not arrive in time for the reservation line.</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Koriko Cafe</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34685" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34685" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34685 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_9909-1-233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34685" class="wp-caption-text">Another one of my favorite cafes I went to in Seoul. If you are a fan of Ghibli movies, this cafe was made inspired by the movie “Kiki’s Delivery Service.” This cafe had an adorable interior with a little Ghibli souvenir store and really delicious treats and drinks. I got the creme brulee and think about it all the time because it was that good! This cafe is a bit out of the way and isn’t super close to any big attraction locations, but the area is really cute and fun to explore, with many vintage stores and aesthetic restaurants.</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Banpo Hangang Park</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34677" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34677" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34677 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_8946-233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34677" class="wp-caption-text">My favorite park in Seoul to go to. This is a very popular location among locals and tourists for good reason. Banpo Hangang is a great park where you can rent a picnic set by the river, enjoy ramen from a floating 7-Eleven, bike around the park, or just sit on the grass and enjoy the views. After the beautiful sunset here, you can enjoy the Banpo Bridge light show or explore the waters on little boats. However, as a warning, the buses to and from this park can get very crowded, so plan for delays or have a flexible schedule when coming here.</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Namsangol Hanok Village</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34691" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34691" style="width: 1512px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34691 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JC29771ECBKTZ228WKVMH60Z-low-res-branded-.jpg" alt="" width="1512" height="2016" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JC29771ECBKTZ228WKVMH60Z-low-res-branded-.jpg 1512w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JC29771ECBKTZ228WKVMH60Z-low-res-branded--225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JC29771ECBKTZ228WKVMH60Z-low-res-branded--960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JC29771ECBKTZ228WKVMH60Z-low-res-branded--768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JC29771ECBKTZ228WKVMH60Z-low-res-branded--1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JC29771ECBKTZ228WKVMH60Z-low-res-branded--233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1512px) 100vw, 1512px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34691" class="wp-caption-text">A “hanok” village is a traditional Korean village with traditional-style buildings. You get the chance to see what Korea used to look like before it was modernized, what everyday life was like, and even what games they used to play. The most popular Hanok village in Seoul is Bukchon Hanok Village, which is known to get very crowded. Unlike Bukchon Hanok Village, Namsangol Hanok Village does not currently have people living in the houses in the village and is a lot less crowded. Both have their charms, but Namsangol Hanok village gave me a sense of peace, maybe from the emptiness and freedom to explore the beauty of the village and architecture without pressure. Or maybe it was the beautiful park behind the village where you could see Namsan Tower, widespread forests, little streams and waterfalls, and a relaxing vibe overall. If you enjoy sitting in nature, you would love sitting here. During Chuseok in October, this village hosts a festival where you can experience fun shows and games.</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Hongdae</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34692" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34692" style="width: 1512px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34692 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JCF573PRJ6AGJ18M4AEXS699-low-res-branded-.jpg" alt="" width="1512" height="2016" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JCF573PRJ6AGJ18M4AEXS699-low-res-branded-.jpg 1512w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JCF573PRJ6AGJ18M4AEXS699-low-res-branded--225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JCF573PRJ6AGJ18M4AEXS699-low-res-branded--960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JCF573PRJ6AGJ18M4AEXS699-low-res-branded--768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JCF573PRJ6AGJ18M4AEXS699-low-res-branded--1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/01JCF573PRJ6AGJ18M4AEXS699-low-res-branded--233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1512px) 100vw, 1512px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34692" class="wp-caption-text">One of my favorite shopping spots conveniently located near my host university, Sogang University, this street is a great place to get a wide selection of shopping for good prices. You can shop for the latest fashion in Korea, from shirts, pants, and bags to phone cases and accessories. They have a variety of national brands, like Nike and H&M, and smaller stores like Lucky Factory and 4seasons. This street also has many dining options, from street food to Michelin-star restaurants. Hongdae is also known for its nightlife, including bars and clubs where foreigners and locals hang out. This location has various things to do, and you will always have a good time here!</figcaption></figure></p> <h3>Gyeongbokgung Palace</h3> <p><figure id="attachment_34693" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34693" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34693 size-full" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-scaled.jpg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/IMG_0023-233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34693" class="wp-caption-text">On this TEAN excursion, we went to this palace while wearing traditional clothing called hanboks. This was one of my favorite memories from Korea, being able to dress up with my friends and explore this giant royal complex while feeling like a princess. Seeing everybody around us dressed up as well was so fun, and we had an experience that connected us to Korean culture. Even the area around the palace was really fun to explore, with many cute cafes and restaurants with a traditional yet modern feel that made it unique. If you plan to come here, I would recommend staying the whole day because there is so much to see and do in this area.</figcaption></figure></p> <div class="entry-content"> <p><strong>Sera Albers, Texas A&M University, is studying in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea/">Seoul, South Korea,</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> </div> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-favorite-spots-in-seoul/">My Favorite Spots in Seoul</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Korea in Lo-Fi Vlog</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/korea-in-lo-fi-vlog/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ben Weeldreyer]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 31 Oct 2024 12:00:00 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Student]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Veritas Christian Study Abroad]]></category> <category><![CDATA[benwheeldreyer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=34509</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Follow Ben’s experiences so far while studying abroad in Korea, set to soothing lo-fi sounds. … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/korea-in-lo-fi-vlog/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/korea-in-lo-fi-vlog/">Korea in Lo-Fi Vlog</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[ <p>Follow Ben’s experiences so far while studying abroad in Korea, set to soothing lo-fi sounds.</p> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> <iframe loading="lazy" title="Korea in Lo-Fi | TEAN Study Abroad Vlog Fall 2024 | Ben Weeldryer" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JcXNDrOpxtQ?feature=oembed&rel=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe> </div></figure> <p><strong>Ben Weeldryer, Bethel University, is studying abroad in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">South Korea</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/korea-in-lo-fi-vlog/">Korea in Lo-Fi Vlog</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>How to Experience the Best of Seoul</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/how-to-experience-the-best-of-seoul/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sera Albers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:00:20 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Intercultural]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seraalbers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=34437</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>When traveling to a new place, it’s easy to be instantly overwhelmed and caught up … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/how-to-experience-the-best-of-seoul/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/how-to-experience-the-best-of-seoul/">How to Experience the Best of Seoul</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When traveling to a new place, it’s easy to be instantly overwhelmed and caught up by all the new sights, food, and activities. We see videos of the place we are traveling to and save everything, trying to make a list of places to go to and things to check off. But sometimes, what truly makes a place memorable isn’t just the sights or food – it’s the people. The locals who walk those streets every day, the ones who built the culture you came to explore, are the heartbeat of the city.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_34439" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34439" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34439 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8489-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34439" class="wp-caption-text">Street vendor in Hongdae. One of my first meals in Seoul, these were the best corndogs I had ever tried. I instantly fell in love with the food.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34442" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34442" style="width: 892px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34442 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-892x1280.jpg" alt="" width="892" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-892x1280.jpg 892w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-209x300.jpg 209w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-768x1102.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-1070x1536.jpg 1070w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-1427x2048.jpg 1427w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-216x310.jpg 216w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8496-scaled.jpg 1783w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 892px) 100vw, 892px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34442" class="wp-caption-text">A seafood shop in Gwangjang Market. People-watching is one of my favorite pastimes. Being able to experience their everyday lives that are so drastically different from my own, everywhere I looked was like a movie to me. The food here was also delicious. One of the best food markets I have been to so far!</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34444" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34444" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34444 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8898-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34444" class="wp-caption-text">This was taken at Banpo Bridge by the Han River. Something about bikes and people walking their dogs during sunset by a river is so aesthetic. Traveling definitely allows you to romanticize life a lot more and makes even the smallest things and most ordinary activities seem like they came straight out of a movie.</figcaption></figure></p> <p>In Seoul, for example, the city’s bustling energy doesn’t just come from the neon-lit streets or the centuries-old palaces. It’s in the way the elderly gather early in the morning to practice tai chi in the parks, or how vendors at street markets shout to attract passersby, offering a taste of something you may never have tried before. It’s in the way strangers might approach you with curiosity, not out of obligation, but because they want to know your story – and share theirs in return.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_34440" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34440" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34440 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8491-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34440" class="wp-caption-text">These people on the subway may not have thought anything special or cool was happening at this moment but to a traveling artist, every scene is art. Especially to someone coming from Texas, I never get to ride public transportation, so to me, every experience is special.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34445" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34445" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34445 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-232x310.jpg 232w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9132-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34445" class="wp-caption-text">Taken at a fish market in Busan, this photo shows so much of the life and culture that Korea offers. You would never see a scene like this in America.</figcaption></figure></p> <p>You might have come to Seoul for the famous street food or to see the futuristic architecture that the city is known for, but it’s the small, unexpected interactions that make you fall in love with the place: a local café owner who remembers your order after just one visit or an older couple sitting next to you at a food stall, eager to teach you how to eat a dish properly. These moments connect you to the city’s soul, reminding you that it’s not just a backdrop for your adventure but a living, breathing place with people who make it what it is.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_34446" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34446" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34446 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9357-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34446" class="wp-caption-text">Korean celebrities are one group of people that others intentionally travel to Korea to experience. Concerts and fan meetings are such fun ways to see your favorite idols in person. This concert, in particular, was free for my university’s annual school festival, where various artists came to perform, including Lesserafim, 10CM, and Junny.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34441" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34441" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34441 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8495-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34441" class="wp-caption-text">Another photo taken at Gwangjang Market, there was a huge variety of foods to try here from spicy chicken feet to kimbap and tanghulu.</figcaption></figure></p> <p>So, while it’s tempting to rush from one attraction to the next, don’t forget to slow down. Say hello to the person sitting next to you on the subway, ask the barista about their favorite local spot, or take a moment to learn a few phrases in the local language. These encounters, these exchanges of stories and cultures, turn a trip into something more meaningful – something that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.</p> <p>Because in the end, traveling is not just about seeing a place. It’s about experiencing the people who make it come alive.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_34447" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34447" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34447 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_9486-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34447" class="wp-caption-text">This man on the motorcycle reminded me of myself. Though I’m not sure what he was taking a picture of, I could tell by the way he had his camera around his neck as he drove around, that he loved capturing the everyday lives of regular people here.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34443" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34443" style="width: 926px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34443 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-926x1280.jpg" alt="" width="926" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-926x1280.jpg 926w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-217x300.jpg 217w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-768x1062.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-1111x1536.jpg 1111w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-1481x2048.jpg 1481w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-224x310.jpg 224w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/IMG_8504-scaled.jpg 1851w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34443" class="wp-caption-text">Walking around random alleyways in Seoul, I’ll stumble across scenes that are perfectly framed like this one and are asking me to capture with my camera. I had felt as though this man was posing for me to capture him at this exact point in time.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><strong>Sera Albers, Texas A&M University, is studying in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea/">Seoul, South Korea,</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/how-to-experience-the-best-of-seoul/">How to Experience the Best of Seoul</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>The Alleys that Connect Seoul</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/the-alleys-that-connect-seoul/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Sera Albers]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 08 Oct 2024 12:00:19 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Intercultural]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seraalbers]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=34272</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Upon first arriving in Seoul, I noticed and admired the various alleyways on every street, … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/the-alleys-that-connect-seoul/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/the-alleys-that-connect-seoul/">The Alleys that Connect Seoul</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Upon first arriving in Seoul, I noticed and admired the various alleyways on every street, each leading to something different, maybe a hidden treasure at the end or maybe just a random pile of recycling at the end. Either way, I made it a goal to explore as much as possible during my time here. When I think of alleyways in America, they always tend to have an eerie and almost forbidden connotation to them. However, in Seoul, each alley I encountered felt like a new adventure and a new story waiting for me to explore.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_34284" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34284" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34284 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8440-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34284" class="wp-caption-text">One of the first alleys I came across, and though I felt slightly creeped out by it because of how dark it was, I would have never expected it to have the cutest cafe on the other side. A hidden gem I would never have come across if I had not taken this random detour that night.</figcaption></figure></p> <p>Some alleyways in Korea were home to the best food markets in town. These were the places foreigners would never expect to find popular restaurants, but my favorite foods I have tried in Korea have been in places like this. They weren’t the fanciest places in the world, but something about the crowds and the car exhaust from the nearby road made the food much better.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_34287" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34287" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34287 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8493-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34287" class="wp-caption-text">This food market located near Jongno 5 ga Station had almost anything you could ever think of and even had other small restaurants hidden away in alleyways that detached from the main one.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34290" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34290" style="width: 926px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34290 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-926x1280.jpg" alt="" width="926" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-926x1280.jpg 926w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-217x300.jpg 217w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-768x1062.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-1111x1536.jpg 1111w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-1481x2048.jpg 1481w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-224x310.jpg 224w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8504-scaled.jpg 1851w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 926px) 100vw, 926px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34290" class="wp-caption-text">Moments like these remind me that these streets and alleys are home to families and are just regular old roads to the locals living there. Though they were just filled with boxes, garage doors, and random signs, the contrast from what I experienced in my usual everyday life back home makes these moments more beautiful.</figcaption></figure></p> <p>Though some alleyways didn’t have anything that exciting at the end of them, they were always something pretty to look at. The tourist in me always looks at them curiously, wondering what awaits me on each path. The artist in me loves looking at them for the perspective, lines, and colors that were unique to each one.</p> <p><figure id="attachment_34288" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34288" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34288 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8487-1-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34288" class="wp-caption-text">This one was located in Hongdae, and despite that area being known for its nightlife and crazy crowds, this hill gave the opposite feeling.</figcaption></figure></p> <div class="mceTemp"></div> <p><figure id="attachment_34285" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34285" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34285 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8453-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34285" class="wp-caption-text">Each alleyway had its own personality and vibe to it. Some were filled with color and vibrancy, others were clean, modern and grey. Either way, they were an amazing sight to see on my adventures around Seoul.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34283" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34283" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34283 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8438-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34283" class="wp-caption-text">Nighttime in a city is so different than ones in suburban America; the colors and smells all add to the experience.</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34291" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34291" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34291 size-large" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8535-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34291" class="wp-caption-text">Though this one may or may not count as an alleyway, this walkway on Nami Island is definitely one of the prettiest I have come across in Korea. </figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34292" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34292" style="width: 960px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-34292 size-large" style="font-size: 1rem;" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-960x1280.jpg" alt="" width="960" height="1280" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-233x310.jpg 233w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/IMG_8600-scaled.jpg 1920w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34292" class="wp-caption-text">This photo shows Seoul’s intricate maze from the top of the Lotte Sky Tower. From the collections of houses, apartments, and mountains, this city is a place of wonder and adventure.</figcaption></figure></p> <p>It’s been amazing seeing what Korea has to offer me, and I can’t wait for more hidden treasures that await me down each and every alley.</p> <p><strong>Sera Albers, Texas A&M University, is studying in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea/">Seoul, South Korea,</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/the-alleys-that-connect-seoul/">The Alleys that Connect Seoul</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>My Experience Being a Black Woman in South Korea</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-experience-being-a-black-woman-in-south-korea/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ogechi Muruako]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 10 Sep 2024 12:00:41 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Intercultural]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[ogechimuruako]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=34156</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Being a BIPOC student studying abroad can be a scary process at first, as you … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-experience-being-a-black-woman-in-south-korea/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-experience-being-a-black-woman-in-south-korea/">My Experience Being a Black Woman in South Korea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Being a BIPOC student studying abroad can be a scary process at first, as you may worry about how race is perceived or if you will have to struggle with racism or discrimination in the country you choose to visit. Working as a TEAN blogger this summer, I want to ensure that I’m providing a resource for other BIPOC students to help them along their study abroad endeavors. Therefore, I will be sharing my experience studying abroad in South Korea as a Black woman. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Whether you’re also interested in visiting Korea or not, I feel that my story can be something everyone can learn from. Be mindful, however, that everyone’s experience will differ, so you may not experience what I went through.</span></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <figure id="attachment_34162" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34162" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34162" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-1280x960.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1970-310x233.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34162" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="font-size: 1rem;">A very common occurrence I faced in Korea was being stared at by locals. Though I knew to expect this beforehand, I don’t think anything could mentally prepare me enough for the amount of staring I received. What I’ve noticed, though, is that most Koreans don’t mean any ill intent when staring. They mostly do it out of curiosity, as they are not used to seeing Black people in Korea regularly. However, it still didn’t make me feel any less self-conscious about myself whenever I went out. </span></figcaption></figure> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Unfortunately, I did experience discrimination a few times during my time abroad:</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">My friends and I received poor service and were practically ignored by servers at a Korean barbeque spot just because we were foreigners.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">A random woman touched my hair without asking while I was waiting in line for the bathroom at a train station.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-weight: 400;">While on the subway, there was a time I was being looked at and gossiped about by a group of older ladies.</span></li> </ul> <figure id="attachment_34161" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34161" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34161" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-1280x960.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1728-310x233.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34161" class="wp-caption-text"><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Despite the bad times, visiting Korea was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. It is important to remind yourself that you shouldn’t let a few bad people represent an entire population. There was a time when a friend and I went to a baseball game, and on the subway back home, someone struck up a conversation with us. He said he wanted to practice his English with us, and it was a nice exchange to get to know him and even practice some of our Korean. It was the little moments like this that made studying abroad worthwhile. Many Koreans here are welcoming to foreigners and admire those who have genuine respect and appreciation for Korean culture. They are also eager to teach more about their culture and history. From the delicious food and beautiful scenes to the rich culture, there was so much to admire about the country. </span></figcaption></figure> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1280" height="960" class="wp-image-34159" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-1280x960.jpeg" alt="" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-1280x960.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_1504-310x233.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px" /></figure> <p><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Overall, I had a lovely time in Korea! Between the people from the KU program and the locals I conversed with, I met some amazing people throughout my trip and made a lot of great memories. I even made some Korean friends who I hope to see when visiting again in the future. For my fellow BIPOC travelers looking for their next destination, I recommend putting South Korea on your radar, and I hope you have as much of a fun time as I did. </span></p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34163" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-1280x960.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/IMG_2385-310x233.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">고마워요 여러분! 난 네가 그리울 거야 한국 ~</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">♡︎</span></p> <p><strong>Ogechi Muruako, The Ohio State University, is studying abroad in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea</a> with TEAN.</strong></p><p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/my-experience-being-a-black-woman-in-south-korea/">My Experience Being a Black Woman in South Korea</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>What to Do in Seoul: $10 and Under Edition!</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/what-to-do-in-seoul-10-and-under-edition/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Chandler]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 29 Aug 2024 12:00:37 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[budgeting]]></category> <category><![CDATA[elizabethchandler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=34108</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Introduction 안녕하세요 여러분! Hi everyone! It’s Elizabeth! I’ll be honest: Typically, I have admirable intentions … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/what-to-do-in-seoul-10-and-under-edition/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/what-to-do-in-seoul-10-and-under-edition/">What to Do in Seoul: $10 and Under Edition!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><strong>Introduction</strong></h4> <p>안녕하세요 여러분! Hi everyone! It’s Elizabeth!</p> <p>I’ll be honest: Typically, I have admirable intentions to save money. I’ll even create a week-by-week color-coded budget sheet…only to buy the first cute plushie or pretty bag I lay eyes on. I know — horrible habit!</p> <p>But I know this is probably a universal challenge. So here are some of my favorite things to do in Seoul for $10 and under to inspire you to stick to your budget better than I have!</p> <h4><strong>카공</strong><strong> – Cafe Studying</strong></h4> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34131" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-300x169.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-768x432.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Cinnamoroll-310x174.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p> <p>카공 (cafe + kongbu/studying) is studying in a café, as the name suggests! While my cafe expenses definitely racked up during my study abroad, I truly do think the cafes around Seoul are the best of the best and one of my favorite experiences that doesn’t cost too much at all.</p> <p>Some cafes limit you to an hour or two per purchase, but most don’t in my experience. Either way, I think lattes were usually about $5 each (6,000 won), so I could easily spend all afternoon between one or two cafes as I studied! And that’s about $10 for my entire afternoon of entertainment! (Rather than, you know, clothes shopping and losing ten times that amount in half the time. No personal experience there or anything…)</p> <p>Anyway, Seoul literally has thousands upon thousands of cafes, so you never have to go to the same one twice. (Although you’ll want to because they’re all so cute, homey, yummy, etc.!) So, pack your backpack and head to the cute cafes you see everywhere! They’re worth it!</p> <p>Some of my favorites: The Coffee Bean (chain), Café Byulchae (near Korea University), Sunnyside Coffee (near Korea University), Hey Jude (Mapo), Cinnamoroll Sweet Café (Hongdae), and Check Grow (Mapo).</p> <h4><strong>박물관</strong><strong> – Museums</strong></h4> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34133" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-300x225.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-768x576.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-640x480.jpg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Museum-310x233.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p> <p>Ok, I know I’m a nerd, but hear me out: Museums are super cool!! They tend to be free or really cheap, and they have beautiful and often interactive exhibits that anyone can enjoy.</p> <p>I went to two in Seoul, the National Museum and the Museum of History, and the National Folk Museum in Paju (an hour away from Seoul, pictured above). Each of them had beautiful exhibits that taught me a lot about the nation I was living in for six weeks. It made all the temples, <em>hanoks</em>, and even the roads more meaningful to me. If they’re not free outright, they’re really cheap! So please check them out!</p> <h4><strong>공원</strong><strong> – Parks</strong></h4> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34134" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-300x169.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-768x432.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-2048x1152.jpg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Seonyudo-310x174.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /></p> <p>Ok, so I studied abroad during monsoon season, when it rains almost daily. That made me really appreciate every evening there was a break in the rain. Without fail, with each break in the rain I would scurry over to the next park on my bucket list. And I treasured it every time!</p> <p>There’s an amazing variety of parks in Seoul. Some are located around the Han River, others the mountains scattered throughout Seoul. Both types are amazing, and I always enjoyed exploring these new spaces! And during the summer a bunch of flowers were blooming, making them extra pretty. (Ooh — and, if you’re a cat person, often you can see cats there! One of them modeled for me at Seonyudo Park, pictured above!)</p> <p>And, of course, they’re free of charge! Here are some of my favorites: Seoul Forest, Ttukseom Hangang Park, Seonyudo Park, Naksan Park, Olympic Park</p> <h4><strong>시장 –</strong><strong> Markets</strong></h4> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34132" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-scaled.jpg 1440w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-169x300.jpg 169w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-720x1280.jpg 720w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-768x1365.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-864x1536.jpg 864w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-1152x2048.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Gwangjang-174x310.jpg 174w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1440px) 100vw, 1440px" /></p> <p>Whether you’re looking for cute accessories like hair clips or socks, funny little souvenirs like fans or keychains, or yummy street foods like <em>tteokbokki</em> or <em>hotteok</em>, the various markets are the place for you!</p> <p>There are places like Gwangjang market that will have lots of things you’re looking for, as well as just street markets like around Insadong, Dongmyo, or Busan (which TEAN will take you to) on the weekends! Usually, their goods cost between $1-20 depending on what you’re buying, but typically they’re really cute/interesting things, and wandering from stall to stall is a great way to spend an afternoon!</p> <h4><strong>공연</strong> – <strong>Buskers/Performances</strong></h4> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34130" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Busker.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="847" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Busker.jpg 1170w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Busker-300x217.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Busker-768x556.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Busker-310x224.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px" /></p> <p>Busking is common throughout Seoul, and hearing music at random street corners was one of my favorite things as I explored the city. Usually, the buskers come out in the evening, bringing beautiful singing or guitar skills. In Hongdae, they’ll often dance as well!</p> <h4><strong>동대문</strong><strong> Dongdaemun</strong></h4> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34135" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Supplies.jpg" alt="" width="1170" height="861" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Supplies.jpg 1170w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Supplies-300x221.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Supplies-768x565.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Supplies-310x228.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1170px) 100vw, 1170px" /></p> <p>Dongdaemun is the place to find a deal! There’s lots of huge shopping malls with stalls upon stalls of clothing. There’s also amazing wholesale stores, plus the Dongdaemun Shopping Complex which has multiple floors-worth of shopping supplies!</p> <p>My friends and I went by Dongdaemun at least weekly looking for cute clothes, as well as prized craft supplies! We bought all the charms and supplies to make a few necklaces at home, plus we made keychains with patches we bought in the shopping complex. Our dorms even had irons so we could make them immediately.</p> <p>Altogether, the prices at the Shopping Complex and the various wholesale places are reasonable, so it’s worth the visit! And, overall, you could just spend a whole afternoon wandering around all the pretty things.</p> <h4><strong>Closing Thoughts</strong></h4> <p>Seoul has so much to do, so this blog only scratches the surface of budget-friendly things to do in the city! I’ve truly fallen in love with this country and all the exploration you can do here. I’m sure everyone who visits Seoul would make a different list of recommendations!</p> <p>But, with that, that’s the end of today’s blog.</p> <p>Thank you to everyone who’s kept up with my study abroad! Happy travels!</p> <p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Elizabeth Chandler, Berry College, is studying abroad in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/what-to-do-in-seoul-10-and-under-edition/">What to Do in Seoul: $10 and Under Edition!</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Going Solo: How I Became a Solo Traveler</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/going-solo-how-i-became-a-solo-traveler/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Valdovinos]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Tue, 20 Aug 2024 12:00:32 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Student Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Summer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[TEAN Tips]]></category> <category><![CDATA[emilyvaldovinos]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=33889</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>I didn’t know what outcomes to expect from my study abroad trip, but I was … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/going-solo-how-i-became-a-solo-traveler/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/going-solo-how-i-became-a-solo-traveler/">Going Solo: How I Became a Solo Traveler</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I didn’t know what outcomes to expect from my study abroad trip, but I was excited regardless. Before embarking on my trip, I had made one goal: to grow as a person. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I let myself spend a lot of time in my own company so that I could get to know myself better. If I didn’t have someone to go with me, I did not let that stop me from doing what I wanted and going where I wanted to go. After all, one of the reasons I wanted to study abroad was to travel and explore a foreign country. </span></p> <h2><b>First Experience Solo</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I had the chance to go to my first K-pop concert to see my favorite group, Stray Kids. No other study abroad student I knew could get tickets to attend because only those with the membership could get tickets, and tickets sold out in just a couple of minutes, so I had no choice but to go alone if I wanted to see my favorite group. This was also my first time taking the train by myself, but I wasn’t at all worried because the Naver Maps app, which is used in South Korea instead of Google Maps, helped me know how to get there.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Eventually, at one of the stops, fans from China asked me if I was going to the concert, as they spotted a plush keychain that was Stray Kids merch. They gave me some small gifts they were giving out to fans and joined me as we figured out how to get to KSPO Dome, where the concert was held. Once arriving, we went to the line to get free merch for having the membership, then entered the venue and split off to our designated seats. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_33993" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33993" style="width: 2518px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-33993" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524.jpeg" alt="" width="2518" height="2151" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524.jpeg 2518w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524-300x256.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524-1280x1093.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524-768x656.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524-1536x1312.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524-2048x1750.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_1524-310x265.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2518px) 100vw, 2518px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33993" class="wp-caption-text">Outside the KSPO Dome. Ready for the Stray Kids Fan Meeting!</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the venue, people had flown in from all over the world, mainly from the neighboring countries of Japan and China. Although the Stray Kids Fan Meeting was held in South Korea, everything from the show was in Korean, which made it hard to know what was happening at times, as I understand limited Korean. I had fun regardless because they performed all the songs that I know and love, and it is what brought me to this place where I can bond with people from all over the world just because of one shared interest.</span></p> <div> <p><figure id="attachment_33994" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33994" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-33994" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1440" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-1280x720.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2105-310x174.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33994" class="wp-caption-text">It was an unbelievable experience to attend a K-pop concert in Korea and witness my favorite group, Stray Kids, for the first time.</figcaption></figure></p> </div> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">At the end of the concert, I went to have some street food outside near the venue, and I decided to join two girls who also came to the concert alone. One of the girls was from Germany but was studying the Korean language in Korea, and the other girl was Korean and a Korea University alum, which coincidentally happens to be the university I was studying at. Before we parted ways, we took pictures of our plushies, exchanged social media, and ensured we were all getting home safely. Above all, it was an unforgettable memory that reminded me of how getting into K-pop led me to study abroad in South Korea and opened me up to many opportunities because I gained a curiosity about South Korean culture. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_33995" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33995" style="width: 2091px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-33995" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2091" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-scaled.jpeg 2091w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-245x300.jpeg 245w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-1046x1280.jpeg 1046w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-768x940.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-1255x1536.jpeg 1255w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-1673x2048.jpeg 1673w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_2607-253x310.jpeg 253w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2091px) 100vw, 2091px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33995" class="wp-caption-text">Meeting other fans from all over the world</figcaption></figure></p> <h2><b>Exploring Seoul</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After this, I became more confident about venturing into doing more solo trips. I decided to have random days to myself where I went around Seoul, a city immersed with tons of life and culture, exploring and visiting places on my bucket list for Korea, like going to trendy cafes, shopping at COEX Starfield Mall, visiting the BTS Pop-Up Shop, and wandering around areas like Myeongdong, Hongdae, Seongsu, and Gangnam.</span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_33996" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33996" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-33996" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-960x1280.jpeg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_6283-233x310.jpeg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33996" class="wp-caption-text">Enjoying my time alone at a cafe with a view of the Han River</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The thrill of discovering these places on my own helped me build my confidence in exploring Seoul and becoming more confident in traveling on my own. Especially in a country like South Korea, traveling solo is a lot easier because of how safe the country is. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_33997" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33997" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-33997" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-1280x960.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_7791-310x233.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33997" class="wp-caption-text">The BTS Monochrome Pop-up Shop</figcaption></figure></p> <h2><b>Embarking on my first solo trip</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My time abroad was close to coming to an end, with only a few weeks left before I had to head back home, but there was still one place on my bucket list for South Korea that I wanted to go to while I was still in the country, that place was Jeju Island. Jeju is known for its many beautiful beaches and UNESCO World Heritage Sites, among many other things that make it special. I decided to visit Jeju Island as a solo traveler. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I planned to stay in Jeju for a weekend. I researched a lot a few days before the trip and planned my itinerary. Through Expedia, I got my roundtrip flights, including my stay, so I didn’t have to worry about getting everything separately; I recommend doing this as it makes everything much easier. I flew from Gimpo International Airport to Jeju Airport, and the flight was only around an hour long. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_33998" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33998" style="width: 1092px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-33998" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3551.jpeg" alt="" width="1092" height="1935" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3551.jpeg 1092w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3551-169x300.jpeg 169w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3551-722x1280.jpeg 722w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3551-768x1361.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3551-867x1536.jpeg 867w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_3551-175x310.jpeg 175w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1092px) 100vw, 1092px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33998" class="wp-caption-text">Flying to Jeju Island for my first solo trip</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">If you are worried about not speaking the language, airports and more touristy areas are usually places where the employees speak at least some English. Regardless, it’s good to know at least the language basics, and having a translator app ready is always handy. I highly recommend using Papago for Korean. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I stayed at a hotel in Jeju City that was not only near the airport but also almost right in front of the beach. I took a taxi from the airport to the hotel using the Kakao T app, which makes booking a taxi easy and convenient; think of it as the Korean equivalent of apps like Uber and Lyft. </span></p> <h2><b>Kicking off my trip</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After I checked into my hotel, I headed out to visit the first place on my itinerary. In terms of transportation, Jeju does not have trains or subways, so I only used buses and taxis. I visited the Jeju National Museum, only about 15 to 20 minutes by bus from my hotel. Visiting the museum was a great way to kick off my trip because I could learn about the unique history of Jeju Island and see many artifacts.</span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_33999" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-33999" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-33999" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-960x1280.jpeg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9244-233x310.jpeg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-33999" class="wp-caption-text">Jeju National Museum</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After the museum, I returned to my hotel to rest before dinner. I went to Dongmun Market for dinner, which was a short walk from my hotel. I highly recommend Dongmun Market because it is a very lively tourist spot where you can find many souvenirs and gifts you can bring back home, like volcanic stone <em>hareubang</em> statues and Hallabong (Jeju’s own mandarin) themed souvenirs, snacks like <em>yakgwa</em> and <em>oranda</em>. Apart from many souvenirs to buy from, there are many street food options to try. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34000" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34000" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34000" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-960x1280.jpeg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9261-233x310.jpeg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34000" class="wp-caption-text">Hallabong-themed souvenirs at Dongmun Market</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34001" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34001" style="width: 1827px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34001" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1827" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-scaled.jpeg 1827w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-214x300.jpeg 214w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-914x1280.jpeg 914w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-768x1076.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-1096x1536.jpeg 1096w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-1462x2048.jpeg 1462w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9273-221x310.jpeg 221w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1827px) 100vw, 1827px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34001" class="wp-caption-text">One of the many food stands at Dongmun Market</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Saturday unexpectedly became a rainy day, so I had to switch out my itinerary and travel to the very south of Jeju Island, Seogwipo. Before going to Seogwipo, I stopped by Chilseong-ro Shopping Street to shop at the many trendy shops. Afterward, I headed to Seogwipo, took a bus, and then transferred to the airport limousine bus, which was more like a shuttle bus that took me from the north of the island to the very south. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After riding the airport limousine bus to Seogwipo for about 45 minutes, the stop was right by the Jungmun Tourist Complex, where there are many different attractions. The first place I visited in Seogwipo was Cheonjeyeon Falls, which includes three waterfalls. To get to the waterfalls, you have to first cross Seonimigyo Bridge; it can seem at first quite scary to some people because it is quite steep, but it is all worth it; the view at the top of the bridge was unlike anything I have ever seen before.</span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34002" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34002" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34002" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-1280x960.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9466-310x233.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34002" class="wp-caption-text">The view from the top of Seonimgyo Bridge</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Standing in the middle of the Seonimgyo Bridge and enjoying the view made me reflect for a moment and feel tremendously grateful for everything that has brought me to see such a beautiful view that I had only dreamed of. Luckily, the rain had stopped right before I arrived at the waterfalls, so I could fully enjoy the sights. After crossing the bridge, I went to see the waterfalls, where the water was a lovely aquamarine blue; I had never seen anything quite like it. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34034" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34034" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34034" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-960x1280.jpeg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9508-233x310.jpeg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34034" class="wp-caption-text">Cheonjeyeon Falls</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Of course, after seeing such a beautiful sight, I wasn’t going to miss out on getting a picture. A simple sentence that helped me ask strangers to take my picture was “저기요, 사진 찍어 주세요 (jeogiyo sajin jjigeo juseyo),” which means “Excuse me, can you take my picture please?” Don’t forget always to say “감사합니다 (gamsahamnida)” to give thanks after they have taken your picture!</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My next stop was Yeomiji Botanical Garden, located next to Cheonjeyeon Falls. At the botanical garden, I visited some of the major gardens after seeing most of the Indoor Gardens, like the Japanese Garden and French Garden, which were among my favorites. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34035" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34035" style="width: 2128px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34035" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737.jpeg" alt="" width="2128" height="1198" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737.jpeg 2128w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737-300x169.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737-1280x721.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737-768x432.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737-1536x865.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737-2048x1153.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9737-310x175.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2128px) 100vw, 2128px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34035" class="wp-caption-text">The French Garden at Yeomiji Botanical Garden</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right before the botanical garden closed, I headed out and walked to Jungmun Saekdal Beach, which was about 15 minutes away. After all, I didn’t fly to Jeju to miss out on the beautiful beaches. Once arriving at the beach, I watched over the view as it was filled with surfers. But the sunset was approaching, so I went to check out The Cliff, a popular restaurant and bar, famously the filming location of the music video for Alcohol-Free by Twice.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I ordered a pizza for dinner and sat at a spot where I could view the coastline. Off in the far distance, I could see the mountains; I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect view of the sunset. After finishing my meal, I took the bus that headed me back to Jeju City, ready to go to bed early, as I had a packed itinerary the following day. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34036" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34036" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34036" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-960x1280.jpeg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_9667-233x310.jpeg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34036" class="wp-caption-text">Enjoying a meal at The Cliff with a view of Jungmun Saekdal Beach</figcaption></figure></p> <h2><b>Maximizing my Experience</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">It was Sunday, my last full day in Jeju Island, so I planned to make the most of it. In the morning, I walked to Tapdong Plaza, a nice area near the shore. After going on my walk, I wanted to take a bus to my first destination. I took my first bus and had to transfer, but the bus was taking too long to arrive, and there was no ETA, so there was a chance of it taking over an hour to come. At this point, I realized that the buses weren’t as reliable as I thought. From that moment on, I had to take taxis to each destination I wanted to go to to make the most of my time. </span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">With the taxi, I promptly made it to my destination; my first destination was Snoopy Garden, and there was lots to explore. Snoopy Garden has an indoor area that serves as a museum and an exhibit of the Peanuts comics, including many photo opportunity spots. Just as you thought there wouldn’t be any more photo opportunities, you reach the actual garden itself, which is vast, and you won’t want to skip out on it. The whole garden is so cute, and some of my favorite areas are Beagle Scout Camp, Snoopy Persona Rock Garden, and Warm Puppy Lake. Apart from all of this, Snoopy Garden also has a cafe and shop.</span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34037" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34037" style="width: 1918px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34037" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1918" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-scaled.jpeg 1918w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-959x1280.jpeg 959w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-768x1025.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-1151x1536.jpeg 1151w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-1534x2048.jpeg 1534w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0122-232x310.jpeg 232w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1918px) 100vw, 1918px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34037" class="wp-caption-text">Snoopy Garden</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">After Snoopy Garden, it was time to head to an official Studio Ghibli store called Dotorisup. They had merch from practically every Studio Ghibli movie. Outside of all the merch, the store itself had many things from Studio Ghibli fans’ dreams, like a life-sized Totoro and Catbus from My Neighbor Totoro and Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle.</span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34038" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34038" style="width: 2048px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34038" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2048" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-scaled.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-240x300.jpeg 240w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-1024x1280.jpeg 1024w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-768x960.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-1229x1536.jpeg 1229w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-1638x2048.jpeg 1638w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0164-1-248x310.jpeg 248w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34038" class="wp-caption-text">Studio Ghibli store</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Right next to the store is the Koriko Cafe, which is based on the cafe from the movie Kiki’s Delivery Service. The cafe had a unique menu with many references to the movie. I treated myself to a sweet meal, which included what, in my opinion, is the best pound cake ever, exclusive to the Jeju location menu, along with a drink and a Dutch baby pancake. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34039" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34039" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34039" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-scaled.jpeg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-300x225.jpeg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-1280x960.jpeg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-768x576.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-1536x1152.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-2048x1536.jpeg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-640x480.jpeg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0188-310x233.jpeg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34039" class="wp-caption-text">Koriko Cafe based on the movie Kiki’s Delivery Service</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The last place I planned to visit on my itinerary was Ecoland, a theme park; it has a train that takes you to different stops around the park that are only accessible via the train. Each stop includes a unique theme, activities, shops, and food; there is a lot to see and do. Some of my favorite sights were the Casa del Viento windmill based on the one from the classic story of Don Quixote, fairy houses that looked like the houses from The Hobbit, and the lavender field that looked straight out of a dream. </span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34040" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34040" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34040" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-scaled.jpeg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-scaled.jpeg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-225x300.jpeg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-960x1280.jpeg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-768x1024.jpeg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-1152x1536.jpeg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-1536x2048.jpeg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0243-233x310.jpeg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34040" class="wp-caption-text">Don Quixote statue and Casa del Viento in Ecoland</figcaption></figure></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34041" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34041" style="width: 1920px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34041" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307.jpg" alt="" width="1920" height="2560" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307.jpg 1920w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307-225x300.jpg 225w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307-960x1280.jpg 960w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/thumbnail_IMG_0307-233x310.jpg 233w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34041" class="wp-caption-text">Fairy Houses in Ecoland</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Once I got back to my hotel, I stopped by Tapdong Plaza once again to get a view of the sunset, and because it is near the airport, you could also see planes flying by not too far away. It was my last night, and because I liked Dongmun Market so much, I returned to get a few gifts and my last dinner. At the market, I met a solo traveler from France with whom I quickly bonded. We both enjoyed a watermelon drink I had wanted to try since the first night and then said our goodbyes. The morning after, I had to fly back to Seoul and say goodbye to the beautiful Jeju Island. </span></p> <h2><b>How Going Solo Impacted Me</b></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My first completely solo trip was a huge step in becoming and proving that I have become more independent during my study abroad. I didn’t feel very lonely during my trip, and it was nice to enjoy my own peace. After all, I went on my study abroad trip all on my own, although I was fortunate to meet many wonderful people along the way.</span></p> <p><figure id="attachment_34042" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-34042" style="width: 2560px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-full wp-image-34042" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-scaled.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1920" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-scaled.jpg 2560w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-300x225.jpg 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-1280x960.jpg 1280w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-768x576.jpg 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-1536x1152.jpg 1536w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-2048x1536.jpg 2048w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-640x480.jpg 640w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_0401_-310x233.jpg 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-34042" class="wp-caption-text">Lavender Field in Ecoland</figcaption></figure></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I decided to study abroad for my own self-improvement. The idea of going by myself didn’t stop me from seeing so many places I wouldn’t have imagined visiting. I wanted to share my experience with others and show that it is ok to travel alone. I hope that reading this inspires you not to feel scared of traveling alone. Just start by doing a few small things alone and then build up to bigger trips; remember that there are always people around that you can meet and become friends with wherever you decide to go.</span></p> <p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Emily Valdovinos, Florida Gulf Coast University, is studying abroad in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/going-solo-how-i-became-a-solo-traveler/">Going Solo: How I Became a Solo Traveler</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> <item> <title>Hello I’m Gyopo: My Experience as an Asian American Adoptee</title> <link>https://teanabroad.org/blog/hello-im-gyopo-my-experience-as-an-asian-american-adoptee/</link> <dc:creator><![CDATA[Elizabeth Chandler]]></dc:creator> <pubDate>Thu, 15 Aug 2024 12:00:50 +0000</pubDate> <category><![CDATA[Intercultural]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[South Korea]]></category> <category><![CDATA[Summer]]></category> <category><![CDATA[elizabethchandler]]></category> <category><![CDATA[seoul]]></category> <category><![CDATA[southkorea]]></category> <guid isPermaLink="false">https://teanabroad.org/?p=33988</guid> <description><![CDATA[<p>Introduction 안녕하세요 여러분! Hi everyone! It’s Elizabeth! In today’s blog, I want to tell you … <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/hello-im-gyopo-my-experience-as-an-asian-american-adoptee/">Read more</a></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/hello-im-gyopo-my-experience-as-an-asian-american-adoptee/">Hello I’m Gyopo: My Experience as an Asian American Adoptee</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></description> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4><strong>Introduction</strong></h4> <p>안녕하세요 여러분! Hi everyone! It’s Elizabeth!</p> <p>In today’s blog, I want to tell you a little about my experience as an Asian American adoptee studying abroad in my birth country. Fair warning: It gets a little deep. You’ve been warned :)</p> <h4><strong>The Basics</strong></h4> <p>If you’re reading this, I’m going to assume you’re either an Asian American adoptee, know an Asian American adoptee, or are just a cool person. None of these are mutually exclusive categories, of course.</p> <p>Because international adoption looks different person to person, here’s the quick breakdown of my adoption story:</p> <p>I’m born in a section of Seoul just southwest of the Han River, named Kim Hwa Hyun and given to a foster family to live somewhere in Mapo-gu. I spend a lovely seven months with them before leaving Seoul via Incheon airport in early 2004. I fly home for the first time and meet my mom and dad at an airport in Chicago. Boom! Adopted.</p> <h4><strong>Identity Exploration</strong></h4> <p>Overall, I love being an adoptee. I literally wouldn’t trade my life for the world: It’s a very good one!</p> <p>But, there have been some hard parts to my story. One of the hard parts? Sometimes it’s uncomfortable being Asian American in the rural Southeast, especially when you don’t always feel super Asian. I look like my ancestors weren’t from Southeast USA, for sure, but the Southeast is all I know.</p> <p>Lots of us Asian Americans can summarize our experience through this little exchange:</p> <p>“Where are you from?”</p> <p>“[Insert the US state we’re from].”</p> <p>“I mean, where are you actually from?”</p> <p>Ok, fine — I’ll tell them I was born in South Korea. Honestly, it’s ok! I’ve always been proud of it. Go South Korea! But, like, y’all: I grew up shucking corn and shelling black-eyed peas with my grandparents and extended family — that’s as authentic Southeast as you get! I’m truly <em>from</em> Georgia. And now I just feel awkward — awkwardly half Asian, half American.</p> <p>Over the years, I’ve tried to embrace the awkwardness by learning more about my Asian side, the side that physically labels me as “other” in the Southeast. I’ve gotten to explore my Korean heritage, but only in certain ways, like dual enrolling in Korean courses, making a few Korean friends, listening to K-pop, embracing the Shin ramen lifestyle in college (this one would have happened anyway), and exploring Duluth (known for its Korean population).</p> <p>Then, as of this spring, I spontaneously made an appointment with the study abroad office on campus. Fast forward a month, and I was signing up for a six-week study abroad program through TEAN.</p> <p>And here we are.</p> <p>Let’s chat about how it’s been!</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34006" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hanbok.png" alt="" width="1000" height="600" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hanbok.png 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hanbok-300x180.png 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hanbok-768x461.png 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Hanbok-310x186.png 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <h4><strong>Full Circle</strong></h4> <p>My time here has had a huge theme of things coming full circle.</p> <p>That feeling began from my very first moments back in Korea — from the plane even. As I spotted the land below me, I felt giddy. I thought to myself, “This is the place I was born to.” And when we landed in the exact airport I had departed 20 years ago? Full circle.</p> <p>The full circle feelings only continued throughout my study abroad experience, like when my suitemates at Korea University wished me happy birthday at midnight. Since I live in the EST time zone, which is thirteen hours behind KST, this is the first time I’ve ever celebrated my birthday at the proper midnight. Technically, I’ve been celebrating my birthday thirteen hours too late each year. Until now. Full circle!</p> <p>And the full-circle experience culminated when I finally took the subway to the <em>dong</em> (neighborhood) where I was born. Located on Line 5, I felt surreal taking the subway there then walking around the block where I first entered the world. As I strolled, I mentally thanked the people who took care of me then. I let them know I’ve been well, that I’ve worked hard, that my life is good.</p> <p>Full circle.</p> <h4><strong>“Seoul was waiting for you”</strong></h4> <p>Shoutout to my sweet friend who told me this, because this phrase also sums up my study abroad experience.</p> <p>I don’t think every adoptee can go back to their birth country and fall in love with its food, its culture, its people, and its landscape the way I have. I know I’m very lucky. But yes, I’ve truly fallen in love with everything here.</p> <p>I love the kimchi with most every meal, the many cafes and Americanos and vanilla lattes and convenience store kimbap. I love the Han River, Lotte Tower, and Namsan Tower (all landmarks of the city); I love the feeling of comfort and delight I get each time I see them. I love the politeness of handing people items with both hands, the gentle bow after a warm exchange with a shop owner, the strangers shifting seats on the subway so I can sit by friends.</p> <p>I love Seoul, and as I explore it peacefully, I remember the phrase my friend told me:</p> <p>Seoul was waiting for me.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34004" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Food.png" alt="" width="1000" height="600" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Food.png 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Food-300x180.png 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Food-768x461.png 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Food-310x186.png 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <h4><strong>Hello I’m Gyopo</strong></h4> <p>Now the big question: How’s my Korean/Asian American identity feeling now that I’m six weeks into the study abroad experience?</p> <p>It’s feeling much more whole.</p> <p>And that’s thanks to being in Seoul, for sure, but also thanks to the friends I’ve made here.</p> <p>Especially my other Korean American friends, or my <em>gyopo chingu</em>. (“Gyopo” is the Korean word for people like me, who are ethnically Korean but live in another country. And “chingu” is the word for friend.)</p> <p>I’ve been really lucky with the friends I’ve made here, gyopo, American, Korean, European — all of them. But I’ll say, my fellow Korean American friends have been radical to me, as they’ve made me feel so much comradery here. We’re Korean ethically, but American by the way we speak and laugh (and buy clothes, based on our jokes of “buy it when our dollar’s strong!” referring to the favorable USD to won conversion rate). And when store owners chat with us, we’re all slightly lost at the rapidly spoken Korean, but hey! We’re lost together.</p> <p>And best of all? While some parts of my story and experience are very different by being an adoptee, my friend is right: I can just say I’m gyopo. I’m a Korean living abroad, and it’s as simple as that. I don’t have to add an asterisk that I’m an adopted person if I don’t want to. I don’t have to explain I was born in Seoul but my parents are American. I’m just a gyopo from America: I’m just a Korean American. Gyopo, no asterisk.</p> <p>In fact, we’ve been enjoying the experience so much, two of us made goofy little keychains together that say “Hello I’m Gyopo.” We’re just glad to be here. And we’re glad to be gyopo.</p> <p><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="alignnone size-full wp-image-34005" src="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gyopo.png" alt="" width="1000" height="600" srcset="https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gyopo.png 1000w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gyopo-300x180.png 300w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gyopo-768x461.png 768w, https://teanabroad.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Gyopo-310x186.png 310w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></p> <h4><strong>Closing Thoughts</strong></h4> <p>If you’re an adoptee thinking about studying abroad, I want to congratulate you. Just thinking about it is brave and wonderful! And if that’s all you’re ready for, let that be that. And if you’re ready to make that jump, I hope you feel as comforted by your birth county as I have by mine. Everyone’s story is different, of course, but for me it’s been life changing.</p> <p>Thank you, TEAN, for being such an amazing support to me as I’ve studied abroad and explored my Korean heritage! It’s been one of the greatest experiences of my life.</p> <p>And if you read this far, thank you! Keep an eye out for blog three!</p> <p><strong style="font-size: 1rem;">Elizabeth Chandler, Berry College, is studying abroad in <a href="https://teanabroad.org/programs/south-korea/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">South Korea</a> with TEAN.</strong></p> <p>The post <a href="https://teanabroad.org/blog/hello-im-gyopo-my-experience-as-an-asian-american-adoptee/">Hello I’m Gyopo: My Experience as an Asian American Adoptee</a> appeared first on <a href="https://teanabroad.org">TEAN</a>.</p> ]]></content:encoded> </item> </channel> </rss>