Today I’m back with another new section which is called ‘stories of Seoul’ telling memories from my exchange year in Korea.. ah.. how much I miss the times there.
As you might know by now I came back from my exchange year in Seoul just a mare month ago. But if I think about it now I was way to busy living everyday to the fullest so that I had almost no time for my blog. But all these things that happened there, my experience and all the memories are too precious to just let them fade so I figured I should write them down!
So let me finally start! Since I was young I was someone who couldn’t live without music, at some point I even wanted to make it my profession (what obviously doesn’t happened haha). Since 7 I was playing violin and I graduated from a music school at the age of 15 I played some instruments, was in the school band, made my own music dreaming of someday become a composer, make film music.. but the main point is loved to sing. I never was the best singer but singing just made me happy so I decided I should join a university club!
Before going to Sogang (it is the name of my exchange university) I searched a lot looking all around Facebook and other social media to find out if there any cool bands, singing groups that I could join. And I found one. They were called ‘Messy Generation’ shortly Messy-G. I saw some clips on YouTube and though it might be quite fun to join this independent-indie-rap-r&b group.
After the few week of my exchange student live have passed I contacted them through Facebook and got to know that they’re doing an audition for new member recruitment! I went there all trembling (my korean at that time was still.. not that fluent/understandable ㅎㅎ) but they still let me join which made me really proud, since there were a lot of people who were failed..
After joining this univ. club my social skills got much better. We got to know each other more, went out together, got food delivery in our free time (we had our own ‘practice’ room on the university ground) had two mandatory meeting to plan out our performances and of course a lot of practice.
We were about 25 people the managers, the producers and the designers included. So everyone formed smaller groups and we start preparing songs for the first round of ‘performance song decision’. There are two rounds of them. Since we only perform about 20-24 songs (about 90 minutes) we have to cut down a lot because at the first round there are about 50 prepared songs. So we choose the best ones. After the list of songs for the performance is ready we start practicing a lot!
After there’s only 2 weeks left till the actual performance we start to sell ticket on the school ground! We also prepare posters and hang them all around our school including near by coffee shops and restaurants lot of students go to.
I have to say that it was really amazing standing on stage there. It felt really great, performing with friends trying to show my best. Of course being the me I am…. I managed to do some mistakes but let me be forgiven haha..
I hope I could go back to these times. I miss everything, not only the performance itself but also the preparation times and those people who had become like a korean family to me!
it’s been quite a while.. BUT I am back and I am back with a new section called “it’s Café time”. In this section (as you already might have figured out.. duh..) I will write about my favorite Cafes in different corners of the world. People who know me always criticize how I’m way too much into pretty Cafes. But for me it is just like a piece of freedom. A little moment for myself. Sitting down somewhere in a pretty little Coffee shop sipping on my soja cappuccino or enjoying the bittersweetness of an iced americano, reading my book after taking tons of pictures. I like taking pictures which always annoys all my friends. I remember how the president of my sport club in Korea was always going nuts while me and my best friend tried to catch the best angle so the food looked as delicious at is was.
I also like studying in Cafés. There are some people who can’t concentrate at home and I am definitely one of those people. And there is a Cafe which is just perfect for it. It is called Loislane and is located in Berlin, Neukölln. Very easy to find just a minute away form the Metro Station “Hermannstraße”.
I like this place since they sell iced americanos even in winter while a lot of other places don’t sell iced beverage with the excuse of minus temperatures outsides. (nonsense……)
Anyways. Not only the the drinks are delicious but also their self-made cakes and brownies. They sell brunch and other stuff as well.
Also the atmosphere is really nice there. It has an artsy vibe with suitable background music, little candles on every table and cute cups make it very cozy.
So.. if you searching for a place to chill out talk with friends or just a cool place to finish some work while enjoying a delicious home-made strawberry cheesecake go find Loislane : Emser Str. 41, 12051 Berlin, Germany
It’s been a while since I posted… Life got so crazy with midterms! Seriously, I thought I was going to lose my mind. 😂 Between preparing for presentations and cramming for exams, I was running on fumes. But now, I’m finally getting a bit of a breather. Well, not exactly free—I still have tons of research papers to tackle. But at least there are no big exams looming in the next few weeks!
And speaking of busy, can we take a moment to talk about how excited I am for todayyyyyyyyy?! It’s finally time for the Dongari performance! 😍 (Can I just gush about how much I love my Dongari?! Seriously, they’re the best. Hehe, I’m such a fan!) But okay, enough of my random ramblings—let me tell you about something amazing that happened recently!
About a week ago, I had the most incredible trip, all thanks to SBA! I’m so incredibly grateful to them for sponsoring this experience. It was honestly one of the best times I’ve ever had. I met so many wonderful YouTubers and bloggers, and every single person was just so kind and inspiring. I was blown away by everyone. Haha, it was just one of those trips where you meet all these talented, creative people and it’s like a dream come true!
The trip was extra special because of my lovely friend Yonghyeon, whose YouTube channel I was featured on as a guest. He’s creating content about Korean culture and all sorts of cool stuff, and I’m so happy I could be part of it. Thanks to him, I got the chance to join this awesome project sponsored by SBA, which was all about supporting YouTubers and content creators. We got to explore some beautiful places together, including Chuncheon, Gangneung, and Pyeongchang (which, by the way, is where the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held! So exciting!).
Our adventure started in Seoul, where we were picked up by a bus, and I was with an amazing group—Nessa, Yong, the lovely eunnis from MigiTV, a guy from the organizing team, and our hilarious driver, who, by the way, turned out to be a huge fan of Migi! 😂 Small world, right? Also, I have to say, the eunni from MigiTV has the most incredible voice. Seriously, it’s the kind of voice that makes you stop and listen. Totally mesmerizing!
The first stop on our journey was Gangwon-do, where we visited Soyanggang, the Skywalk in Chuncheon, and the stunning Soyang River. The scenery was absolutely breathtaking. While it wasn’t anything overly extravagant, there was something incredibly serene and peaceful about the place. The calm, simple beauty of the surroundings created such a relaxed atmosphere—it was the perfect spot to unwind and take in nature’s quiet charm.
On our way to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Ski Jumping Resort, we passed through Heongsong.
Finally, we arrived at the Pyeongchang Resort, where we would be staying, and let me tell you, the food was absolutely delicious! We were all so satisfied. 😂 Afterward, we just relaxed in our apartments—chilling, jamming, and having a good time since Yong had brought his guitar along. But the best part was when our amazing organizing team surprised us with a chicken delivery! We all gathered together, and it totally felt like one of those classic MT (Membership Training) moments. So much fun!
The next morning (which, by the way, was after I overslept and missed the breakfast buffet… and I will never forgive myself for that 😂), we headed to Dragon Peak, located 1,450 meters above sea level! I think it’s the highest I’ve ever been, haha! The view from up there was absolutely stunning. Fun fact: this mountain was also featured in the popular Korean drama Goblin (also known as Guardian: The Lonely and Great God). If you’re a K-drama fan, you’ll recognize it as one of the key filming locations. Goblin is a beloved series that captured hearts worldwide, and it’s known for its gorgeous cinematography and breathtaking scenery—Dragon Peak being one of the most iconic spots featured. It felt like walking through a scene right out of the drama, with that magical, otherworldly vibe. Pretty cool, right?
After packing up our things, we headed back to Seoul, but not before stopping by Gangyeong. On our way to the beach, we made a delicious pitstop to enjoy some traditional Korean dishes—Bossam and Naengmyeon. Bossam is a dish of tender, boiled pork that’s typically wrapped in lettuce leaves with garlic, kimchi, and spicy sauce. It’s the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors. Paired with Naengmyeon, a chilled noodle soup with a slightly tangy broth, it was the ultimate comfort food for a warm day. The refreshing, cool noodles contrasted perfectly with the hearty pork, making it a meal to remember. It was such a delicious and satisfying experience before heading to the beach!
We also went to take a look around a market where thay sell…. TOUNGE
And then, finally, the sea! I absolutely love the ocean—there’s something so calming and refreshing about it. We made our way to the beach, which was just as beautiful as I imagined. One of the highlights was the famous café street by the beach, known for its charming little cafés with stunning views of the sea. It’s the perfect spot to relax with a warm drink or just take in the breathtaking scenery. The vibe was so peaceful and picturesque, with the sound of the waves in the background and the salty breeze in the air. Definitely one of the most peaceful and rejuvenating moments of the trip!
It’s been a while, huh? I’ve been so caught up with school and homework lately. I knew it was going to be tough, but I had no idea just how many assignments and how much homework I’d get. Since I’m at least trying to be a decent student, I’ve been pushing through it all, trying to get everything done on time.
But enough about homework… Let’s talk about something way more exciting: YeonGoJeon (연고전)! For those who aren’t familiar, YeonGoJeon is one of the biggest sporting events in Korea, a rivalry between Yonsei University (연세대학교) and Korea University (고려대학교). This year, the event was packed with energy, as students from both universities came together for five major sports competitions: baseball, ice hockey, basketball, rugby, and football. It’s not just a sporting event—it’s a massive celebration of school spirit and tradition.
Since three of my best friends are at Yonsei, I had the chance to tag along and experience the games. Honestly, the atmosphere was so exciting! It wasn’t just the games themselves, but the overall spirit of the event that got me hooked. What really stood out to me were the cheer songs and the dance routines that everyone knew. No matter where you were, you could feel the energy building up around you. It was like everyone was a part of something much bigger than just a simple competition. The whole vibe was so contagious—it made you want to jump in and cheer along, even if you didn’t know anyone around you. I never thought I’d have so much fun chanting with hundreds of strangers, but here we are! I was totally caught up in the excitement.
Aside from the sports, the event was filled with incredible moments. I loved seeing all the students supporting their teams, wearing their school colors, and just having fun together. The sense of community was so strong—it wasn’t just about winning, but about sharing those experiences and celebrating together. I think that’s what made YeonGoJeon such a special event. Even if you weren’t a huge sports fan, you could still enjoy the festive atmosphere and cheer on the teams.
As I’ve mentioned (probably way too many times by now), three of my best friends are attending Yonsei, which means I get to tag along to a lot of their events. One of my friends, N, recently joined an after-school table tennis club, and she invited me to come with her to the rugby game. Let me tell you—it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in Korea so far. Not only was the game itself thrilling, but N’s table tennis club friends are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met. They made me feel so comfortable, and I instantly felt like I was part of the group. It was such a nice surprise to meet such warm and welcoming people.
The best part was that this whole experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the tight-knit communities that university events like this create. It’s one thing to attend a game as a spectator, but it’s a completely different experience when you’re part of the crowd—cheering, dancing, and laughing with people who share the same energy. It really makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself.
So yeah, while homework and assignments have been taking over my life recently, events like YeonGoJeon remind me of how much fun life can be, and how important it is to take a step back and enjoy these moments of community and excitement.
All in all, YeonGoJeon was one of the most thrilling experiences I’ve had so far, and I’m already looking forward to next year. I also can’t wait to join N at more of her club events and hopefully get even more involved in the university spirit here. Until then, back to the grind of homework and assignments, but at least I’ve got some great memories to look back on!
It’s been a while since I last posted because I’ve been busy with all the preparations for the upcoming semester, as well as finishing up some leftover work for my university back in Germany.
I’m happy to say that I’ve almost finished decorating my room, and it’s been so much fun buying things like a comfy pillow, bed sheets, pots, and all sorts of essentials. It really felt like a new start for me as I got to set up my new space! I absolutely love the process of creating a cozy home, so it’s been a fulfilling experience.
And guess what? I’m officially a student at Sogang University now… Thihiihii~ 🎉
A few days ago, on August 28th, I had my first day at Sogang, which was the orientation day. It was an exciting day, as I finally met all the people I will be studying with for the next few months. I also met our “buddies,” who are Korean students assigned to help us adjust to life in Korea. They’ll guide us around campus and share all the little hacks to make life easier here—super helpful!
For my courses this semester, I decided to take two: the first one is Korean philosophy, and the second is International Business. I’m a bit nervous about the Business course, to be honest, since I haven’t taken any serious economics classes since high school two years ago. I’m worried I might fail, but I’m determined to work hard and give it my best shot!
After hearing all the important information and safety rules, the official part of our first day was over, and we headed to a bar for a casual gathering with everyone. It was a great chance to meet more people and relax after all the initial info sessions.
I also had my placement test to determine which Korean language level I should be in, and they placed me in level 4 (Pretty annoyed with that as I finished level 4 already in Germany and even got TOPIK level 4… but well will be less work demanding, so more time to explore Korea). Starting next week, I’ll have Korean language classes from Monday to Friday, from 13:30 to 17:30. Even though today is the 1st of September and it’s the official first day of university, my first actual course will be on the 5th. Until then, I’ve still got some things to take care of, like opening a Korean bank account and getting my fingerprint scanned for the Alien Registration Card (yes, we’re literally called “aliens” in Korea… haha, crazy, right?! 😂).
I’ve taken a few walks around campus, but I’m still not fully familiar with the layout yet. I keep getting lost, even though it’s a pretty small space. It’s actually very cozy, though, with lots of cute little coffee shops and hidden spots around campus, making it a nice place to explore.
Of course, I want to join some extracurricular activities too. But I’ve heard that a lot of the clubs don’t accept foreigners. Still, I’m going to try my best to get into the tennis club and maybe a band or something music-related since I’m kind of losing it here without my guitar. Haha, music is life! 🎸
P.S. I’m so happy because fall has finally started! It’s absolutely my favorite season of the year… well, after Christmas, of course. (Yep, in my world, Christmas is the 5th season of the year HAHAHA) 🍂🎄
A few days ago, one of my teachers from my english high school teacher messaged me asking how I was doing and how my room looks. That message got me thinking and inspired me to share it with all of you!
So, the deal is that I actually booked a slightly bigger room, but I’m still waiting for the other student to move out before I can settle in. However, it looks like I’ll finally be able to move on Monday! Yey~~ I’m super excited to have more space.
I’m staying in a goshiwon (고시원) in Sinchon near Exit 6 which is only a 15 minute walk to university. Goshiwons are these super affordable, no-frills rooms often rented by students or people staying short-term. They’re small but functional, with a shared kitchen area. My current room is pretty tiny—around 5 square meters—but I’m making it work! It’s been a challenge with limited space, but it’s nice to have a temporary place while I wait for my bigger room.
A major plus about this goshiwon is that there’s no deposit (no need to worry about a huge upfront payment!), and it only costs about 450,000 won (550,000 for the bigger room) won per month. Which is expensive for a Lithuanian but still affordable for the location and convenience!
Can’t wait to show you my new space once I move! It’s going to be a whole new chapter for me here in Korea, and I’m excited to see how my little room transforms as I settle in. 🏠✨
Stay tuned! I’ll definitely share more once I’m all set up!
Just casually sharing everything I ate last week, because let me tell you, it was an absolute feast! We had such great luck with the food, and not a single dish or snack was a miss — everything was super delicious! So, let’s kick off this food journey~
The first thing I tried after landing in Korea was a 치즈케이크 맛 빵 (cheese cake mat bbang), a cheesecake-flavored bread that looks like a giant pancake. And, of course, it had 라이언 (Ryan) from Kakao Friends on it. Not gonna lie, I totally fell for Ryan’s cuteness — he’s just too adorable! Seriously, this bread was a perfect balance of fluffy and creamy, with a slight tangy sweetness from the cheesecake flavor. It was the perfect little treat to start my Korean food adventure!
The second thing I had was an absolutely delicious dinner. Since it was insanely hot (around 36°C when we landed, haha), we decided to go for some refreshing 냉면 (naengmyeon), cold noodles. This dish is made of spaghetti-like noodles served in a cold, flavorful beef broth, spiced up with a bit of vinegar, and topped with slices of cucumber, pear, and a soft-boiled egg. It was magically delicious and so refreshing — honestly, it was the perfect meal for a scorching day when the heat makes it feel like you can’t even breathe. The balance of the slightly tangy broth and the crisp vegetables made it feel like pure comfort food. It’s one of those dishes that makes you feel instantly refreshed and satisfied.
I absolutely can’t miss out on the times we had 치킨 (chikin), or fried chicken. Korean fried chicken is simply the best, hands down! It’s deep-fried to crispy perfection, then coated in a flavorful sauce that’s usually a mix of sweet, spicy, and savory—truly next-level. The crunch on the outside, paired with the juicy tenderness of the meat inside, creates a taste explosion in your mouth. Whether it’s the classic 양념치킨 (yangnyeom chicken), which is coated in a spicy-sweet sauce, or 후라이드치킨 (huraideu chikin), the crispy fried version, Korean fried chicken is always a winner. It’s often served with pickled radish (called 무절임 or mu-jeorim), which helps balance out the richness of the chicken. Seriously, if you’ve never tried it, you’re missing out on a piece of heaven! 🍗✨
Not to forget all the delicious 일본 음식> 일식 (ilbon eumsik, Japanese food) you can get in Korea! This was actually at a pretty famous place in 강남 (Gangnam), a district known for its trendy spots and delicious food. My friend took me there, and it’s particularly famous for its 우동 (udong), or udon noodle soup, but this time we decided to go for a rice bowl instead. We had 덮밥 (deopbap), a rice bowl topped with tender beef, a soft-boiled egg, and some veggies, along with two crispy fried shrimp (새우튀김 or saeutwigim) and 고구마튀김 (gogumatwigim), which is fried sweet potato. The combination of the savory beef, crunchy shrimp, and sweet potato was simply perfection. Every bite was so comforting and satisfying! The flavors balanced out so well, and it’s just one of those dishes you crave after a long day. 😋🍤🍠
And of course, I can’t forget all the pretty 카페 (kape, cafes) with their delicious cakes! There are so many adorable spots in Korea to grab a dessert, and each one is more charming than the last. 😍🍰 The cakes here are not only yummy, but they also look absolutely cute and Instagram-worthy! Whether it’s a delicate 레드벨벳 케이크 (redeubelbet keikeu, red velvet cake), a fluffy 치즈케이크 (chijeukeikeu, cheesecake), or a perfectly layered 티라미수 (tiramisoo, tiramisu), every single cake is a work of art. I just love how each café has its own style, with some offering modern, minimalistic décor, while others are more cozy and vintage. There’s something so peaceful about sitting in one of these cafés, sipping on a 아메리카노 (amerika-no, Americano) or 바닐라 라떼 (banilla latte, vanilla latte) while enjoying a slice of cake. Definitely a must-try experience if you’re ever in Korea! ☕🍰✨
ChatGPT said:
One of my absolute favorite things in Korea are the small shops called 편의점 (pyeonheejeom), or convenience stores, where you can grab snacks, water, and pretty much anything you need at any hour of the day or night—24/7! 🌙✨ These little shops are a lifesaver, especially when you’re in need of a quick snack or some emergency essentials like bandages, socks, or soap. What makes them even better is that they sell everything in small, convenient portions, which is perfect for someone like me who’s always on the go. 🏃♀️
But the best part? Some 편의점 even have little corners where you can make yourself a cup of 라면 (ramyeon, instant noodles)! 🍜 Just grab your cup, choose your favorite noodle flavor (they have so many), add hot water, and boom—you’ve got yourself a quick, satisfying meal. It’s like a mini food station on every corner of the city, and honestly, it’s hard not to pop in every day! 😄
What I like the most are all these things you can grill on your table. There is a grill in the middle of the table, and you can order different dishes. We had 닭갈비 (Dak Galbi) and its variations like ours which was with spicy chicken breast, octopus, and veggies. Some noodles on the side and kimchi with radish. So delicious!
닭갈비 (Dak Galbi) is a popular Korean dish that consists of marinated chicken, typically cooked on a grill with vegetables like cabbage, sweet potato, and onions. It’s spicy, flavorful, and a fun dish to share with friends! 😋
The best kind of ice cream in Korea is of course 빙수 (Bingsu)! It’s shaved frozen milk topped with a variety of toppings of your choice. We had the 블루베리 치즈케이크 빙수 (Blueberry Cheesecake Bingsu), and it was absolutely heavenly! 🍧
Bingsu is the ultimate summer treat in Korea, and the combination of the cold, fluffy shaved ice with rich toppings like fruits, condensed milk, or in this case, cheesecake, is just perfect for cooling off in the hot weather. Seriously, it’s a must-try when you visit Korea! 😍
OMG, this was so delicious! It was 회덮밥 (Hoe Deopbap), which is raw fish on top of rice. The fish was incredibly fresh and so, so good. I got half 참치 (Chamchi, tuna) and half 연어 (Yeon-eo, salmon). The combination of the tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish with the warm rice was just perfect. 🍣🍚
We also shared a huge salad on the side, and let me tell you, the greens were so fresh and crisp. I can still be dreaming about this meal even months later… It was one of those unforgettable meals that really make you fall in love with Korean food. 😋
Since it’s summer, ice cream is definitely a must, right? And of course, I had to go for 녹차 아이스크림 (Green Tea Ice Cream)! 🍦🍵 There’s no better place to satisfy that craving than Baskin Robbins. The rich, creamy green tea flavor was just perfect, and it was so refreshing in the heat! You really can’t go wrong with this classic, especially in the summer. 😍
Can we talk about how adorable it is when drinks are served in actual fruits? 🍉🍍 I was so impressed that I had to go back the very next day! On the left, you can see a delicious hot dish with octopus, meat, and veggies all drenched in a spicy sauce, and on the right, there’s a rice bowl topped with perfectly grilled octopus. Both were so mouthwatering, I can’t even describe how good they were! 😋
Fresh iced grapefruit juice at the coolest café ever, Watco 왓코, right across from my university, Sogang University. 🍊✨ It was so cozy! At first, there were no free seats in the main area, so we ended up at a shoe shop nearby that had a cozy little spot to sit. The vibe there was amazing—super chill and perfect for sipping on that refreshing grapefruit juice. Definitely one of my favorite spots around Sogang!
Here, we tried 무뼈 닭발 (fried chicken feet without bones) on top of rice, and it was actually the house specialty. Honestly, it totally lived up to its title as the top seller! Crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly delicious—it was definitely a dish worth trying!
Last but not least, my absolute favorite spot for coffee and light snacks while either getting some uni work done or just chilling with friends is Aki Coffee near Yonsei University. The atmosphere is perfect—super cozy with an indie vibe—and it’s so close to my place. They also have the cutest dog, which just makes everything better! I can already tell I’ll be spending a lot of time there. Can’t wait to be a regular!
So here I am, sitting in Hollys Coffee (홀리스커피) (which is open 24/7, and let me tell you, this is one of my absolute favorite things about Korea — cafes never close!) and reflecting on my first week here, which has flown by ridiculously fast. Honestly, the past few days have been a whirlwind: unpacking, buying essentials I couldn’t bring from Berlin, and just meeting friends, trying new foods, and experiencing life here. Every hour seemed to zoom by, and every day felt way too short.
Right now, I’m staying in a cozy little room in a guest house just a few minutes away from my university, waiting to move into the bigger room I booked. I’m scheduled to move in on the 14th of this month, and I can’t wait! The room I have now is only about 5 square meters, so I can’t even roll out my yoga mat for my daily Pilates session (which means no workouts… and, honestly, part of me is kind of enjoying the break… I NEVER said that, haha). The new room I’ll be moving into is about 11-12 square meters, so I’ll finally have some space!
As for the weather… it’s been pretty bearable, which honestly surprised me. Yeah, it’s hot, hovering around 32-34°C (89-93°F), but the sun actually lifts my mood, and let’s be real, air conditioning is literally everywhere — even in metro stations (지하철 역)! Unless you’re walking outside, you hardly notice the heat.
Something else I’ve noticed this year in Seoul is how many foreigners there are compared to last year. I came to Seoul last summer, and it felt like there were half as many non-Koreans around. It’s still early in the school year, and already it feels like Seoul’s becoming more colorful and diverse than in recent years. Globalization is great and all, but I’ve overheard a lot of Koreans complain about the influx of foreigners. Like, I’m sitting in a cafe or walking around a restaurant, and there’s always someone who’s not Korean, and sometimes, it feels like that’s causing a bit of tension. It’s not that Koreans don’t drink or sometimes act out of line — but it’s their home, so I guess it hits differently. Just now, while typing this, the table next to me is getting all fired up, discussing foreigners at their university, and they’re even talking about how “tall” we are (haha… sorry, but is that really a reason to dislike us? Just because we’re tall? I’m 178cm). 😅
Anyway, there have been a few mishaps (because, of course, there always are!). Like, I forgot my phone at Daiso (다이소), a popular Korean store where you can get everything from home essentials to little knick-knacks. I only realized it an hour later and thought, well, that’s it, I’m an idiot. But, thank goodness, I was able to get it back after going back to the store. Phew! 😅
Oh, and another thing that I absolutely LOVE about Korea — street musicians! They’re everywhere. I’ve seen people singing solo, with friends, with guitars, or even just their voices. Honestly, it makes me a little envious. I miss music so much, so I’ve taken to visiting Coin Noraebang (코인 노래방) almost daily (this is a karaoke spot where you get a small private room and pay per song, not per hour). It’s cheap, and it’s such a blast to belt out your favorite tunes, even if you’re not the best singer. 🎤🎶
P.S. I’m thinking of doing a post dedicated to Korean food — with all the pictures of the amazing dishes I’ve tried so far. Would you guys be interested in that? Let me know! 🍜🍙
So here I am, sitting in Helsinki Airport (yep, wearing a dragon costume, don’t ask 😅), waiting for my connecting flight to Seoul. I moved out of my apartment yesterday, after two years of living there, and spent my last night crashing at a friend’s place. HUGE thank you to Dieu for the hospitality! ❤
As expected, nothing in my life ever goes 100% smoothly. Last year I forgot my passport, and this year, I almost missed my flight because my ticket was all kinds of wrong. Apparently, the agency I booked through mixed up my first and last name, so when I checked in, I wasn’t in the system. They told me at first that I couldn’t board and needed to call Finnair’s administration. Cue panic mode Oh, and of course, my luggage was massively overweight by more than 10kg. Classic, right? I honestly thought I was going to be stranded in Helsinki for a while, but luckily, I met this super nice person who worked for Finnair who seemed to be quite interested in me (lol.. I had to give him my number), and after a few minutes of magic, everything was sorted. Lucky! After a 5 hour delay of the connecting flights now finally, in less than an hour, I’ll be on my way to Seoul! 🛫
I feel super excited, like REALLY excited. But honestly, I don’t think it’s fully hit me yet that I’m actually moving to another country. Maybe it just hasn’t sunk in yet, who knows? It’s like one of those moments you can’t quite wrap your head around. But I guess I’ll figure that out when I’m walking the streets of Seoul for the first time.
I’ve finally packed up all my stuff (for the most part), and I think I’m pretty much done with all the major preparations for my exchange year. I’ll be taking the international business in English course, and of course, the Korean language course. I’ll have Korean classes every day except weekends, four hours a day! I’m excited to start the semester, but let’s be real, I wouldn’t mind a few more lazy days (because who doesn’t love vacation vibes, right?). But, there’s also the small issue of finishing up an essay for a course I took this year at my home university in Berlin. So, I’ll be spending plenty of time chilling in cafés, typing away.
I do owe you all a post about the BA+ program, don’t I? 😬 Sorry for the delay, I promise it’s coming soon!
P.S. Update: I failed my Japanese literature test… AGAIN. For the third time. Sigh Guess I’ll be retaking that course… For the THIRD time. I feel so smart, lol. But whatever, I’m just gonna leave that problem for later, haha. Wink 😅
Until next time, sending love from Helsinki (aka my layover). ✌️
Since I’ll be moving to Korea for an exchange year in less than three weeks, I randomly decided to start writing this blog again! So, this is officially my first new blog post… Thihihi! I just deleted all my older posts from a year ago because I wanted to start completely fresh. Hehe..
It’s been a while now. I stopped posting in the middle of my last journey to Korea, which was almost a year ago. The main reason I stopped uploading is simple: I didn’t know how to put my experience into words. I found it so difficult to capture everything I felt and saw, and honestly, I was just too lazy to keep typing. So, I ended up just stopping. BUT then, I got accepted into the BA+ program (more about that later hehe) at my university, which totally changed my perspective on this blog and gave me the inspiration to start writing again. ^^
The main goal of restarting this blog is to have a kind of diary-like platform where I can pour out all my thoughts, keep track of my memories, and primarily share them with my friends and family, so they can get a sense of how I’m doing. Of course, it’s also for anyone interested in my experiences in Korea, my journey studying Korean studies, and just my random thoughts along the way.
I’ll be moving to Korea on the 2nd of August for about 14 months. I’m really excited, and it still feels so surreal even though I’ve already booked my flight, secured a place to stay, and received my letter of acceptance from my exchange university—SOGANG! I can’t wait to experience college life in Korea. I told myself I’m going to approach this without any expectations. I’ve learned that having too many expectations can limit your ability to enjoy spontaneous experiences. Plus, if things don’t go as planned, it can be easy to think of it negatively, even though it might turn out to be an even better opportunity. (Maybe it’s just me thinking this way, LOL). Anyway, I’m still super excited and can’t wait to turn the page to this new chapter of my life.
It feels like almost all the preparations for my exchange year are done. I applied for my visa and will receive it on June 20th. However, I’m still having some issues with my BAföG (a German government scholarship that you receive, but you have to pay half of it back once you get a stable job). I also need to book my courses, and I’ll be able to do that starting on the 19th. I’m kind of scared, though, because in Korea, they mostly use Internet Explorer for all their online stuff (like university systems, online banking, etc.).
I’m planning to write another short post about the whole acceptance process and how I got this opportunity. I’ll also share the experience of finding accommodation. I’m not sure if this will be useful to anyone, but I’ll be posting a update sometime next week after I get my visa and everything is sorted.
And for now..
..stay tuned & motivated (for all those who still struggle with univ stuff like me)
Miseongii 