Studying Abroad in South Korea: Exploring Culture, Food, and Gyeongbokgung Palace
Hello! My name is Phoebe, and I am currently studying abroad in South Korea. As part of my exchange program, I have had the opportunity to meet new people, experience new things, food, and cultures.
So far, I have tried traditional Korean dishes, seen historical buildings, and met some incredible people, and I’m barely halfway through my time here. One of the days that most stood out to me was the day I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace. I didn’t know much about it before arriving, but it was actually where the King and Queens of South Korea once stayed in the Joseon dynasty.
The transport in South Korea isn’t praised enough; what would usually take possibly an hour in England, waiting for the train, took barely 5 minutes. Growing up in the countryside of England, where you have to get an hour bus just to wait another hour to get a two-hour train ride to in South Korea, where trains come every 5 minutes, was something I wasn’t accustomed to or expecting. (And something I’m going to miss dearly when it’s time to leave.}
Another thing worth mentioning is that transport in Korea is cheap, really cheap. What would’ve been a £20 train ride in England is less than £10 in Korea.
Once we arrived at the palace, we saw multiple people dressed in the most beautiful outfits I’d possibly ever seen. The embroidery and detail in these clothes were breathtaking, and upon inspection, they were called Hanboks. All over Gyeongbokgung, there were these shops that allowed you to rent these Hanboks and try them for yourselves. I was wary at first, as I was worried it might be overpriced and that it was a large tourist area. But after looking around, it was barely 20,000 won.
As someone that doesn’t particularly wear dresses, due to finding them slightly uncomfortable after asking with the store owner I found it was perfectly acceptable for people to wear other clothes, so that’s why I chose to wear a warriors Hanbok that day I also learnt that people wearing Hanboks were allowed into the palace for free, which showed they encouraged people to embrace and appreciate their culture. Still, because it was culture day it was free entry for all.
Walking around the palace, I was speechless at how much they had preserved and kept in its full glory without having to block it all off. Despite being able to go inside any of the buildings, you were still able to get close and look through the palace windows, which were just as stunning inside as they were outside.
After visiting the palace, we decided to get some food nearby. While the majority of Korean shops and restaurants have card machines, the place we went to (A Korean BBQ) didn’t, which wasn’t an issue as Korean ATMS are extremely foreigner-friendly, and accept foreign cards as well as let you change the language setting if you wish.
In England, I wasn’t really a fan of pork. I didn’t eat it that much as I found it a bit bland, but since coming to Korea, my favourite dish would have to be 삼겹살 (Pork belly) at a KBBQ. It’s so flavourful, and the sides you can get it with is just as delicious.
If you are considering studying abroad, I would definitely recommend it, as this was just one day of plenty I had in Korea that was above and beyond anything I could have experienced in England. I did have my doubts leading up to coming, but since arriving, I have made such memorable experiences I can’t imagine wanting to give it up now.
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