Written by Connie | 2024 McCall MacBain International Fellow
Having travelled to Toronto and New York, I always thought that big cities were not for me. I was much more accustomed to the calm of suburban neighbourhoods rather than the hustle and bustle of city life. However, despite knowing that Seoul is yet another big city, I ended up falling in love with Seoul.
Seoul has everything that you can imagine in a metropolis: tall skyscrapers, noisy streets, and flashy nightlife. But it also has many lush mountains, quiet neighbourhoods, and serene rivers. There is so much to see and do, and so many opportunities to try new things. And the vast transportation system makes it easy to hop on a bus or a subway to explore a new location. Each week, I would go out and do something new; whether that be experiencing the nightlife in Hongdae, taking sunset photos from Namsan Tower, or hiking up one of the many mountains that decorate Seoul. It is impossible to get bored in Seoul, as the contrast between neighbourhoods can be so drastic that it feels like a different city altogether!
Perhaps one reason I love Seoul is because of my home. Tucked away in a lively yet comfortable neighbourhood, it is the perfect balance between too loud and too quiet. The majority of the residents here are Korean aunties and uncles, and Korean university students. Here, I live far enough away from the tourist sites, but close enough to walk to them.
At first, I was not used to the convenience and proximity of so many stores and restaurants. I felt overwhelmed, opting to sleep to avoid having to decide on where to eat. Now, I can say that living here has cured my indecisiveness. The quantity and variety of restaurants outside my door quickly became something I appreciated for making daily life so much easier and enjoyable!
The sense of community that I have found is something that I could have never imagined. Before my arrival in Seoul, I had heard that it is difficult to become friends with Koreans, especially as a foreigner. However, the day I moved into my new home, I was greeted by my Korean housemate, who has now become a good friend.
My living situation is a little peculiar, as it houses 11 Korean university students and a Korean mother who cooks for us. Despite having varying levels of communication with them, everyone made me feel welcome and safe. Within 2 weeks, they already invited me into the house’s KakaoTalk (Korean messaging app) group chat! This completely dismissed my previous assumptions about Koreans, helping me settle in immediately into my new home.
From Monday to Friday, I take the bus to school. I am enrolled in an intensive 20-hour/week Korean language program at a Korean university. Although the long hours spent in class and doing homework feel exhausting at times, it was the best decision I have made. Coming to Korea, I only knew Hangul (the Korean alphabet) and a few short phrases. Now, I can order at cafés, engage in simple conversations, and even write a short essay. I am surprised by how much I have improved within the past 2 months!
Like many others, I was afraid that I was going to be lonely in a big city like Seoul. However, I met so many amazing people from this program. The teachers are friendly and approachable and my classmates are more like family than friends. Each day, we all have lunch together and hang out outside of school. Recently, my classmates and I travelled to Jeju Island during our summer vacation. It was a much-needed break from the busy streets of Seoul— the beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and nature walks were just what I needed before studying for my final exams. My best memories are of our long drives during the night and by the coast while listening to K-pop. It was such a vibe!
In South Korea, I am often surprised by how frequently I am mistaken for a local. Despite hanging out with other visibly East Asian friends, Korean people tend to address me first. Thankfully though, I have a Korean-speaking friend who can step in and save me from the awkward moment when I have to admit I did not understand anything. The irony is that my friend is visibly Caucasian, usually leaving Korean people (especially Korean aunties and uncles) in a state of shock!
I am grateful for the opportunity to come and experience life in South Korea. I have grown so much, becoming more outgoing, open-minded, and confident. I often tell myself that I have no excuse to be afraid to try new things here— after all, I am in a new country, learning a new language, and experiencing a new culture. I tell myself that it is okay if I embarrass myself because I am a foreigner here. Because of this mindset, I find myself looking forward to saying “yes” to new experiences each day, so that I can discover something new about this incredible place and about myself.
The McCall MacBain International Fellowships are open to undergraduate students of McGill University, University of Manitoba, Dalhousie University, and McMaster University, along with recipients of the McCall Huron County and MacBain Niagara Falls Scholarships studying at any Canadian institution. The Fellowships accept applications between October to January each year.