Aisha in South Korea

So this is my final post, since I already updated mostly everything from when I was in Korea. Even though I was there less than 2 months, I learned a lot about Korea, others, and myself. It was a great experience. It was my first time flying that I can actually remember. My first time out of the country, living in a dorm, having a roommate, and many other things. 

When I first got to Korea, I felt like I was at home. I didn't feel weird, I did not have culture shock. I guess because I already know the culture pretty well from watching different Korean shows, k-dramas, listening to k-pop for over a decade (yes really), and etc. I loved Incheon's International Airport when I finally got there, and met some people there that was with the program. When we got in and went to get dinner, I didn't feel weird, just wished I knew a little more Korean. I must say the stairs and hills were killing me, my legs cramped up the first two nights really bad, I wanted to cry in the middle of the night T_T but half way through I was fine and was proud of myself. 

I loved everything about Korea, the food in which my stomach loves more than American food, subway system (I hated coming back to drive everywhere, so expensive~!), all the random music that I actually knew, shopping areas, the historic places such as palaces, random artwork, and just about everything else. There wasn't anything I didn't like besides maybe the humidity? I even got use to that at the end. The only problem that I could not get rid of was...my roommate, but it just made me decide to enjoy Korea even more. 

I focused on my classes and did really well (an A+, A, and a B in which I'm still kind of upset over). I loved my teachers so I'll keep in contact with them. I made a lot of friends from all over the world. I actually stayed out all night studying at a cafe with basically everyone from one of my classes and it was enjoyable (I've never done that before. I know shocking and I graduate in a few months :O). I went to the DMZ, stepped into North Korea, I saw actors and actresses, the sets of some of the shows/dramas I watch. I saw a lot of singers and went to MBLAQ's concert (was up close in the standing section and got them to wave! Joon was super hard to get -.-). I finally made it to Jeju Island, our tour guide Mr. Mun was amazing hanging with Courtney and I for over 8 hours. He was super sweet, I'd recommend him to everyone. Jeju is seriously a paradise! *sings T-Max's song Paradise* (it's from Boys Over Flowers OST-Original Soundtrack check it out!)

I visited various palaces, I love how Korea is so advanced with some of the fast internet too yet traditional at the same time. It's a perfect balance. There was always something to do, so much that I'm going to have to go back to finish out my list of places to visit. I love how I was able to buy cds that I actually listen to. It was like my own personal heaven. 

Even though I didn't take the Korean language I picked up a lot more phrases and can even read Korean a lot better. I thought that was weird, but I guess that's what happens when you are immersed in the culture. I picked up more than some that were actually taking the classes. Korea is easy to get around even with limited Korean skills.

I loved Korea University the campus was beautiful, the domestic students were really nice. It was located in a wonderful place, there were so many restaurants and shopping places around it, I still didn't get to explore all of them! It was also close to a lot of places that I'll never forget including my favorite Korean BBQ. 

For myself, I realized that I could do a lot more than I gave or give myself credit for. A lot of people said I was brave to go to a country and not know the language well. I don't think so. I knew some phrases and just took a chance, plus I've always wanted to go since I was 9. I know that I can balance intense school work while still going out to have fun. I didn't let the language barrier stop me from anything. If anything it was more of an adventure. I didn't freak out getting lost I enjoyed every bit of it and had a story to tell in the end. I grew as a person. I felt more responsible and mature knowing that I can take care of myself in another country. 

I want to thank everyone who followed me and even looked at my blog. I just wanted to show Korea for what it was for me. It's just as adventurous as any European country, Japan, China, Australia, and etc. Korea is like a hidden gem that people ignore. I never understood why and hopefully others who want to visit Korea or even find out something about it will learn something from my experiences.

For me it's an experience that I know I'll never forget. I'm still talking about everything and I've been home 3 weeks now. I miss Korea like crazy. Now I want to find a way to move over there. I'm thinking about teaching English or finding something with my degree when I finish school. I must say it was a trip well worth it. 

안녕~!