everland is for the thrill-seekers, picture-takers, and animal lovers alike. here's how my day went:
Expectations Vs. Reality: Never the Same Here's how my friends and I expected our day to go: wait forever to ride the T Express, ride a 2-3 more rides and wait in more lines, and take a couple photos at the merry-go-round. Instead, we far surpassed these expectations and had a packed day! Here's a short recap of everything we did: Buy some iconic, cute headbands! At Lotte World and Everland, it's very common to wear animal headbands or plush hats (akin to Disney Ears) to set the theme park mood. We snagged some cute penguin and duck ones for around ₩12,000. Headbands were on 20% off discount from 10AM-12PM! Morning stretch with some rides, minus the line. After picking up our headbands, we raced to the T Express, the oldest wooden rollercoaster in Korea and the most daunting ride in the massive park. We made a 12PM reservation for the ride then spent the next two hours leisurely exploring. The T Express is in the European Adventure section, adjacent to the American Adventure section where BTS recorded their music Dynamite! We took pictures there and quickly went through two rides. The large accommodation of people per ride helped cut waiting in line to no more than 10 minutes for these rides. An end to full day of screaming, laughing, and enjoying our time together. We finished a ride just as the sun was setting on the park. The air became cooler, and the horizon turned a beautiful fall palette that perfectly complemented the autumn trees. Our night at the park was less eventful, with light walks and exploring the park. Of course there was a stop to the gift shop before we left, and I ended up getting matching plushies for my siblings and I, with a pin to remember the fun day. While we left the park before closing, the bus ride back was mostly empty and comfortable. We even had time to grab a quick bite for dinner, ending our day in Seoul once again.
Often I find myself thinking that the unexpected moments in life bring stress or conflict. What we expect and what is reality can be as different as night and day. However, this day was a great reminder to welcome the sudden changes and opportunities in our lives. With classes typically every Wednesday, this will be the best Wednesday of my trip. I'm thankful for these moments to do something so fun and new with friends!
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spoiler: it wasn't as wild of a break as you think.The week prior was full of Jeju Island research, looking at flights, and anticipation...but ultimately, it was a 5-day break spent in Seoul, still.
Traveling to Jeju Island during Chuseok felt a bit to rushed, and my friends and I had major concerns regarding COVID-19 regulations. Mandates are always changing here, so it's hard to say what is technically legal or not when it comes to groups (we were planning on traveling in a group of 5 people). Not to mention, there was a typhoon set toward Jeju Island during those days. Despite this, I can still say I had a great break. Here's a day-to-day journal on my Chuseok experience: SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH A few friends and I spent time with two Yonsei University students in the little restaurants and galleries by Gyongbukgung Palace in Jong-no. We had boiled pork belly or bossam, for a lunch before heading to Onion, a cafe in traditional Korea architecture. After all that eating, we took a walk through the Hanok villages. The weather was extremely hot, but the blue skies and light winds at the top of each hill walked made it all worthwhile. We later cooled off with some coffee and red bean bingsu. It was a day full of conversation and great food. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH I had a late morning with some homework time, then headed to Hongdae that afternoon. I went to my first dog café, which seemingly was full of dogs dropped off for daycare. Owners would bring their dogs to socialize with others, while other dog parents came to pick up their pet. It was a interesting experience. Ended the day with vegetarian hotpot and met new friends from Korea University. MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH With no school from Monday to Wednesday, I decided to get ahead on school and major upcoming projects. I spent the whole day in Sinchon at Holly's Cafe, watching lots of lectures and quickly passing time. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST: Chuseok Holiday Today was the actual Chuseok holiday, and I was very fortunate to have some traditional holiday food. I had songpyeon (half moon rice cakes), japchae, and sanjeok. Later that day, I met up with close friends and visited the ever-so-romantic Namsan Tower for a beautiful sunset and view of the Autumn moon. We explored Itaewon at night before a heading home after a full day. While I ended up staying home for much of my break, this was by far the best day of my Chuseok holiday. It was a day full of laughs, warm moments, and friendship. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 22ND Home all day after a full day yesterday. I ended up finishing more homework and making one of the best instant ramen meals I had yet. FINAL THOUGHTS: While my Chuseok break wasn't as expected, it was a restful and fulfilling couple of days. Being in a new country is mentally taxing, so having full days off at home are necessary. I am thankful for to have had traditional Chuseok meals and still got some exploring in! I am very thankful for my close friends in Korea, family back home, and new friends I've met here. These reflections of gratitude for the many blessings in my life feels true to the Chuseok holiday and its celebrations. Stay safe and happy travels, Natalie Kwon From fan-run events to visiting one of the biggest producers of k-pop groups, this was an insightful weekend on a recent interest of mine.As a recent member of the Army (BTS' fandom name), I was eager to visit my first k-pop birthday café celebrating Jungkook's birthday on September 1st. While I didn't attend any cafés on his actual birthday, I went to 6 different cafés the weekend prior. The following day, I then visited the HYBE INSIGHT museum. Having these two experiences helped me dive head-first into the world of k-pop in Korea. If you want to see more video footage, check out my Youtube Video about my experience here! JUNGKOOK BIRTHDAY CAFES As one of the most popular members in BTS, Jungkook cafés were easy to find (especially when another Army makes an entire Google Sheet of the events). Most fans advertise the events on Twitter, with beautifully made flyers and information detailing the photocards and miscellaneous gifts included in purchasing a themed drink set. Drinks and sets typically range between ₩5,000 - ₩10,000. There were people of all ages at these cafés, with some fans organizing masses of various cups, photo cards, and fans. The experts bring plastic cases for the photocards and suitcases to neatly store their adored goods. From the specially labeled drinks, to memorable themes (the cowboy and Butter café themes were my favorite), the degree of thought and care that went into each café was amazing. It truly demonstrated the love and adoration fans had for Jungkook, and it made me think about the impact of music and art in life. Note: I must mention that in the following weeks I did also attend RM cafés, which were equally as endearing and enjoyable! One of the many cafe flyers for Jungkook birthday events, via Twitter.
REMAINING THOUGHTS...
As I mentioned prior, it is clear to see how music and art changes our everyday lives. Whether it be through charming personality, artistic talent, or good looks, these idols bring so much joy and excitement into fans' lives. Further, dance and song covers on online are a product of these idols inspiring people to create something of their own. HYBE's motto, "we believe in the power of music," is constantly emphasized throughout the museum; the dozens of themed cafés are just one product of the power of music. To experience both of these things in such close proximity of time brought on sentiment for both fans and production companies, who inspire and transforms each other's lives. Safe travels, Natalie |
About the siteAcross the Pacific is a blog about a Hawaii local's experience studying on the other side of the Pacific Ocean to Yonsei University in Seoul, South Korea. The blog includes travel tips, personal memories, and adventures while abroad. Categories |