Overall... I love SKKU & Korea

Too quickly, the day of graduation arrived. For some of us, it felt like the end of summer. For others with plans to travel around Asia, it meant it was time for the next leg of the journey. For me, it meant standing in front of around 1000 people again.

The graduation ceremony began with the Global Forum, in which there was a debate on the resolution “Prioritising economic development over environmental protection is in the best interest of developing countries.” The “pro” side was made up of students from China, Korea and one very charismatic Singaporean from Nanyang Technological University, and the “con” side was composed of British and Korean students. Ultimately, the “con” team was able to persuade the audience that environmental protection shouldn’t take a back seat to economic development.

 Though my team and I put in a lot of work, we didn’t really think we would win the whole competition, I feel very proud to have won an international debate and It was an excellent achievement to take back home with me. 

Then, students donned graduation gowns and received their certificates of completion, and the long journey back to their home countries began. Many students and faculty left just as the Korean rainy season began picking up, leading to a soggy farewell. Oh well, at least we had many dry, sunny days prior to that for all of our outdoor activities.

“I have made friends in Singapore, Switzerland and Korea and all of them made my time during this 3 month really special, I feel like I was able to learn about many more cultures instead of only Korea’s.”

Something about SKKU 3

During the semester, you really need working hard because it is not easy to pass the exam. But also you can experience all kinds of food, culture, and people in Korea with the help of you student tutor of your new friends. Korean people are shy but really nice and friendly!

In general, this is a really good experience for me to exchange in Sungkyunkwan University. I got chance to have a deep knowing of South Korea, which I can’t even expect in a short term trip, but also I enhanced my profession study at the same time. Mean while, with the help of my local roommate, I get a new language speaking skill and a new Korean friendship. What a perfect journey!

Tis is the picture I tool in the Suwon campus under a sakura tree， the views are so beautiful. And I also recommend this hoodie (with SKKU logo on it) I’m wearing, you can buy it at the school souvenir store, it’s really cheap and comfortable，bought it as a remainder!

Locks of Love at Namsan Tower

Namsan Tower, is a communication and observation tower located on top of Mt. Namsan in central Seoul. It is the highest point of the city and many tourists visit this place because it is dubbed as the romantic island in the city.

You can go there by public shuttle bus, cable car, tour bus, and car but the first two options are the cheapest and fastest way to get there compared to the other options. 

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This is the path that you need to walk on. It will be quite challenging for senior citizens haha but a nice cardio won't hurt them ;) they just need to do it slowly but surely!

Along the way, you may buy some dried seafood snacks like crab and squid! 

 When you're on top of the tower, you will see Seoul's panoramic and breath taking view and more LOVE stuff! There's a cafe and gift shop too but that's just about it--the inside is the same as Taipei 101's tower.

In my opinion, if you're willing to pay additional KWN 9,000 or around Php 360 and it's your first time in Namsan then I suggest you visit the observatory deck. Otherwise, you may skip this part and just stay where the locks are because you don't need to pay anything there.

 Love tiles everywhere! You can buy one of those inside the gift shop and you're allowed to stick it on their Love wall.

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple

The motto of Haedong Yonggung Temple is "At least one of your wishes will be answered here through your heartfelt prayers" --seems true because when you visit Haedong Yinggungsa Temple, you'll feel something unexplainable like a "spiritual high" especially for people who believes in Buddhist philosophy. Because of this belief that at least one of your wishes will come true, many people visit this temple.

The temple is situated near the sea unlike Beomeosa Temple or the other temples in Bangkok. Haedong Yonggungsa is known as the aquatic Buddhist sanctum and this temple preserves religious concept deeper than any other temple as the sea, dragon (who appeared in front of the Buddha), and the Great Goddess Buddha embody a harmony here.

Delicious Street Food in Korea

Sausage with Rice Cake

Jajangmyeon or Black Spaghetti

Grilled/ Dried Squid- Just the smell of these grilled and dried squid will make you salivate.

Gaeran Bbang- Is Korean sweet egg bread! My favorite!

 Hotteok- Hotteok is simply sweet pancake filled with brown sugar syrup filling.

Hot Bar- Is similar to Odeng (Fish Cake) but deep fried.

I Love Seafood Heaven !!!!

Since Japan is all about sushi and raw food, we blocked one whole day to visit the place where restaurants all over Japan source their seafood and that is in Tsukiji Market. Going to Tsukiji Market is very easy click on this link for a step by step guide. 

We went to Tsukiji Market for one reason...to eat the best and freshest seafood!!! We obviously were very serious about it that we waited in line for 5 loooong hours just to eat at the famous Sushi Dai Rstaurant. The restaurant is one of the oldest in the area and tourists are willing to wait to taste the sushi recommended by the chef. While waiting in line, my friends and I tried to entertain ourselves by exploring Tsukiji Market and here are some of things you will see:

Met New Deer Friends in Nara, Japan

Christmas came early for me when I met "Rudolf" the red nose reindeer in Nara, Japan hahaha just kidding. My boyfriend Wooj and I met thousands of Sika Deers in Nara Park and I can say that it was one of my favorite places in Japan!!! :) Waaa I want to go back and feed the hungry deers!

Nara Park is home to one of Japan's famous temple, Todaiji Temple, where it houses the world's largest wooden building and largest bronze Buddha statue. We didn't get in all the temples in the area BUT it is one of the things we regret because temples in Nara are nice--as I see it in photographs. Well...maybe next time!

We spent half of our day playing with the Sika deers freely roaming around the entire Nara Park. I've never seen so many deers in my life as in close encounter haha. I suggest if you have time, allot a day in Nara because there's so much to see--deers, nature, culture, and temples. It's easy to go to Nara as well and here's how...