Looking for reading practice in Korean? A friend introduced me to my latest Naver webtoon obsession. 대학일기 or College Diary is an adorable, easy-to-read look at the daily life of a college student. It’s witty and poignant, clearly drawing on the writer’s personal experiences and causing readers to comment Continue reading
Author: jaemijamie
Story time: Lost on Namsan
I’m starting a new section for my blog – story time! I hope you’re as excited as I am. I plan to share my personal experiences in Korea through sweet and silly vignettes, with a new post coming out every Thursday. Basically, it’s the blog version of #tbt (throwback Thursday). 재미있겠죠? 그럼 지금부터 해보겠스니다.
I will open with asking you this: which mountain is the best mountain for eating Continue reading
Now or Never
It’s now or never.
지금이 아니면 안된다.
– saying | 속담
Whatever that thing is that you keep waiting to do because you’re not sure you’ll succeed, or you’re afraid of what will happen if you fail – just do it. Apply for that study abroad. Start a new book in a foreign language even if you can barely read it. You want to get better at Korean? Nothing will change if you don’t take the first step. Do it! You got this!
Translation by yours truly. All mistakes are mine.
Living in Seoul: Trash Bags and Social Anxiety
During my third time in Korea, one of the things I struggled with the most was one of the simplest household tasks – taking out the trash. It may be second nature to Seoulites who are accustomed to buying the correct regulated trash bags in the right size, sorting out what goes in which bag, and then figuring out where and when they’re allowed to actually put the filled bags outside their homes…
But it wasn’t so easy for me. Continue reading
Begin Anywhere
Begin anywhere.
아무데나 시작해라.
– John Cage 존 케이지
I’ve been gone for about a month in order to focus on the beginning of my last year in undergrad, but I’m back! New posts to come, beginning with this Friday.
Sometimes, it’s hard to know what to do when there’s a huge pile of things that need doing. Assignments, readings, papers, blog posts. Language study. Post-graduation life prep. Where do you start? Just start. Begin anywhere, and then you’ll figure out what to do next. 여러분 화이팅!
Translation by yours truly. All mistakes are mine.
Two Languages, Two Selves
“To have another language is to possess a second soul.”
“다른 언어도 할 줄 알면 두번째 영혼을 가진다.”
– Charlemagne 샤를마뉴
Just be careful you don’t turn into Voldemort by splitting your soul into seven pieces….oh, was that too dark? Sorry, that was probably too dark. Happy language learning!
And channel your inner prideful Harry when it comes to developing that second-soul language of yours.
Translation by yours truly. All mistakes are mine.
Finding Housing in Korea: At Home In Hongdae – Charlestel Review
This piece is part of Seoul Guide, a series of posts for foreigners trying to navigate living in Seoul, South Korea
This is a follow-up post for Finding Housing for Study Abroad in Seoul filled with specifics about where I lived for the two months I spent studying Korean and doing research for a human rights course at Sungkyunkwan University this past summer. Since I am no longer in Seoul, I’m comfortable sharing my housing details! Woohoo! Continue reading
Finding Housing for Study Abroad in Seoul
This piece is part of Seoul Guide, a series of posts for foreigners trying to navigate living in Seoul, South Korea
Out of all the time I spent on preparing for my two month adventure in Seoul this past summer, I spent about 95% of it solely on housing. Like when I applied for a visa back in 2014, I felt like I was going to lose my mind – this time with the stress of securing safe, affordable, decent living conditions. On the bright side…I (re)learned quite a bit of housing-related vocabulary that I had been so sure I would never need back when I still took Korean classes.
There are several different housing options available for foreigners going to South Korea for study abroad Continue reading
“The road goes ever on…”
“길은 끝없이 이어진다네…”
“The road goes ever on and on…”
– J.R.R. Tolkien
Language study, study abroad, and in general the adventures of life are never finished. If your language studying motivation is petering out, or you are feeling blue after an amazing summer, or if you haven’t managed the study abroad yet that you’re dreaming of, just remember that the journey isn’t over! It’s a scary business, stepping out your door…but so, so worth it. 힘내요!
Translation and image from The Hobbit (Korean translated version by Seedbook Publishing | 씨앗을 뿌리는 사람. Full English originals can be read here.
The Best Studying & Hang Out Cafes in Hongdae
After spending so much of my time in cafes around Seoul, I thought I would write a post dedicated to some of my favorite places in Hongdae* to study, write, or just relax with friends.
Cafe Blanc
Blanc is tucked away Continue reading
서울드림 