Erasmus experience in Seoul, South Korea by Paula

Why did you choose to go to Seoul, South Korea?

For me, I chose to go to Korea because right from the start I liked the sense of the unknown and the chance to experience something that I would never have the opportunity to do again. Once they gave me a place I realised I had a lot of questions about this country and all of its distinctive features: the history, the language and its rapid development whilst still conserving traditions...

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How long will you receive a grant? How much money do you receive?

My grant has lasted 6 months and I have asked to extend it to a year. They will only give the grant for the first semester and by what they have said it will only be 300 euros... Despite that, I don’t pay the price of this private university, I pay what is paid for public universities in Spain.

What is the student atmosphere like in Seoul?

Korea is really competitive! However, if you are part of an exchange programme don’t worry, it won't affect you; ) But it is inspiring how hardworking they are. Grades are really important to get a job in a big company before leaving uni.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Seoul to other students?

Yesssssssssssssss! And yes! The city is amazing and there are hundreds of things to do for all tastes! My university (Dongguk University) is Buddhist and so so interesting! Its facilities are superb, with so many activities to take part in, balconies with amazing views and the teachers are 10 out of 10...

What is the country's food like?

Prepare yourself for something different and to eat with chopsticks!; ) I am vegetarian which means I haven’t been able to try the typical Korean BBQ, nor, of course, the live octopus or dog – which they don’t just happily eat every day, only for special occasions. But what I have tried I have loved! Bibimbap… yummm!; ) And if you get tired of rice and noodles you can always go to the Itaewon area and have dinner in one of the thousands of Western-Styled restaurants.

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Did it cost you anything to find accommodation in Seoul?

I looked for a flat, but from Spain it was impossible, so I decided to stay in uni accommodation which has turned out cheap and much more comfortable. The problem with renting here is that you have to pay a huge deposit, but if you don’t have a problem with that and you still want to live in a flat you could stay in a hostel for the first few days until you find something, you won’t have any problems! There are a lot of student areas and people looking for roommates.

How much does it cost to live in Seoul?

• We don't have a kitchen in our uni accommodation so I have to eat out every day. An entire menu at the uni costs 3000W (2, 20 euros) and in restaurants, if it's in a university area, you can find food for 4, 000.
• The fruit is so expensive for Spaniards. An apple is almost a euro.
• The transport is the same as in Spain.
• Leisure activities are the same as in Spain. With your university card you can get discounts for the cinema, the theatre, museums…

What is the language like? Did you go to any language courses at the University?

With all the classes that I have I couldn’t sign up for the intensive course that the uni offered me and it’s such a shame because I would have loved to have been able to talk to my new Korean friends. I'll have to get to work for next semester!; ) Because it is worth it! It is a beautiful language and Korea is a country that is advancing quickly with big international companies. The web page Talk to me in Korean is perfect! You can download audios to listen to on the metro and you’ll soon see how quickly you’ll get the hang of the basics.

What is the cheapest way to get to Seoul from where you are from?

Looking for a flight on Skyscanner, not having a preference for an exact date and buying the return ticket at the same time – but only if you are sure when you want to come back and you’re not going to stay like me; )

Where would you recommend going on a night out in Seoul?

• The Itaewon area is good for all the typical bars and Western-Styled clubs.
• The Gangnam area is good for all the more glamorous clubs.
• Hongdae University clubs
• Round by the uni there are loads of bars and karaoke bars to drink thousands of sojus.

And where are your favourite places to eat in Seoul?

The Chungmuro area is full of restaurants for students. My favourites are: Alchon (you can eat there for 4000W) and the amazing, heavenly, delicious, perfect restaurant Indio Jyotil.

And where would you go for a cultural visit?

Buy a guide to Seoul and start visiting the temples, palaces and parks from the first week because otherwise you won’t have enough time to do everything… one of my favourites is the Bongeunsa temple in Gangnam when the leaves are red or the garden of roses in the Olympic Park in the summer.

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Do you have any advice you want to give to future students going to Seoul?

Open your mind! You haven’t gone half way across the world to buy Spanish things, right? So accept that things are the way they are here and start to enjoy it; ) Really, have a positive attitude to everything and ask as many questions as you can! Koreans have the tendency to be shy so don’t be surprised if they aren’t the first ones to introduce themselves to you. They seem shy at first, but actually they are delighted that you have opened yourself up to enjoy their country!

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