Before coming to South Korea, I had made a bucket list, full of the places I would like to go, food I would like to try, and more. Almost at the end of studying abroad, I still had not gone to my most must-go place, Jeju. However, that changed when my friend texted me on November 14th asking me if I wanted to join her and a couple of girls to Jeju for 4 days. Excited, I immediately said yes, without thinking for a second about anything else. This was the most fun experience I had, since I came to South Korea, and would recommend others to go. The first place I visited was the O’sulloc Tea Museum, which is famous for its variety of tea, tea stone, and tea field. Trying their popular café set that comprised green tea ice cream, hallabong orange Baumkuchen, and more, I was able to understand why it was famous. Just a few steps away was the Innisfree house, it illustrated ways their products were made, hands-on activities to make your postcard or soap, and more. I was also opportune to visit their beautiful Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Udo Island, try their terrific tangerines, and more. This was an adventure that brought forth great memories.
It is now a week before my departure, December 21st from South Korea, the place I have always dreamt of visiting. Reminiscing on my journey, I have gone through a lot, both bad and good. Although, I have been taught to always take the positive out of the negative in any situation I encounter. Some of the good or you can say “positives” were going to Busan and Jeju, seeing their history through their palaces, trying out different café, and many more. One of the things I have learned from these experiences is that I should always be open to things, whether it is a new environment or an experience. Second, If you expect people to treat you the way you treat them, you will always be disappointed; however, always be yourself and be the best you are. Thirdly, try to make time to treat yourself as you will be stressed out from the cultural shock or from missing your family. Fourthly, make sure to have fun and take a lot of pictures, even if you are by yourself or with your friends. Last but not the least, this is the most important one: Be respectful to the rules and laws that are designated. Not following the laws can produce a more controversial view about foreigners and will most likely get you deported. Furthermore, this is a trip I will always keep very close to my heart and hope to be back to visit. See you again, South Korea and thank you for the memories (한국에서 다시 뵙고 추억에 감사드립니다).
Ruona Odharo is a student at Sam Houston State University. She is an ISA Identity & Inclusion Blogger and is studying abroad with ISA in Seoul, South Korea.