Canadian Living in South Korea – A Journey Towards Self-exploration
Seoul is widely considered an exploding metropolis and the beating heart of Korea. A budding hub of advanced technology, modern architecture, and vibrant culture, this city has it all. The history is rich and relevant here. Fresh off the boat, and eager to start a new life, I had to learn their organized traditions and practices, and study how they are celebrated ritualistically. Born in Ottawa, I left the quiet suburb of Orleans to find myself immersed in a densely packed city that has developed insanely fast in the last 20 years. I cannot visualize about how such a metamorphosis can take place, and it still boggles me to this day. In the 1950s, after enduring Japanese rule, Korea was at war, and food was scarce. Look at them now… still at “war,” but a leader in technological advancement and internet connectivity.
Just to create a mental image for a minute, consider the fact that 10 million people live within 605.2 km2 of space. What takes me for a loop is the capital of Ontario is two times bigger than the area of Seoul, and the population barely comes close to a million.
Change is inevitable in life, and one must adapt. Did I experience culture shock when I arrived? I strongly believe that the combination of positivity and curiosity help you out enough, so the original shock does not phase you. In the moment, you accept a challenge with open arms and want to test out your abilities.
A smartphone helps, so that was the first thing that was conveniently packaged up and ready for me when I arrived at the airport.
I started my life at a private institution that specializes in teaching English. The kids are surprisingly well-behaved, with some being extremely optimistic to learn a second language. It is challenging to accept however that it is extremely prevalent to see elementary school students involved in after-school programs like this until 10 pm every night.
When you first move into an apartment in Korea, it is oftentimes completely empty, so a blowup mattress makes do for a week or two. Also, some bathrooms just have a shower head hanging near the toilet; that way, you can take a dump and shower at the same time. Korean citizens embrace the “bali bali” mindset, and this literally translates to “hurry hurry” in Korean. With a population density being twice that to New York, they must have their own ways to cut corners. People are finding their own creative ways to make the best of a tough financial situation. It is normal for a couple to transform thirty-three square meters of land into a five-story home surrounded by greenery. With the price of mortgage being quite high in the city, married couples must adapt too.
While the wealthy do not necessarily live a minimalistic way of life, they can enjoy the perks of nature not too far around the corner. Within the greater area of Seoul, there are several national parks 30 to 45 minutes away that engulf the urban skyscrapers. Bukhansan National Park is one great example where nature mingles with technology. With several different entrance gates and unique summit observatory points that range in difficulty, this park entertains five million people a year. The great fortress gate within the vicinity of the park holds 2000 years of history, and over 100 Buddhist temples.
People of all ages gather on these mountains, eat some kimbab (rice, vegetables, meat of some kind rolled in seaweed), drink makgeolli (milky rice wine), and merrily skip their way down. Once at the base of the mountain, you go to a restaurant and enjoy some pajeon, which is essentially an egg pancake that could contain seafood, veggies, and kimchi – the staple food of Korea. As you can see, there is almost a strict order to how you enjoy an experience in Korea. Without these common practices, it is as if the hike would not be worthwhile.
Considering the current pandemic, it is comforting to reflect on my current situation and look back at how it all began. My interest in Korea was merely a passing thought in university, but it became a decision that altered my personality in a positive way. Nearing on ten years in what I call my second home, I would have never thought this journey was possible.
Sometimes, a change in atmosphere and pace is exactly what is necessary to bring about development in one’s life. I am glad to have followed my gut and experienced everything that I have. I am certain that Ottawa and Canada in general have a lot of spectacular attractions to offer. Perhaps a change in atmosphere is what I needed to spark my curiosity. Now that I have explored most of the nooks and crannies that Korea has to offer, I will bring this aspiration for travel back home to Canada.
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