My last few days in Korea were a lot of fun. My 4th host family drove me to Seoul, where they took me to Gyeonbokgung Palace and the Blue House. The Blue House only recently became available for tourism. It was the presidential office since 1948, but the current president moved the office south to a defense ministry compound when he was inaugurated this past spring.
After we toured a bit, I moved to the 4-H center for debriefing and preparing for the last few days of my journey. I was taught how to use the metro by 4-H staff, then released into the wilds of Seoul. Over the past few days I visited Namsan Tower, Seoul Forest, the Han River, and other popular places in Seoul. It was a different experience from the country homes I had visited, but I enjoyed it as well.
I was a bit nervous about using the metro on my own at first, and in my uncertainty decided to see how far I could walk back that first day. After my phone logged over 9 miles of walking I was tired and hungry enough to get over it and use the metro. It was much less intimidating than I expected it to be on my own.
My favorite part of my time in Seoul was meeting up with friends. I was able to meet up with my roommates from my 2nd farm stay, Telina and Jonna. We were able to catch up on what had changed for us each since we parted ways a month ago. Jonna prepares to return to Sweden soon while Telina plans to remain in Korea for several months more.
Yesterday was my last full day in Korea, and I spent it with my friend Chaegeum. I met Chaegeum in 2019 when she visited Michigan through the 4-H International Exchange program and my famil hosted her for a month. It was so nice to see her again after 3 years! She showed me the underground shopping complex, self-studio photo shops, and karaoke (because what trip to Korea is complete without karaoke?). We finished off the day with fried chicken, which I will miss so much. No other fried chicken can compare to the utter brilliance that is in Korea.
Today I am going home. I have had so many unforgetable experiences these past 2 months. I made many new friends, who I will miss very much. During my last few days in Korea I was torn between relief to see my family again and sadness that I would be leaving my new friends in Korea. And it isn’t just my new friends I will miss. As I sit in the airport in Seattle, waiting for my flight to Detroit, I can already tell miss Korea. The easiest difference to spot is the communication. Not just the difference in the language, but also body language and mannerisms that I hadn’t realized I’d become accustomed to.
Even though I have left Korea, I plan to keep on learning. I hope to one day return to visit again. I would like to be able to see my friends again and meet new people too. For now, I am thankful for the amazing welcome I had in Korea. The many incredible people I met helped to make my time much more memorable.
Thank you!
