Blossoms, Books, and Bikes!
Spring has arrived! In the last few weeks, Seoul exploded in pink cherry blossoms and gave way to green trees, flowers, and spring temps. The parks are full of people again, and the overall mood and energy in the city is noticeably livelier. Graduate school has of course been busy, but Iām spending as much time outside as I can manage (biking, running, etc.) before itās too late.
Speaking of graduate school, I couldnāt be having a better time! Iāve been honestly surprised how well Iāve been able to manage my Korean classes so far. Knowing the context in advance (having slides or doing the reading in advance) does wonders for my comprehension so I rarely feel lost. I wouldnāt be able to do a proper English translation on the spot, but Iām able to follow along the lectures and the meaning just kind of soaks in if that makes any sense. I feel like my Korean is at this long plateau now, where I can soak in the meaning of complicated topics but still donāt feel articulate enough to contribute much to a graduate level discussion. However, being the only westerner in my classes, my professors frequently call on me in class to add my thoughts or perspective which keeps me on my toes. It also helps that most of the reading assignments are in English (most academic papers, especially in Political Science, are written in English), but all of the discussion has been in Korean. Iāve had to give a few presentations already too. For example, last week I gave a security dilemma game theory presentation in one class, and tomorrow Iām presenting my reaction to a journal article in another class. I usually prepare a script of sorts as a backup, but once I start talking and am properly warmed up, it usually goes pretty well.
Everybody has been so kind and welcoming at school too. On my very first day of school, a few second year students took me under their wing to show me around campus, introduce me to professors and people I should know in the department, and overall make me feel very welcome. Since then, weāve gone out for dinner a few times and Iāve been included in several group chats to stay socially engaged.
When I wasnāt doing schoolwork, I was soaking up the spring air and cherry blossoms here in Seoul and beyond. I walked to campus most days this month (a 50 minute walk, surrounded by cherry blossom trees almost the entire way) and enjoyed the Cherry Blossom Festival at Yeouido Park. The next few pictures are from that park, right across the river from my apartment. I also recorded a āwalking tourā style video there so I can remember how happy I was walking around this park during the bloom.
Countless cherry blossom trees lining the streets
My apartment was completely surrounded by cherry blossom trees!
This spring Iāve also been cycling nearly every day, mostly on my little folding bike (a Brompton). I even joined a club of folding bike enthusiasts and itās been the highlight of my time in Korea so far. I met so many fun people through the club and just like in my graduate school, everybody has been so welcoming of the only foreigner! This club has been joking that the club is now a global club with my participation š. The riding is fun, but the best part is the talks over mid-ride coffee breaks or over meals where I learn new Korean slang, see what real Korean culture is like, and get to practice Korean with people who know zero English. Iāve participated in other clubs here in Korea before, but thereās honestly a huge difference in a club with several foreigners vs one with zero. Itās hard to explain the feeling, but I prefer this kind of club for my Olmsted experience goals.
Mid-ride coffee
Super niche clubs are just the best
Post-ride BBQ
Since joining the club, my daily rides have become much more exciting and social too. I chat with other riders riding this same bike and randomly come across other club members around Seoul. For example, a few days after my first club ride, I was riding around Seoul and heard my name being called in the distance. After a few calls, I looked around confused, wondering who in the world would be calling my name here in Seoul, before spotting a few other Bromptons on other side of the street. They then joined me on a lovely chatty ride along the river!
Random Brompton encounters
The club organized a āCherry Blossom Tourā ride in another cityā¦and this ride might have been my #1 ride of my life so far. It just all came togetherāthe weather, peak cherry blossom bloom, kind and supportive friends, and just realizing how lucky I was to be on this adventure. Speaking only in Korean all day and being welcomed into the culture in a natural way is what this program is all about for me. Iām going to prioritize experiences like this and already have a few more on the calendar!
Half of the crew before leaving Seoul
Top of a small mountain - this was no joke on these small folding bikes!
Not captured is all the photo stops and food/coffee stops!
Iāve gotta get back to my schoolwork, but I wanted to quickly share a few highlights since school started. Itās going to be an incredibly busy next few months, but itās all good stuff and I couldnāt be more excited!
-Sean