This week was the Korean Holiday Chuseok, so naturally during the second week of class we had two days off. On Wednesday, the International Exchange Office put on a Chuseok Feast for al the international students at Dongseo. They had different types of rice puffs, fish cakes, eggs with corn, and an odd broth like drink. I’m proud to say I tried everything. That’s all I’m gonna say. They even gave us cute little rice cakes as well, which were filled with red bean. After the feast, the Welcoming Ceremony commenced where we heard welcoming remarks from the President of Dongseo University, got to see several performances put on by different students, and hear first impressions from new students and remarks from international students who have been here for a few years already. Overall very cool experience to be surrounded by so many people from across the world and hear why people chose DSU and what they live about this University.

Thursday was a cloudy overcast day, but that didn’t stop my friends and I from finding something to do. I am my grandmother’s granddaughter so naturally I found an art museum and that was where I spent my rainy Thursday afternoon with friends. It was a contemporary art museum, so it focused quite a bit on technology and used that medium as an art form. Many of the exhibits tied back to political and socials issues occurring in South Korea. We also saw that there are several other types of museums and an aquarium in the same area, so I look forward to going back soon.

Friday was spent at the beach because it was 78 degrees and sunny. Haeundae Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Busan and is surround by rising skyscraper hotels and all sorts of commercial development. The area is also home to several festivals throughout the year, but with the holiday there wasn’t anything really big going on.

Some things I’ve noticed about South Korea and at least the younger generation here, is that they are continuously taking pictures. We saw several people at the beach that came completely dressed with cameras and tripods with only the purpose of taking pictures with the ocean in the background. Just an interesting social/cultural aspect I’ve picked up on. I’m trying to follow their example at times so I have more pictures to send my mom.

During my time here I’ve also noticed how limited I am by only knowing English. I’ve met students who are semi fluent in Korean, know English, and then also have a different language from their country. It’s been a bit of a challenge, having only one way to communicate with people. However I hope this immersion within so many different cultures and languages will teach me some words from around the world. Specifically I’d like to learn how to ask where I can get ice cream, cause I’m also my grandfathers granddaughter.

The sky is blue and the sun is out and I’m having a hard time focusing on writing a paper when I live in such a beautiful place. While it’s been an adjustment and will continue to be an adjustment for awhile living in South Korea, I am so excited for the chance I’ve been given to live here for a semester and experience such an incredible place. Thankful for beach days and mountain top views here in Busan. Excited for the days to come.