Welcome back to my Escape to Explore Series! In case you missed the previous chapter, click on the link below and read about my time arriving in Seoul!

CHAPTER 3

This week, I’ve had the privilege to speak with other interns about their experiences in Seoul! Interns Olivia (USA), Sahara (United Kingdom), and Kim (Germany), share their stories on why they wanted to travel to South Korea for their internship.

Checkout the Interview Below!!!

Was coming to South Korea everything you hoped it would be?

South Korea was honestly more than I could’ve hoped for. I was very excited, but I’d heard somethings to be aware of or things that might come as a shock to me coming out here. I wasn’t expecting to make many friends especially at the start but it’s been amazing. I’ve made more friends in the one week I’ve been here than I thought I would in the five months I’d be here. I think the culture shock was refreshing for me especially after not traveling for so long due to COVID-19.
Olivia

A Picture of Olivia in Seoul

What has been your favorite experience or memory you’ve had in Seoul so far?

There are so many things that I love but every time we are having meals together it’s really nice.
Enjoying food together and having walks around the city with friends feels amazing.
Sahara

What has been the most challenging thing you’ve faced in Seoul?

Payment. My card is not always working and sometimes they also don’t accept cash.
Also being vegetarian is difficult when you don’t speak Korean.
Kim

Picture of Kim in Seoul

So why did you choose to have your internship here in Seoul?

South Korea has always been a place that I’d like to visit and for me experiencing the most foreign culture shock is ideal. I’ve always wanted to live somewhere other than my small under a rock town in the middle of nowhere, so I decided this would be a good chance to get away from that. I think that the Korean language and culture is also just so beautiful and it’s something I could see myself living in.
Olivia

I wanted to go to Japan but it was closed. But looking back Korea was nice because of the culture and the many things you can experience.
Kim

I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone and travel somewhere far away. I did not want to go somewhere in Europe, and South Korea has always been one of my top destinations for a long time, so I took this opportunity and made my dream come true.
Sahara

What would you say to others who are thinking about interning to South Korea?

If you are debating whether to come to Korea and wondering if you will be able to make friends or get around in the city by yourself, if it scares you; you should definitely come. It can be challenging for the first days but it’s an experience you won’t regret. It changes you for the better and you become more independent. I would say take every opportunity you have and travel, meet amazing people; it’s all worth it.
Sahara

Picture of Sahara Captured by SooYeon

Last Question, Favorite K-Pop Song/Artist, K-Drama?

I just started getting into K-Pop when I decided that I was coming to Korea but my favorite K-Pop artist so far is SEVENTEEN or Dynamicduo. Even back home I had some friends who liked SEVENTEEN’S songs which says a lot since K-Pop isn’t really a thing where I live.
Olivia

Three answers for you. SUPER JUNIOR, Jackson Wang,”Rookie Historian Goo Hae-Ryung” .
Kim

It’s hard to decide one on any of these. When it comes to songs it changes every time but a song that I always love and listen to is ‘Christmas Tree’ from BTS’ V.
I like a lot of K-Pop artists but I would say IU, Kim SeJeong, SEVENTEEN and BTS.
To choose a favourite K-Drama it’s really hard but I really loved “Hometown Cha Cha Cha”, would recommend watching it.
Sahara

Thank you so much Olivia, Sahara, and Kim for letting me interview you and sharing your experiences with others on your life in Seoul!!

Takeaway from this Chapter?

Every person will have a different experience when traveling to a destination. Seoul is one of the rare places where everyone I have met has had a positive outlook or understanding of the city.

The Escape to Explore Series continues with me learning how to navigate the Seoul subway system, starting my internship, and meeting my co-workers! Tune in soon for more chapters to come!

(Chapter 4)