🇰🇷44-year-old, 1 month studying abroad in Korea -Life Edition-

Summary of my first month in Korea: A variety of first experiences

You might be tempted to point out that these aren't exactly 'first experiences' despite the grand title, but time flies and it has already been a month since I moved to Korea.
Honestly, I've gotten used to life here and am living without any inconveniences, and thanks to my friends, I'm spending my days happily. I'll list some of the most memorable things among them.
The study edition will come later.

Living

・Paying rent at the bank for the first time
Until you get a bank account in Korea, I recommend paying at the counter! This is because, just as the rumors say, the staff at every bank are incredibly kind and helpful, and I have nothing but gratitude for how they guided me through every step. I practiced writing it on paper, but at Woori Bank (우리은행), it was all tablet input. It took way too long to type in Hangul, so I just let them handle it lol.

・Fingerprint registration at the Immigration Office
To stay in Korea for more than six months, those attending a language school need a D-4 visa. And by registering as a foreigner, you can open a bank account, be recognized as an individual, and expand your life by using services like 'Baedal Minjok' (Delivery Nation). The application was done in a batch at the university, but I had to go to the Immigration Office individually for fingerprint registration. This depends on the time and situation, so I can't say for sure, but to apply for an Alien Registration Card individually, you need to make an appointment yourself via HiKorea. Ah, come quickly, Alien Registration Card!

Shinsegae Group point card

To save money and earn points at the E-mart I frequent, I made a trip to the Shinsegae Department Store in Myeong-dong. I recommend booking through Klook as it comes with free cafe vouchers!

Strolling (Shopping, cafes, and food)

・The Hongdae supremacy theory
Since I live in Sinchon, I end up going to the next station, Hongdae, half the week. It's a struggle that comes with living in such a big city, but every day is extremely fun! Next to Hongdae is the trendy Yeonnam-dong, with stylish cafes, clothes, and knick-knacks... I haven't been able to conquer it all even after a month, so for me, Hongdae is definitely number one over Apgujeong, Gangnam, or Seongsu♡

・Sinchon is also supreme
There are tons of restaurants and cafes in my neighborhood, Sinchon. Since Yonsei University (one of the top 3 in Seoul, known as SKY = Seoul National University, Korea University, Yonsei University) and Sogang University are nearby, there are too many affordable solo dining spots, bars, and study cafes to count. Actually, there are so many that it's overwhelming.

Friends

・Old friends
It might not be great to call them 'old' or 'new', but in June, a friend from Japan came to visit. I was so happy to go everywhere and do everything with them from morning till night that we even missed the last train. And because my friend came from Japan, I conversely became aware of my loneliness. But that's a good thing... A Chinese student studying in Japan (who is now a friend) told me, 'Loneliness makes people stronger,' and I found that convincing. I also got energy from their child. Honestly, 'I want to see you again soon'...

・New friends
In addition to the friends who hung out with me from the beginning, I've gotten closer to people from school, and it's been so much fun. I've been repeatedly going to cafes, shopping, hanging out, walking, and drinking with a wonderful woman who lives nearby and is about the age of my daughter. If I were younger, maybe our relationship would be a bit different. But I feel very comfortable right now and have nothing but gratitude.

・Classmates
It's fun to be able to talk with the Japanese girl who eats with me, as well as friends from Taiwan, China, France, and Spain, starting with greetings and using a mix of English and Korean in a 'Lou Oshiba-style' way. Sometimes the Taiwanese girl's Korean husband makes food and brings it in a container for me. Of course, I'm the oldest. I'm definitely not an 'Unnie' (what a woman calls an older sister) or a 'Noona' (what a man calls an older sister), but rather an 'Eomeoni' (mother) or 'Omma' (mom).

So, I'm managing to live happily.
Of course, there are always bugs and I can't get used to them, the walls in my house are thin, I don't lose weight even after walking this much (irrelevant), my Korean still has a long way to go, and my expenses in June were double what I expected (my own fault). Despite the inconveniences and frustrations, I'm living life to the fullest, thinking 'You only live once!'

Hello (Annyeong)👋