Summary : Amazing Experience in Korea

When we hear about Korea, we will think of Korean Drama and K Pop inevitably and instantly. Influence of this Asia country is profound and evident. Thanks God, I have the chance to be there for 6 weeks student exchange. It is unforgettable trip and wonderful blessing in my life. My thought changes positively and I have a wider view of this world as well as life.

Yonsei University is where my exchange program held. This university is ranked number 2 in Korea. Beside being huge, clean and beautiful, Yonsei University has all buildings with modern designs. The program that I join is Yonsei International Summer School. There are around 1400 students from all around the world participating in the program. It is indeed a great time for me to know new friends and learn new cultures from them. 

Yonsei Unversity

Through this program, I get to know more international friends. Most of them are from the USA, Indonesia and of course Korea and Malaysia as well. I used to be alone travelling around in Seoul during first few days. Being alone doesn't mean suffering from loneliness. I have some quiet time to think about my future and my life. With friends, I can continue to be talkative as in Malaysia. We travel, eat, share and talk together. This is one of the most memorable moments in Korea. Nice to meet them! ^^

 { International friends will motivate you to promote and introduce Malaysia as most of them do not know where is Malaysia and what's in Malaysia. They thought all of us speak Malay ONLY and they are shocked that we can speak at least 3 languages, I am so proud to know so many languages. Haha. Looks like we have to do more to let the whole world knows Malaysia! }

Myeongdong - Shopping District

A shopping heaven, Korea is full of branded shops especially cosmetic products and fashions. At night, you can see a lot of people shopping, dating and walking on the streets. The streets are usually flooded with local and foreign people. Agreeably, Korea is one of the most favourite choices of global tourists too. Besides shopping, Seoul, Korea has aplenty of tourist attractions. With developed subway system and public transport, visitors can travel around Seoul without any problem. Venues like shopping districts, Korean palaces, Korean drama filming locations, and others are the utmost selling points. All attractions are well maintained and clean. I share some of the places in my previous blog entry. To read more, click Here.

Delicious Korean Fried Chicken

Korean foods are mouth-watering too. Bulgogi (Korean BBQ), Fried Chicken, Ramen, Bibimbap and many more. I love all Korean foods except cold noodle. My stomach cannot used to the coldness of the soup and noodle. Korean loves to eat chicken especially fried one. No exception, I fall in love with that and Bulgogi too. But most of the foods are non-halal. 

Korean is polite and respectful as well. They have different levels of polite forms in Korean Language. It has special format when talking to elderly and esteemed people. When chit-chatting with friends, there is another way to speak the language. This is one of the toughest part of learning Korean language. 

Korean learns some foreign languages like Mandarin, English and Japanese in school but they are usually proficient in Korean language. With their own mother tongue, they can be one of the powerful countries in every expect such as economics and educations, they even perform pretty well in Olympic Games. Koreans are more progressive and hardworking as well as patriotic in nature? Personally I agree.

Living standard there is relatively high, so as their salary level and daily expenditure. I always think twice before I purchase or eat something there because RM 3.00 is only 1000 Won. One meal outside is normally around 5000 Won and more. Being just a student, I have to save and control my money. Perhaps this is another self-control practice or training.  

Yoido Full Gospel Church

Another splendid thing I love in Korea is, churches are everywhere. You can see red crosses brightening around you in the dark night. Around 60% of 50 million Korean are Christ followers. Korea has biggest church in the world with 800,000 church members. I have marvellous bible study and church service experience in Korea too. Brothers and sisters there are so faithful and affable.

Seoul Subway Map

Sophisticated infrastructure there is one the reasons that I love Korea. Public washrooms, public transportation, internet, tourist information centres and others are ready to serve the people in Korea. It might be confusing when looking at the complicated subway map. But you will find it extremely helpful and user-friendly as the subway system can bring you anywhere in Seoul! Subway stations are established in almost all tourist attractions. Furthermore Public toilets are clean and tourist information centres are always ready to assist tourists. Internet speed is fast and directory is clear too. I believe good infrastructure is the key for a country to be prosper and success.

A question wandering in my mind will always be:

"  Why Korea can be so advanced but we are not yet? "

We have abundant natural resources, great people, wonderful lands and no natural disasters. 

Korea is quite similar to Malaysia, but they are facing natural disaster like typhoon and others.

What has happened to our country? Perhaps, we all have our answers in our mind. 

Pray for this beloved country. We can grow strong and be better than others definitely!

Malaysia is a nice country, I love Malaysia for sure. Delicious food, unique cultures, nice people and others. We should be proud to be Malaysia. Perhaps, we can do more to make Malaysia a better nation. Changes are definitely needed. We cannot afford to be stagnated anymore, we need to move forward with wiser and more brilliant efforts.
Let's hope and pray that Malaysia can be a stronger and greater country in this world soon.

I learn a lot from the exchange and hopefully I have chances again to widen my view in Europe countries.
I love Korea and I never forget to love my country - Malaysia.