Steve's sandbox

Tag: South Korea

  • Lauren Maslin: Case Study – Land of the Morning Calm: South Korea 2024 – 2025

    I chose to go to South Korea because I was fascinated by its history and very different culture than my own. I also believed that living there would be the best way to learn the language in its natural context, beyond the classroom.

    “Going to South Korea as a language exchange student showed me that challenges and difficulties shouldn’t hold you back. With patience, courage, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it’s possible to achieve things you might never have thought possible.”

    Before going, I felt a little apprehensive because moving abroad meant saying goodbye to everything familiar and being apart from loved ones for a long time.  At the same time, I was curious about what I would learn whilst living abroad, and I was excited to meet new friends and travel to places I had never been before. I already knew a little about South Korea’s customs and culture through K-dramas and a local Korean church, but I was eager to experience these things first-hand.

    The first thing I noticed when I arrived was that everyone was speaking Korean. It seems obvious, but it immediately made me realise how different daily life would be and how important it would be to practise the language in real-life situations. Not only was the language different, but the food was incredible. From my previous travels, I had learned that food can build bridges across cultures and languages, and this proved true in Korea. I was invited out for dinner with some fellow students, and we had so much fun trying the side dishes, kimchi, bulgogi, and spicy tteokbokki. The final course was several rounds of singing in a local noraebang and a commemorative photo taken in a Korean style photobooth (the crazy hats, wigs and sunglasses were optional!) Sharing meals like this helped me connect with others and feel part of the university community.

    There were, of course, many differences in the culture of a Korean university compared to an English university. At my home university, I took a variety of classes, from workshops to lectures, and there was a lot of interaction between professors and students. Debates among students was encouraged. At the Korean university, the dynamic was different. I had to adjust to a more formal structure, where respect and hierarchy were emphasised. For example, I addressed professors using formal titles rather than their first names, which felt unfamiliar at first but taught me a lot about Korean culture and etiquette. Learning Korean in Korea was challenging, especially in fast-paced lectures but I improved by practising with classmates. studying in the peaceful university library, and a healthy dose of hopeful guessing! These differences helped me develop new academic skills and adapt to a learning environment very different from what I was used to. Learning in Korean was tricky, particularly in lightning-fast lectures,

    I spent time with classmates from all over the world, so Korean quickly became our common language. During breaks, we would chat in Korean, which helped me practise and improve my skills in a relaxed setting. Professors also organised field trips to help us expand our knowledge of Korean culture, providing further opportunities to use the language in real-life contexts. Through a language exchange, I made close friends with a few Korean students, who introduced me to their wider social circles. I am still in contact with them, and we continue to exchange languages. Building friendships and sharing cultural experiences was incredibly fun and rewarding, helping me feel connected to the university community.

    One of the hardest parts of living abroad is being away from familiar surroundings and support networks. Everyday tasks, like navigating a new city or understanding local customs, could feel challenging, and language barriers sometimes made communication exhausting.

    I quickly had to learn how to communicate in Korean, either by asking for help from my teachers or  by connecting with both fellow international students and local Korean friends. Facing these challenges helped me discover more about myself—how I handle uncertainty, what gives me resilience, and how curiosity and openness can turn difficulties into meaningful learning experiences. I even signed myself up for a K-pop dance audition which pushed me far out of my comfort zone and gave me an unforgettable experience!

     

     

    After a while, I found myself feeling comfortable living and studying abroad. I was surprised at how much confidence I had gained and how much my Korean language skills had improved. This experience showed me that challenges and difficulties shouldn’t hold you back. With patience, courage, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it’s possible to achieve things you might never have thought possible. Living abroad helped me grow in independence, resilience, and self-belief, and gave me a deeper appreciation for learning in new cultural contexts.

     

    “Living and studying abroad for a year has had a profound impact on me. It has influenced the career I hope to pursue and changed the way I view the world.”

    Now that I have lived and studied abroad I feel more connected to global events, noticing not just what affects me locally but how broader issues shape people’s lives everywhere. This experience also taught me skills I will carry forward, such as adaptability, independence, and the confidence to step into new and unfamiliar environments. It showed me that taking opportunities, even when they feel challenging, can open doors to personal growth and future possibilities I might never have imagined.

    Reflecting on my year in South Korea, I can see how much I have grown personally, academically, and culturally. Living abroad challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and gave me experiences I will carry with me for life.

    I am deeply grateful to the John Speak Trust for making this opportunity possible—their support not only funded my time abroad but also inspired me to embrace the experience fully. Stepping into a new culture, learning a language, and meeting people from different backgrounds can be daunting, but it is also immensely rewarding. I would encourage anyone considering studying or living abroad to be courageous and just go for it!

     

  • Lauren Maslin: A Road Trip to Korea’s East Coast with Friends ~ May 2025 친구들과 떠난 동해안 로드 트립 2025 년 5월

    친구들과 떠난 동해안 로드 트립

    지난주, 나흘 동안의 연휴가 있어서 유학생들과 한인 친구들과 함께 재미있는 계획을 세웠다.
    가족과 도로 여행을 간 적은 있었지만, 이번 여행은 친구들끼리만 간 첫 여행이라서 출발 전부터 정말 설렜다.E

    우리는 함께 이야기한 끝에 한국 동해안으로 로드 트립을 가기로 결정했다.
    내가 지금까지 한국에서 본 곳들 중에서 동해안이 가장 아름다웠다.
    바다는 파란 마노처럼 반짝였고, 해변은 부드러운 꿀빛 모래로 가득했다.
    산은 나무로 덮인 이불처럼 포근했고, 설탕 뿔처럼 하늘을 향해 우뚝 솟아 있었다.

    작은 마을은 조용하고 평화로웠으며, 사람들은 여유롭고 소박하게 살아가고 있었다.
    저녁이 되면 우리는 해변에서 축구를 하고, 불가사리와 조개껍데기를 찾으며 웃음을 나눴다.
    낮에는 산을 오르며 맑은 공기를 한껏 마셨다.

    매일 아침하고 저녁마다 게하 주인분이 우리에게 밥을 챙겨주셨다. 너무 맛있어서 식사를 순식간에 먹어버렸다… 그래서 사진은 없다 ㅋㅋㅋ 음식이 맛있었을 뿐만 아니라 게스트 하우스 주인분이 너무 친절하셨다. 게스트 하우스 주인분의 성격이 좋아서 그 게스트 하우스에 있는 동안 진짜 편하게 지냈다 ^^

     

    그때 우리는 세상에서 가장 행복한 사람들이었다!
    동해안의 평화롭고 아름다운 분위기는 우리를 떠나고 싶지 않게 만들었지만,
    너무 빨리 다시 도시로 돌아와야 했다.

    최근에 한국 시를 읽고 영감을 받아 내 시를 썼다.마음에 들었으면 좋겠다!

    바다는 우리 앞에서 뛰어올랐고
    기쁨의 춤을 추었네
    우리도 모래 언덕에서 뛰어내리며
    모든 지난날을 잊고
    즐겁게 웃었지

    도시의 오염된 공기가
    우리를 아프게 했지만
    바다의 짠 공기가
    우리에게 힘을 주었네

    우리는 산을 올라 바다를 바라보았고
    햇살이 지고 있었지만
    우리는 따뜻함을 느꼈네
    바다의 따뜻함
    친구들의 따뜻함
    단순함의 따뜻함
    기쁨의 따뜻함

    나는 곧 다시 돌아가서 동해안의 평화로움과 아름다움을 다시 경험할 계획이다.

    (photo taken by my friend 🙂 )  

    A Road Trip to Korea’s East Coast with Friends

    Last week, we had a four-day holiday, so I made some fun plans with international and Korean friends.
    I’ve been on road trips with my family before, but this was my very first trip with just friends, so I was especially excited.

    After talking it over together, we decided to go on a road trip to the East coast of Korea. Out of all the places I’ve seen in Korea so far, the East coast was by far the most beautiful. The ocean sparkled like blue agate, and the beach was covered in soft, honey-coloured sand. The mountains were wrapped in a blanket of trees and rose tall like cones of sugar.

    The small town was quiet and peaceful, and the people lived simple, relaxed lives.
    In the evenings, we played football on the beach and found starfish and shells.
    During the day, we hiked in the mountains and breathed in the crisp, clean air.

    Every morning and evening, the guest house host made food for us. It was so tasty that I finished my meal in no time… so there are no pictures hahaha! Not only was the food delicious, but the host was also really kind. She had a great personality, so we felt very comfortable whilst staying at her place 😊

    At that moment, we were the happiest people in the world.
    The peaceful and beautiful atmosphere of the East coast made us never want to leave, but all too soon, we had to return to the city.

    I have recently been reading some Korean poetry. Inspired, I have written a poem of my own. I hope you like it!

    The sea leaped up before us,
    Dancing a joyful dance.
    We too leapt from the sandy banks,
    Forgetting all the days that had passed,
    Laughing joyfully.

    The polluted air of the city
    Had made us sick,
    But now the salty air
    Gives us strength.

    We climbed a mountain and looked to the sea,
    Though the sun was setting,
    We felt warmth,
    The warmth of the sea,
    The warmth of friends,
    The warmth of simplicity,
    The warmth of joy

    I plan to return soon and once again experience the tranquillity and beauty of the East Coast.

  • Lauren Maslin: Dormitory Life in Korea vs the UK March 2025 한국 vs 영국 기숙사 생활 2025년 3월

    안녕하세요, 여러분!

    저는 지금 한국 대학 기숙사 방에서 이 월간 보고서를 쓰고 있습니다. 창문 밖을 바라보면 산과 숲이 보이네요… 물론 주차장도 함께요. 세상 모든 걸 다 가질 수는 없는 것 같아요, 그쵸?

    여기 한국에서는 학생들이 방을 같이 쓰고, 학교 내 기숙사에 머무는 것이 일반적이에요. 저도 룸메이트와 함께 생활하고 있어요. 기숙사에는 월요일부터 목요일까지 밤 11시 통금 시간이 있고, 정기적으로 방 청소 점검도 있어요. 규칙을 어길 때마다 점수가 깎이고, 만약 너무 많이 깎이면 퇴실하게 돼요. 규칙이 엄격하지만, 학생들의 안전을 위해서라면 괜찮다고 생각해요. 한국에서는 공부와 조용한 환경을 매우 중요하게 생각해요. 또한, 기숙사에는 공부방, 세탁실, 식당과 같은 공동 시설이 있어 공동체 분위기를 더욱 조성해 주워요.

    이런 생활은 제가 원래 살던 영국과는 꽤 다르네요. 영국에서는 보통 통금이 없고, 학생들이 기숙사 방에서 파티를 열기도 해요. 학생들은 캠퍼스 내 기숙사에서 살거나 여러 명이 한 집을 같이 쓰는 경우도 많아요. 하지만 영국에서는 집세가 꽤 비쌀 때가 많아요.

    한국에서는 혼자 사는 것도 가능해요. ‘원룸’이라는 작은 아파트가 있는데, 가격이 저렴한 편이에요. 제 한국인 친구도 원룸에 살고 있어요. 그 방에는 화장실, 책상, 침대, 심지어 주방까지 다 있더라고요. 영국에서는 학생이 혼자 사는 게 너무 비싸서, 그런 점에서 제 친구가 부럽기도 해요.

    여러분의 나라에서는 학생들이 어떤 집에서 살고 있는지 궁금하네요. 기숙사에서 사나요? 아니면 여러 명이 함께 사는 집이 있나요? 아니면 또 다른 방식이 있나요?

    한국에서의 기숙사 생활은 새로운 경험과 배움의 연속이에요. 익숙한 영국과 다른 점이 많지만, 덕분에 더 넓은 시각을 가지게 되었어요. 여러분은 어떤 생활을 하고 있나요? 😊

    Hello, everyone!

    I’m writing this monthly report from my university dorm room in Korea. Looking out the window, I can see mountains and forests… and, of course, a parking lot too. I guess you really can’t have everything in life, right?

    Here in Korea, it’s common for students to share rooms and stay in on-campus dormitories. I also live with a roommate. The dorm has a curfew from Monday to Thursday at 11 PM, and there are regular room inspections. If you break the rules, points get deducted, and if you lose too many points, you have to leave the dorm. The rules are strict, but I think they’re okay since they’re meant to keep students safe. In Korea, studying and maintaining a quiet environment are considered very important.

    The dorm also has shared facilities like study rooms, a laundry room, and a cafeteria, which help create a strong sense of community. This lifestyle is quite different from what I was used to in England. In the UK, there usually isn’t a curfew, and students sometimes have parties in their dorm rooms. Many students either live in on-campus dorms or share a house with multiple housemates. However, rent can be quite expensive in the UK.

    In Korea, living alone is also an option. There are small apartments called one-room (원룸), which are relatively affordable. One of my Korean friends lives in a one-room apartment, and it has a bathroom, a desk, a bed, and even a kitchen. In the UK, living alone as a student is too expensive, so in that sense, I feel a bit envious of my friend.

    I’m curious about student housing in your country. Do students live in dormitories? Do they share a house with others? Or is there another common way students live?

    Dormitory life in Korea has been a continuous experience of learning and growth. It’s quite different from what I’m used to in the UK, but it has given me a broader perspective. What’s student life like for you? 😊

  • Lauren Maslin – 한국에서의 첫 달 – 2024년 9월 My first month in Korea- September 2024

    첫 보고서

    여러분 안녕하세요! 제 이름은 렌이고, 영국에서 왔습니다. 저는 2022년부터 영국의 한 대학에서 한국어와 언어학을 공부했으며, 현재는 한국의 한 대학에서 집중적으로 한국어를 배우고 있습니다. 한국 대학에서 1년 동안 한국어와 한국 문화를 배울 계획입니다.

    첫 보고서를 시작하게 되어 정말 기쁩니다! 매달 한국에서의 경험을 여러분과 나누려고 합니다. 이 보고서를 통해 여러분도 한국에 매료되시길 바라요. 제 일상, 여행, 그리고 한국어 공부에 대한 이야기를 공유할 예정입니다. 길거리 음식부터 케이팝, 한국 문화까지, 한국에서의 하루하루는 새롭고 신나는 일들로 가득 차 있습니다. 사실 이번이 한국에 두 번째 방문인데, 2023년 여름 처음 한국에 와본 후 너무 좋아서 다시 오게 되었습니다.

    한국에 대해 잘 모르는 분들도 계시겠지만, 저 또한 한국어를 배우기 전에는 한국에 대해 잘 몰랐습니다. 이제는 많은 것을 배웠고, 이 보고서를 통해 여러분도 새로운 정보와 재미, 영감을 얻으시길 바랍니다.

    한국 음악 축제

    이번 달에는 한국의 음악 축제도 전자제품이나 음식만큼이나 인기가 있다는 것을 알게 되었습니다. “서울 버스커 페스티벌”이라는 음악 축제에 다녀왔는데, 비가 오는 날씨에도 정말 재미있었습니다. 여러 가수들이 무대에 올라 러브 발라드, 힙합, 케이팝, 그리고 유명한 OST를 불렀습니다. 관중과 재능 넘치는 아티스트들의 에너지 덕분에 정말 잊을 수 없는 경험이었습니다! 한국인은 음악과 노래에 대한 애정이 깊고, 이는 한국 문화의 중요한 부분을 차지하고 있습니다.

    케이팝의 인기

    케이팝은 저를 포함한 전 세계 외국인들 사이에서 큰 인기를 얻고 있습니다. 2012년, 한국 가수 싸이의 ‘강남스타일’이 전 세계를 강타한 이후, 케이팝은 국제적으로 널리 알려졌습니다. 방탄소년단(BTS)이나 블랙핑크 같은 그룹이 케이팝을 대표하는 사례로 자주 언급되지만, 사실 제가 가장 좋아하는 그룹은 마마무입니다. 마마무는 뛰어난 보컬 실력과 독특한 무대 매너로 많은 팬들의 사랑을 받고 있습니다. 이 그룹은 매력적인 음악 스타일과 개성 넘치는 멤버들로 케이팝의 다양한 매력을 잘 보여주고 있습니다.

    한국 음식

    지난주에 처음으로 한국 바비큐를 먹어봤다

    지난주에 처음으로 한국 바비큐를 먹어봤습니다. 한국은 활기찬 문화와 다양한 맛있는 음식을 제공합니다. 특히, 비빔밥과 한국식 바

    비큐는 제가 가장 좋아하는 음식 중 하나입니다. 비빔밥은 다양한 채소와 고기, 매운 소스를 얹은 밥 요리이고, 한국식 바비큐는 상추와 여러 가지 반찬을 곁들여 먹는 돼지고기 구이입니다. 한국인들은 보통 친구들과 함께 식사하며 이야기를 나누는 것을 좋아하기 때문에, 식사는 매우 사교적인 행사입니다. 한국 드라마에서 자주 보던 한국 바비큐를 실제로 먹어보니 꿈이 이루어진 기분이었어요. 맛있는 지글지글한 돼지고기를 생각만 해도 다시 배가 고파지네요. 아, 음식 얘기가 나왔으니, 라면이 너무 익기 전에 얼른 가봐야겠어요! 다음에 또 봐요! 안녕!

    First Report

    I’m very excited to start my first report! Every month, I will be sharing my experiences in Korea with you. I hope that through this report, you’ll also become fascinated by Korea. I’ll be sharing stories about my daily life, travels, and Korean language studies. From street food to K-pop and Korean culture, every day in Korea is filled with new and exciting things. This is actually my second visit to Korea. I first visited in the summer of 2023 and loved it so much that I decided to come back.

    Some of you may not be familiar with Korea, but before I started learning Korean, I didn’t know much about it either. Now, I’ve learned a lot, and I hope these reports will bring you new information, fun, and inspiration.

     

    Korean Music Festival

    This month, I found out that Korean music festivals are as popular as Korean electronics and food. I attended a festival called “Seoul Busker Festival.” Even though it rained, I had a great time. Many singers performed love ballads, hip-hop, K-pop, and famous OSTs on stage. Thanks to the energy of the audience and the talented performers, it was an unforgettable experience! Koreans have a deep love for music and singing, and it plays an important role in their culture.

    The Popularity of K-pop

    K-pop has gained immense popularity among international fans, including myself. In 2012, Korean singer Psy’s ‘Gangnam Style’ took the world by storm, and since then, K-pop has become globally known. Although groups like BTS and Blackpink are often mentioned as representatives of K-pop, my personal favorite group is Mamamoo. Mamamoo has won the hearts of many fans with their outstanding vocal abilities and unique stage presence. They showcase the diverse appeal of K-pop through their charming music style and distinct members.

    Korean Food

    Last week, I tried Korean BBQ for the first time. Korea offers a vibrant culture and a variety of delicious foods. Bibimbap and

    I had Korean barbecue for the first time last week

    Korean BBQ are among my favorites. Bibimbap is a rice dish topped with various vegetables, meat, and spicy sauce, while Korean BBQ consists of grilled pork, often eaten with lettuce and various side dishes. Koreans love to eat and chat with friends, so meals are a very social event. I’ve seen Korean BBQ in many dramas, so it felt like a dream come true to finally try it! Just thinking about the sizzling pork makes me hungry again. Speaking of food, I think my ramen is about to overcook. Until next time! Bye!

  • Abbie Yallop: Songpagu Baekje Moonlight Trip – July 2023

    이번주에 성파구에서 열리는 문화축제에 초대를 받아 참여하게 되었습니다. 전 세계사람들이 모인 축제에서 새로운 국제 친구들을 사귈수 있었습니다. 축제에서는 여러 활동을 분담 하였는데, 다문화 활동과 뜨개질, 등 같은 만들기도 있었습니다. 그리고 전통 의상을 입어 보는 체험도 하였고, 춤과 아크로바틱 공연들도 보았습니다. 축제가 시작할때는 성파구 의원님이 오셔서 사진도 다 같이 찍었습니다.
    축제를 통해 새로운 서울의 지역을 여행하고 한국 전통 문화를 같이 즐길수 있어서 좋았습니다.
    저는 미래에 서울뿐만 아니라 다양한 지역에 있을 한국 축제들도 참여하고 싶습니다. 공연을 본 후에, 저는 춤, 공연이나 만들기 같은 새로운 기술을 배우고 싶어졌고 또한 새로운 기술들을 다른 언어를 배운다는 것이 가치있는 경험이라고 생각합니다.

    This week, I was invited by a tourism organisation in Seoul to take part and join in on a cultural festival in the region of Seongpagu called the ‘Songpagu Baekje Moonlight Trip’. I was able to meet many new friends who are also foreigners residing/studying in South Korea and we were able to enjoy a unique experience together. We took part in many traditional activities such as arts and crafts, hand knitting, lantern making and we also even tried on some traditional clothing. I was so surprised to see that there were such talented acrobatic performers and dancers showing their skills, you could really see how hard they must have practiced! In addition, when the festival was in full swing, the mayor of Seongpagu approached us to talk about our experiences in Korea so far and whether we were enjoying the traditions of the country. It was a really fun and great experience to immerse into the the culture and take part in something that I wouldn’t have previously had the opportunity to do. I am glad to be using my language skills to communicate with the local and really see my language skill progression. Apart from myself and the rest of my small group of friends, the whole audience consisted only of the local residents, so I felt really lucky to be able to see something so special and not so known to tourists. Hopefully I can take part in more future events and experiences like this and perhaps visit other cities far away from Seoul to get a broad sense of the lifestyle here, rather than just stay in one region.