A DECISIVE DECISION

BACKGROUND:

During my high school days in Nigeria, I have always had the thought of studying abroad especially in Asia and specifically Japan because of technological advancements in the field of electronics and electrical engineering. By this period (2013) Korean companies like Hyundai, Kia and Samsung compared to Sony, Toyota and Honda were still gaining momentum in my country (Nigeria). So I wasn’t that interested in going to Korea. However, during my first year in the University (in Nigeria), I got to learn more about Korea through a friend studying over in Korea (Daegu).

The more I learnt the more engrossed I became. So at the end of my first year in the university a once in a lifetime opportunity presented itself. I had tried my luck for the Korean Government Scholarship Program for undergraduate studies (KGSP), and was selected. So I had to quit my university and start all over again so I could follow my passion.

KNU from atop the Global Plaza

Kyunghee University Seoul campus (My language Institute)

Through this program I was able to study Korean AT Kyunghee University for about a year before moving down to Daegu to my university.

WHY I CHOSE DAEGU OF ALL THE CITIES IN KOREA:

             While applying for the KGSP-U program (embassy track), you have the choice of any 3 universities, hence any 3 cities you possibly want to live in. Knowing so little about Korea, I decided to choose 3 random cities and Universities (and Daegu and Seoul was one of my choices). Now after passing the preliminaries and gaining admission in both Seoul (capital) and Daegu, it was time to make a choice between both (that’s when the internet came in). I ended up choosing KNU in Daegu instead of SeoulTech in Seoul. These are several reasons why I chose Daegu over Seoul;

PROXIMITY:

 

Map of Korea showing major cities circled

Looking at the map, you will find that Daegu is in between Seoul and Busan. If I am going to be living in Korea for years, I wanted to live where it is easy for me to travel to other megacities of the country with easy and for cheap (yeah, I like cheap things:)). So Daegu was the obvious choice for me. You can easily get to Seoul, Busan and even Daejon by Train or Bus with little or no transfer (I hate transits).

WEATHER AND CLIMATE:

                                                        

Kyunghee University on a snowy day (2016)

Daegu is one of the cities that receives minimal snow and rainfall (I guess), makes it an ideal city for me because I don’t like too much snow. Yeah, it is beautiful and all that but it makes it difficult to walk around and get deliveries from food stores:)

DAEGU IS AFFORDABLE: 
Like I said earlier I like cheap things:) if you are like me wanting a vibrant city but a bit laid back than Seoul, then Daegu is for you. Since I wanted to live alone, I know living in the Capital city is suicidal because like every other capital in the world, housing and amenities is always more expensive. In Daegu you enjoy what it is that makes a megacity but without the huge price tag that usually comes with it.

POLLUTION AND NATURE:

A trip to Ipab namu Habitat

Daegu is mountainous and filled with even shares of both natural vegetation and mountains, hence making it a home for hiking lovers. Also being located in the southern part of the country helps when it comes to pollution compared to Seoul. This is not to say there is no pollution in Daegu.

CYBERPUNK AND NATURE:

Night Photography

Farm land

If you don’t know what cyberpunk is, I suggest you watch any of the “Ghost in a Shell” series. Daegu being an urbanized city means it has a lot of skyscrapers with neon lights all over, hence a heaven for cyberpunk or night photography lovers (which I am). On the other hand, moving away from the center of the city also graces you with plentiful fresh air from natural vegetation and farm lands. 

Graduation from Intermediate Language class

                                                

 In conclusion, Daegu is just Daegu. Less populated than other megacities, moderately decent expat community, nature, good universities and lots more. After considering all these and weighing the odds with living in Seoul, I chose to live in Daegu and I have not regretted that decision. Thank you for reading:)!!

Changes That I Experienced While Living in Korea

Moving to a foreign country for the first time in your life is a very challenging task. Especially when you are just a shy, fresh out of college 20-year old. Yes, that was me 10 years ago.

I arrived in Korea in August of 2008. Just like any other first timer, I was kinda scared, yet excited at the same time.

As time passed by, I experienced a lot of changes from my first impression of Korean people to my life in Korea in general.

Here are a few of them.

The day I graduated from Hoseo University

1. Korean Speaking Ability

Then:

When I first arrived in Korea, the only Korean words I knew were “Annyeonghaseyo?” and “Kamsahamnida”. My knowledge of Korea was almost zero.

My first two years in Korea was the toughest part of my life. I had a hard time coping with the new culture, learning Korean language as well as trying to pass my subjects. It was even harder because I had no one to turn to.

Now:

Ten years later, I can speak Korean fluently and now I’m working as a Korean-English translator.

How did I learn Korean? When I was still taking my master’s degree, we had to take compulsory Korean language classes for 2 semesters.  When I finished my degree, I took the Korean Immigration and Integration Program (KIIP) offered by the Ministry of Justice. Sure, it was not easy but I was eager to learn. It was not because I wanted to be a Korean citizen but because I wanted to have an in-depth understanding of Korean culture and history. 

Giving a speech after receiving an award for getting the highest mark in our KIIP class.

 

2. Traveling Around Korea

Then:

During my first and second year in Korea, the only places I had been to were Incheon, Seoul, Cheonan and Daegu. Apart from not having enough money to travel, not being able to speak Korean fluently was one of the reasons why I was afraid to go to other places. I was scared of getting lost. My first home in Korea was Daegu. I lived in Guam-dong (Chilgok-Unam) and then Wolbae. While living in Daegu I was able to visit a few places such as Apsan, Daegu Arboretum and Dalseong Park.

Visiting a temple in Daegu 9 years ago

Now:

In the past few years, I have visited so many places in Korea.  I have been to so many that I sometimes lose count of all the places that I have been to. Some of the trips I took were “free.” I was also able to explore more of Daegu. Just recently, I visited the Welch Azalea Habitat (참꽃 군락지) and Daegyunsa Temple at Mt. Biseul in Dalseong-gun. I have taken a bus trip from Gyeongsan to Bullo-dong Ancient Tomb Park and Palgongsan. I realized that there are so many beautiful places to see in Daegu which I was not able to see during my early years in Korea.

Enjoy the marvelous spring beauty of Mt. Biseul

Being able to read and understand Korean enabled me to avail some free trips (familiarization tours) around the country. Though those trips were “free”, participants are required to write their feedback about the place they visited through their blogs and social networking accounts. Joining those trips got me into travel blogging.

3. Making Friends with Koreans

Then:

When I first came to Korea, I did not have any Korean friends.  Being busy with my studies and not being able to speak the language were the main reasons why I had a hard time making Korean friends. Another reason was being brown. Many might not be able to relate to it but discrimination does exists and I experienced it.

Now:

Though I still experience discrimination because of my skin color, I have managed to make a lot of Korean friends over the years.  Speaking Korean, understanding Korean culture and traveling with Koreans allowed me to meet more people and eventually I became friends with them. Sure, it is still not easy but a lot better than it was 10 years ago.

Enjoying a trip to Dokdo that I booked through a Korean travel agency.

4. Korean Food I love the Most

Then:

If you had asked me what Korean food I loved most ten years ago, I probably would have answered bulgogi. It is not because I really loved bulgogi, but because that was the only Korean food that I often ordered whenever we went to restaurants. That was the only food which was familiar to me aside from kimbap and tteokbeokki.

Now:

However, things are different now. After exploring the Korean cuisine for the past few years, I think I have already found my favorite Korean food and it is “galbitang”. I still like bulgogi but I love “galbitang” the most. Going to traditional markets was a great way to experience various traditional Korean food. I had the best hotteok at Daegu’s Seomun Market. It was so chewy, has richer taste and not very oily. 

Galbitang, my favorite Korean food

5. Korea To Me

Ten years ago, South Korea was merely a foreign country in which I was lucky enough to get a scholarship. For me, it was just a place where I temporarily stayed while I was finishing my studies.

I did not expect that the day would come that I would call Korea my second home. I think being able to learn the language and having an in-depth knowledge of the culture and history of this country helped me understand Koreans more and love Korea like my home. I did not regret that I chose to stay here after finishing my master’s degree.  I think it was the best decision I had ever made.

To add fun to learning Korean language and culture, I also studied Korean and Hanja calligraphy. 

Getting into Korean Culture, Learning Calligraphy

Was studying Korean worth it? Absolutely yes! If I did not push my limits in studying Korean language, I do not think I would still be in Korea now. So, if you plan on staying in Korea long-term, spend sometime learning the language. It will surely make your stay here a lot more enjoyable and easier.