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:)!!

My journey to come to Deagu!

I worked in the Korean Cultural Centre in Hungary, Budapest between 2014 and 2017, where part if my job was to assist with organization of several Korean Arts and Culture Festivals, Film Festival and special art exhibitions. It is captivating for me to see hour deep Hungarian people's interest in Korean Culture is, and I am pleased that through my job at the Korean Cultural Centre in Hungary. I have been in a position to see that two countries have forged an increasingly close relationship over the years, thanks to all the cultural programs held in South Korea and Hungary.

I had lots of opportunities to meet with Korean artist, dancers or singers and deepen my knowledge about Korean culture and art. I participated in a Korean language training,  qayageum class and dance class too.

My gayageum practice in the Tea Ceremony room, Korean Culture Center, Budapest, Hungary.

In this time I studied at ELTE University in Budapest. My minor was Korean Studies. The minor training included Korean history, language, art industries, literature and Korean film.

I got KGSP Scholarship in 2017. This scholarship gives me an opportunity to study Korean culture in the midst of the Korean people, to get to know social customs and traditions. I started the language training at Deagu University in September, 2017.

The first travel with my classmate from Daegu University in 2017

I feel Daegu is my second home town and I have lots of unforgettable memories. I study with exchange students and made a friendship with different nation of people. I have friend in Japan, Egypt and Kazakhstan too. We traveled together, and tried delicious food and saw beautiful places in South-Korea.

Deagu is a really fantastic and livable town in South-Korea. There are lots of markets and department stores where you can buy everything what you need. There are lots of foreign brand too and some lactose free product.

How much do you need? It is depend on you!

If you love Korean food, you can eat in a university's restaurants (from 3500 won/meal) or in a restaurant (from 6000 won/meal). There are lots of Chinese, Japanese or Vietnamese restaurant in a city center if you want to try new tastes or miss your hometown food.

Korean Government Scholarship Program provide 900.000 won/ months for a student. It is enough to house rental fee (250.000~300.000 won/one-room flat), utilities, public transport (~70.000 won/person) and meal. Deagu is cheaper than Busan or Seoul. I am glad to came here.

Some tips for newbies:

1.    You can buy delicious and cheap, fresh vegetables and fruits in a market. It is more cheaper than supermarket.

They always have some kind words and sometimes give little more than you ordered.

2.    My favorite market is: Gwanmun Market(관문시장).

There are a lots of second-hand shop where you can buy everything. I bought a really beautiful hanbok. The price is 10.000 won. It is a good opportunity if you want to buy one for special events, but don't want to spend lots of money.

3.    If you have a big size shoes, you cannot buy it in a shop, just order it online. When you come bring some shoes!

My luggage when I came to Korea. This is a Cherry queen chocolate and Advent calendar, my husband's favourite one. Unfortunately I can not buy this kind of chocolate in Korea. 

When I came I just put lots of chocolate and clothes in my bag. Plane ticket is around 800.000 won/one-way ticket. The fastest flight is 12 hours 45 minutes from Budapest Airport to Incheon Airport.

When I go back to Budapest? I don't know, I really love live here!

My friend drawn it for me. It is me in my way to Korea.

Coming to Korea as Engineer Student and Packing Tips

Early life and motivation to apply for higher studies

Life is short but dreams push the man to move forward for their accomplishment and happiness has no limit when you are on the way to it. Being a technology aspirant, the thirst never ends and it always find the ways to get the knowledge. My autobiography is somewhat same with other Pakistanis, which starts from the Pakistan where life is so simple. To take part in the wellness of human being in any field, higher studies is one of the options to cope up with. When I was looking for options to study abroad, then I came to know about Korea as one of the leading options for me because of my field (Engineering). In fact, I was surprised that Korea has progressed so fast and stands in the list of advanced developed countries.

Korea as a one of the leading options

Korea has very well-known companies i.e. Samsung, LG and Hyundai having very high technology. Apart from study point of view, social life is an important factor to travel other country. Yes, I choose Korea because of reasons like, advanced technology, natural beauty reserves, interesting historical culture and places, very low crime rate, free Wi-Fi everywhere:), very clean environment, organized transport system, variety of food, and cultural exchange.

Busan cityscape at Haeundae

Packing tips

Before moving to any country things to keep with you are based on every aspect, from social point to weather conditions. First priority should be given to the baggage limits provided by the airline that you are using to come to Korea. Try your best to get maximum baggage limits from your Travel agents and give priority to the items of basic necessity to avoid last minute tension and unnecessary expenditure.

The points mentioned hopefully indicates most of the items that you may be in immediate requirement for the first few weeks until you settle down well in Korea. Sort of guideline to help you to pick and choose the necessary things.

1. Stationary/study items:- Put one notebook in your hand bag with a pen. Never forget to take Korean dictionary (Eng-Kor/Kor=Eng) with you. If you bring your smartphone, download Googld map instead because you might have problems in communication because every person is not familiar with English language. Nevertheless, people are loving and caring. The grammar book will help throughout the stay in Korea.

Keep driving license along with other travelling documents. If you are student, put all important educational documents in your bag including visa documents because you can be asked anytime about that.

2. Clothing:- Cloths to keep with you, depends on the environmental conditions and season. Korea has four seasons-spring, summer, fall and winter. Bring your clothing depending on the time of your arrival. If the travel is in summer, then keep the half sleeve or sleeveless shirts with lighter dress (pants/jeans). As Korea has variety of brands, it would be highly recommended that use Korea for shopping of clothes. In case of winter season, put warm clothes with a padded jacket/wind breaker with you (highly suggested). Weather of Korea is somehow uncertain, can be different from your country so, be careful and search the weather forecast before leaving. Some items are like gloves, hat, mask, and jacket must be kept in baggage. Take one formal and a set of joggers with you.   

Snowfall in Daegu during spring season

3. Food and kitchen stuff:- Generally, Korea has number of options for eatables but in starting life keep some spices and nonperishable foods with you that you think is necessary. There is one top secret behind the healthier life of Korean people is their healthy food. That’s why the average life of Korean people is comparatively higher than other Asian countries. Some of the Korean foods are kimchi, bibim-bap and chi-gay (highly recommended). Vegetarian and non-veg can enjoy the food because the options are countless. Kitchen stuff is easily available everywhere in Korea. The recommended spots are Daiso, Lotte mart, and Home mart. Online shopping are G-market and Coupang.

Korean traditional food with multiple side dishes

4. Cosmetics and Medicines: (Cosmetics are very cheap in Korea):- Keep the very basic items with you because Korea is very well-known for its cosmetics in the world. Shaving kit and deodorants are necessary for men during initial days. Most medications for minor problems like cold, headaches and indigestions are available without prescription.  Otherwise, never forget to bring your medication you need daily.

5. Miscellaneous but most Important:- a) Try to contact someone in Korea for receiving if possible or have a note of local contact info in handy or save it on your smartphone. Search out the map where to travel in Korea if you are stranger, check the transport system used for the final destination. It is very easy to access any place in Korea as the transport system is very well-developed. b) Exchange some Korean currency (won). c) Read about Korean culture that how people say greetings to each other while meeting. It will be preferable if you ask someone for help and say at first sight annyong-ha-say-yo. d) Don’t worry about the internet connection. You will find the Wi-Fi everywhere in Korea. e) Note down the important numbers while have an emergency in Korea or at least dial 1330 for tourist hotline. f) At airport you can buy mobile data or temporary sim card. g) Korea is interesting for exploring natural beauty. Sort out the places first and use public transport to visit.

Jeju Island

Korea as a Pride

There are few places on the earth where life is like a heaven and Korea is one among them. Despite the communication gap, you can enjoy the cultural festivals, love and care from people, natural beauty especially the green city Changwon, Jeju and Yangyang, spring season (cherry blossom) having number of festivals, national events like thanks giving day “chuseok”, relatively free from any kind of racism, and many more. This is one of the best place to travel and enjoy the vacations or to live in.

Pohang beach: a sign of liveliness

Natural beauty representation in Busan