Some of my experiences in Seoul, South Korea, have been nothing short of surreal. I wish I could share all of them, but it would take an eternity to put everything in this blog. That said, here are a few highlights.
Earlier this semester, I came across a poster at my local university in Korea, advertising an American football team open to anyone. I contacted the number on the poster and was given the opportunity to come out of retirement for one last season.
I’ve been playing football since middle school, but I missed the final few games of my senior year due to an injury. Now I was ecstatic about finishing my career properly — and in such a unique way.
On my first day, I was placed as a middle linebacker and handed a playbook by our team’s Japanese defensive coordinator. The entire playbook was translated via Google Translate and made very little sense to me. Although many of my teammates spoke exemplary English, my defensive coach did not.
I quickly learned that not one but two language barriers would play a massive part in my experience with the team. During film sessions, my coach had to give me feedback through a trilingual game of telephone. He used one teammate to translate from Japanese to Korean, and another from Korean to English, and then I would receive the intended message.
I didn’t open the playbook at all after our first practice, but we had an incredible defense anyway. The best part of the season was our second win. It was in a mountainous park an hour from our university, and I made the game-winning sack.
My favorite aspect of being on the team was going out for dinner after every practice. The meals I shared with my team are the best memories I’ve made in Seoul. I’ve learned so much about South Korea’s culinary culture and assembled a fascinating group of guys to spend time with.
In mid-October, I had the urge to go on a two-day solo trip to Jeju, a beautiful island about 300 miles south of Seoul. I had no itinerary and a decent hotel room, so I was very excited. My entire trip consisted of asking random people to order me a taxi to the nearest beach, museum or restaurant.
One of the coolest things I encountered while aimlessly wandering was an art exhibition in Jeju City. One of the classes I’m taking is called “Aesthetic Awareness in the Modern World,” which has heightened my interest in art. The professor aims to teach us how to appreciate artistic creativity by analyzing form, intuition and beauty.
Only a few people were inside the museum, but it seemed worth checking out. The basement featuring the exhibit had a very dark and almost creepy feel to it. The room was entirely empty, but projectors vibrantly lit the walls with some of the most staggering animated visuals I’d ever seen. Since I was alone, the scene’s ambience felt quite unbelievable.
Before coming to Seoul, I had no idea that hiking and the outdoors would be integral to my weekly routine. Great hiking trails are near my university, and taxis are very affordable, so I make the trip often.
My favorite place to travel to is Bukhansan National Park. It’s filled with countless trails and peaks, all offering beautiful views of Seoul and surrounding areas. Some of the trails are easy, but the best ones aren’t.
During my hikes, I’ve noticed the most significant cultural disparity between South Korea and the United States is how much of a priority it is for people of all ages to stay active here. I tend to take more strenuous routes that force me to take frequent breaks on my way to tall peaks.
These trails are physically humbling — but not as humbling as the older Korean men and women zipping by me, showing no signs of fatigue. It’s amazing to experience the outdoor culture of this country, and these hikes alone are one of the reasons I think Seoul is an incredibly special place.
This post was contributed by Reid James Powning, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2024. Reid is a freshman studying abroad in Seoul, South Korea.
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