When I first arrived in Korea, it was spring. Although the weather wasn’t as cold as winter, it felt very cold to me because my hometown has a moderate climate year-round. I quickly realized that I lacked warm clothing. As a newcomer, I didn’t know where or how to buy warm clothes and was also concerned about the cost. Thankfully, I discovered that I could buy warm items like a woolen cap, muffler, and sweater from vendors in the subway station, which helped me manage the cold.
For transportation, I was fortunate to receive a transportation card from a brother I knew in Korea. But we can get it easily from Gs25, Seven Eleven or CU. Best part about them was it gave services 24 hrs where we can get mostly our needed when we have an emergency. However, when I first went to my university, I almost got lost because the campus was vast with many buildings. Despite this, I didn’t hesitate to ask people for directions. They were very helpful, even though there was a language barrier.
Once my classes started, I realized I needed some stationery. I discovered that Daiso was the best and cheapest place to buy good-quality stationery. I found everything I needed there. During lunch breaks, I was initially confused about which menu to choose at the campus restaurant. Luckily, there were two different buildings that served different menus. I followed my friend’s lead, explaining my preferences, and they helped me choose meals that suited my taste.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was selecting skincare products, as everything was labeled in Korean, and the staff couldn’t speak English. I often ended up buying products randomly. Later, I discovered Olive Young, where I could find international beauty products, including brands I was familiar with from my home country. I also realized I could read reviews online to help make better choices.
Coupang became my go-to for ordering essentials like shampoo, body wash, food, and other small items. This is how I gradually adapted by finding the essential items for my daily life.
Also, after 1 semester finished in college dormitory I began looking for a house to live near my campus. I noticed many real estate offices, known as "Budongsan," where agents showed me houses that fit my budget and requirements.
In conclusion, my journey of adapting to life in Korea was a blend of challenges and discoveries. From adjusting to the colder climate and navigating a new university to finding the right products and accommodation, each step taught me something new. With the help of friendly locals, useful resources like Daiso, Olive Young, and Coupang, and the support of people I knew, I gradually found my footing. These experiences not only helped me settle into daily life but also gave me confidence in navigating and embracing a new culture.
When I first arrived in Korea, it was spring. Although the weather wasn’t as cold as winter, it felt very cold to me because my hometown has a moderate climate year-round. I quickly realized that I lacked warm clothing. As a newcomer, I didn’t know where or how to buy warm clothes and was also concerned about the cost. Thankfully, I discovered that I could buy warm items like a woolen cap, muffler, and sweater from vendors in the subway station, which helped me manage the cold.
For transportation, I was fortunate to receive a transportation card from a brother I knew in Korea. But we can get it easily from Gs25, Seven Eleven or CU. Best part about them was it gave services 24 hrs where we can get mostly our needed when we have an emergency. However, when I first went to my university, I almost got lost because the campus was vast with many buildings. Despite this, I didn’t hesitate to ask people for directions. They were very helpful, even though there was a language barrier.
Once my classes started, I realized I needed some stationery. I discovered that Daiso was the best and cheapest place to buy good-quality stationery. I found everything I needed there. During lunch breaks, I was initially confused about which menu to choose at the campus restaurant. Luckily, there were two different buildings that served different menus. I followed my friend’s lead, explaining my preferences, and they helped me choose meals that suited my taste.
One of the biggest challenges I faced was selecting skincare products, as everything was labeled in Korean, and the staff couldn’t speak English. I often ended up buying products randomly. Later, I discovered Olive Young, where I could find international beauty products, including brands I was familiar with from my home country. I also realized I could read reviews online to help make better choices.
Coupang became my go-to for ordering essentials like shampoo, body wash, food, and other small items. This is how I gradually adapted by finding the essential items for my daily life.
Also, after 1 semester finished in college dormitory I began looking for a house to live near my campus. I noticed many real estate offices, known as "Budongsan," where agents showed me houses that fit my budget and requirements.
In conclusion, my journey of adapting to life in Korea was a blend of challenges and discoveries. From adjusting to the colder climate and navigating a new university to finding the right products and accommodation, each step taught me something new. With the help of friendly locals, useful resources like Daiso, Olive Young, and Coupang, and the support of people I knew, I gradually found my footing. These experiences not only helped me settle into daily life but also gave me confidence in navigating and embracing a new culture.