Seoul: the city of living, breathing contrast

by Laura Simons (United Kingdom (Great Britain))

A leap into the unknown Korea South

Dear, dear Seoul. Never has a hub of one country’s culture felt so diverse. I could not have guessed that there’d be so many exciting things, a carnival-like display of discovery, that could be classified as quintessentially Korean. It’s truly the young person’s paradise – or ideal for anyone who is still trying to navigate themselves and figure out who they really are. I didn’t take a gap year after school, so I am not the most well-travelled of students, but the Norwegian fjords and New York city shared the top spot on the list of my favourite places to visit. However, my soul-searching turned to Seoul-searching, because for a girl who loves the excitement of flashing lights as well as the serene nature of well, nature, there was simply no better place to be. I stayed (and studied) at Seoul National University, a short subway journey from the city centre but still discreetly nestled into the foliage of Gwanak Mountain. The verdant landscape made for a scenic walk to class each day, a real breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of the city; I also get strangely happy whenever I see sunlight through trees because it reminds me of childhood holidays. On that note, I felt that the perpetually changing atmosphere of Seoul was complemented by an essence of familiarity. Maybe I had outstayed my welcome as a traveller but somehow, I felt at home here. It’s difficult to condense Seoul into less than 700 words - I’d still have things to say after 7000 - but food is perhaps the best way to encapsulate what this city is all about. Food is the pinnacle of many Asian cultures, not just for the unique flavours or cooking styles, but for the etiquette that goes along with it. In Korea, eating is all about togetherness. Treating someone to a meal is a nice thing to do anywhere, but here it is an extension of your respect for that person. The Koreans have gained a reputation for their respectful nature and Korean barbecue is a great example of this. A hot grill in the centre of the table and a standard order of fresh beef and pork for you to cook to your own liking. Eating alongside my Korean friends, maybe one or two of them took the reins with the cooking, I noticed that they ensured everyone else at the table was eating before they even took their first bite. My plate was never empty, and the refills seemed to match the speed that I gorged it down, which was pretty fast (did I forget to mention how delicious it was?) They found my incessant need to say 'thank you' rather tiresome (it's a British thing). I was raised that minding your Ps and Qs was the ultimate mark of respect but here actions spoke louder than words. The Korean people know what they’re about. In fact, every restaurant in Seoul, regardless of its culinary category, offers a Korean fusion dining experience. About 3 weeks into my stay I got a craving for pasta and tried the Korean rendition of Italian carbonara – that’s carbonara featuring the two necessities of Korean cuisine: meat and spice. My initial reaction was one of jealousy, "my country is geographically closer to Italy, how the heck is this better than back home?" I thought. Seoul offers choice and convenience to suit the curiosities of any traveller: themed cafés and bars, karaoke and gaming rooms open 24/7, an underground shopping centre...as well as a 300-acre forest in the middle of the city and ancient palaces against a sky-scraper backdrop. I may have grown up in the countryside, but Seoul was fitting for the person I had grown into. As a young 20-year-old on her first solo flight with little knowledge of the Korean language, I knew my trip to Seoul would undoubtedly set the premise for any far-far-away travel I might choose to do in the future. Thankfully, my mindset was one of discovery. I wanted to do it all. I advise this same mindset to any potential Seoul-searchers out there, after all, there’s plenty to discover.