Start off with a Bang

I've been to Korea once last summer on a two week vacation, but this trip has already topped the last. When Lisa and I first arrived in Seoul, it almost already felt like home. Since we were already somewhat familiar with the city, we were able to dive right into what Seoul has to offer.

Two days after we arrived, Lisa and I attended the Ultra Korea Music Festival. Over 100,000 people from all over the world gathered in the Olympic Stadium, dancing to music from sold out artists such as Steve Aoki, Nervo, Far East Movement, and M.I.A. The festival lasted two days, followed by a pool party on the third. Fueled by the energy of the crowd and the beat of the music, Lisa and I danced by the front of the main stage for 9 hours straight on the first day without eating, drinking, or using the restroom. We were on the verge of exhaustion by the end, but it was entirely worth it. We had a great view of the show and made friends from Russia, Korea, Singapore, America, Canada, and more.

After the festival, it was time to slow down and enjoy Korea before classes start. We made a friend named Bobby who also lived in our hostel. He's originally from Syracuse, but currently works as a math teacher in Hong Kong. He was only in Seoul for 3 days, but we really enjoyed taking him around Seoul. We tried tons of delicious Korean food, listened to indie musicians in Hongdae, and went shopping to give Bobby a Korean makeover. Before Bobby left for Hawaii, we bought him a goodbye cake at Paris Baguette and ate it in our hostel. 

Bobby turned Korean

Dak Galbi

Bobby's last night

Some of my friends from UM are also here in Seoul this summer so I spent the rest of my time meeting up with them. It's always interesting to meet your friends from home in a completely different country. Since they are Korean American, I enjoyed the perks of having a personal interpreter and guide. Most Koreans only speak limited English, and my Korean is very basic so it can be difficult to make myself understood. Sometimes it's just nice to hang out with a native and avoid worrying about not being able to read the menu or asking for directions on the street. 

Samgyeopsal with Yoolim

Korean style photo booth with Kiyoon

Lisa and I have just moved from our hostel in Hongdae to the dorms in Yonsei. Classes start on Tuesday, and I'm curious to see how classes differ in Korea. But up to this point, I've been completely blown away by everything Seoul has to offer.