Thinspiration/self-motivation

I keep wondering how do people in Seoul stay so thin? Not every girl here is 5'7 and 100 lbs but a lot of them are. Many people in Seoul are extremely superficial and materialistic -- yes, I would say even more so than Vancouver. Being skinny, pale, tall, beautiful is highly valued here. And compared to your average 5'7, 100 lbs beauty let's just say I may not be considered thin!


Of course all girls have their deepest insecurities and my weight is one of mine . This is probably due to the fact that I was super chubby growing up. Something that didn't really help was the fact that I was constantly teased and ridiculed. Kids are mean-- my cousins made up a song that went something like "there once a pig named porky she ate and ate and never stopped" lol I can laugh about it now. Also, Korean people are very blunt-- my relatives used to come over and tell me straight up I was fat.


I think I'm average now and a lot skinnier than I was growing up. A healthy size for my height although I wish I could shed a few pounds-- who doesn't?  Regardless, I like to think that I have grown up to be a beautiful, well-rounded person. I'm not really the type to be super insecure or to obsess over my weight but I feel as if I do a bit in Seoul.


What made me really think about cutting back some calories and working out was during my first time bargain shopping in Dongdeamun. There are a couple un-spoken expectations about bargain shopping in Korea. 


1) If your a foreigner who's Korean is rough they will raise the price A LOT.
2) You can haggle prices but you have to be whiny-assertive.
3) If you haggle down a price super low they will basically tell you to f-off or go away.
4) The vendors will be super-duper nice to you when you are looking at their products but if you don't buy it they will be assholes.
5) You can't try on clothes. Some rare vendors will have a small curtain for you to try on clothes.
6) When you try on clothes your basically saying "your going to buy it" and if you don't buy if wait for their wrath... (Maybe I "their wrath" is a bit exaggerated but they are definitely not happy if you don't buy what you try on).


So this leads to my story. I didn't know about the last point. I tried on this pretty pink chiffon dress. The sales lady told me I could have for $90 although I'm sure it was worth about $30. Let's face it some clothes look good on the rack and not on you. I wasn't about to spend $90 on a dress that I didn't even like. The old ajuma saw the "I dont want it" look on my face and as I was in the change room to take it off she asks me friend "oh does she not like it because she thinks she looks fat?" and my friend was like "uh no?". I know this lady knew I could understand Korean so she then proceeded to say to my friend and 3 other girls looking at her store, "oh well you need to be really skinny to look good in that dress".  I'm not sure if what she said was to get under my skin/ I'm really fat/ she didn't meant it as a diss. Regardless, it really hurt my feelings and reminded me of all the negativity from my chubby youth.


Now I know I shouldn't have let the words of some random, bitchy Korean lady ruin my day or resonate with me since then. But I'm only human, and it did. It ruined my mood for the rest of the day and I ate 3 bites from my dinner. I'm not saying this experience has ruined my Korea-trip or it has made me depressed since then. I basically got over it the next day but sub-consciously I'm constantly thinking about my weight. 


My resolution? I've tried to work out regularly and to be less-lazy. I even take the stairs to my 6th floor dorm. I want to clarify, I am not doing it to fit into Seoul's expectation of beauty (maybe a little bit?) but I have wanted to shed a couple of pounds for a while now and I know that being healthier is better for me. I want to make sure I don't lose sight of doing this for me and not because of what that lady said about me or how kids used to tease me as a child. I'm not saying I'm going to come back to Canada 30 pounds lighter but I want to look at this experience and change for the better/healtiher or accept that fact that I'm beautiful as I am and I will never be 90 lbs and that's ok. Afterall, as mentioned in my other posts I'm here to step out of my comfort zone, face new challenges, have new perspectives in life. 


My mission  may be close to impossible here due to all the drinking and eating but I'll let you guys know how it goes. I was a little embarrassed to write this post but I feel a lot better now that I got it off my chest. I know there are many girls out there that feel obsessive, embarrassed, ashamed, sad, self-conscious, insecure about their weight and let those feelings get the best of them. But I think talking about it helps. In regards to your body, relationships, accomplishments etc. I think its especially important to realize that no one can make you happy but YOU. 

This picture isn't from Seoul. I took/edited it for an IAT 100 project titled "Self and Place". Running serves as an outlet to better my mind and body. When running I have time alone to escape from life's issues, think and work to accomplish my goals.

Dongdeamun shopping

Girls be prepared when you enter men's section all the male sales reps hound/holla like wild dogs its rather intimidating

First Week Update

It's my fault I held off writing this blog post for so long. Honestly, I could probably write an essay to describe my whole first week in Seoul. But for the sake of you readers I'll write down random facts and experiences I thought have been interesting.

Day 1: Flew to Korea via Korean Air. Which was a great airline. Lots of movies, good food and pretty flight attendants. I arrived at the airport, where my cousin Sam picked me up. I haven't seen him for 5 years so it was great to catch up. We took the subway, to my aunts house which was about an 1.5 hours away. It was quite the workout because I had 3 suitcases and the air was typical Korean summer weather-- humid and hot! The subway station is very intimidating at first, there are so many lines in comparison to Vancouver's 3 lines. Finally arrived at my aunts house 3 hours later due to us getting lost and walking. She lives in an apartment in Seoul. You will see loads of apartment buildings here, they all look the same and none of them look amazingly nice, but that might just be the areas I've seen. 

Bee Beem Bap on the plane

Map of subway lines

View from my aunt's apartment                                                      

                         

Day 2: This day started out rough and hectic. My aunt and I got up early to complete paperwork for my visa, open a bank account and get supplies. It turned into a day of running around Seoul in 30 degree, humid weather. First, we went to the immigration office to hand in my paperwork for my visa. However, when we got there they told me I need more paperwork from Canada so that was a fail. Once we knew we could do nothing at immigration we trained+ran to Yonsei University to talk to someone about my dilemma, it wasn't too helpful. I opened a bank account at Woori Bank under my aunt's name, but really all you need is a passport to open one. In the evening we trained+ran back to my aunt's house to grab all my luggage and check into dorms at Yonsei. Upon arrival at Yonsei, one of my suitcases broke and all my clothes fell onto the dirt. When I went to check into my dorm, I realized that they had recorded me down as a guy and placed me in an all guys floor. This is funny because Yonsei is so strict when it comes to assuring guys and girls do not mix. You are not allowed to enter the floor of the opposite sex, yet I live on one! I have my own bathroom so its ok. My aunt was amazing and did so much for me that day to assure I was taken care of and settled in. I finally met my roommate. Her name is Julia and she is of Korean heritage and lives in New Zealand. The night ended with us getting to know eachother and making fun of eachothers' accents.

My roomie!

Day 3-4: Orientation is intense at Yonsei. The first day we had orientation for almost 12 hours! It's true Koreans work hard. We went over policies, various school clubs and a tour of the school. In the evening we met our mentors and our cell members (all exchange students are assigned to a cell which they are aligned with a mentor and over exchange students). My cell went to dinner in Shinchon for chinese food. It was interesting to converse with people from all over the world. There were people from Russia, Sweeden, Canada, USA, Japan, Korea, France at my table. It was great company and food. All the cells went to local bars afterward but I called it an early night and walked home with a couple of the girls from my cell.

Section of orientation

Cell 13, first night at Mike's Cabin

Later on that week a lot happened so trying to remember what I did on an exact date is difficult. Here are some random experiences:

People: I think the biggest culture shock for me was witnessing Korean people of very low social class. The social economic divide in Korea is huge and very noticeable. You will see old Korean grandmas begging for money on the subway, or homeless old men drunk out of their minds on the streets. It's really sad and takes time getting used to, especially because in Canada the majority of Asians are upper-middle class or very wealthy. The people in public can be a little rude and usually push without saying sorry; they also have the tendency to stare a lot. The woman generally look like dolls-- tall, skinny, pale and big eyes, while the men look like your typical fob but some dress really well. I was pretty shocked to see that a lot of Korean guys have tattoos. I always thought tattoos were taboo in Korea but I guess not anymore. However, it's not true when people say everyone in Korea is good looking. I think the majority are not that good looking but the ones that are, are very pretty. Also, it depends on which area in Korea you go to to find good looking, well-dress people. Gangnam you will find that! Another thing random is that there are a lot of couples and a lot of them dress the same lol. I wish I could get my boyfriend to match me. The general population does not speak that much English, so prepare to learn some Korean before/while you are here.

• I will take pictures of street fashion and post later!

Food: Food in Seoul is abundant and you will never run out of new places to eat. I notice that cafes are very in and sell everything from fancy drinks, pop-ing-su to waffles! And if you ever feel like eating food on the go you can purchase food from the street vendors. The food they offer are all relatively the same such as dook-bok-ee, and various other friend foods. The first night clubbing we stuffed our faces with it. In addition, you will see a lot of Western restaurant chains here. Apparently, Pizza Hut is a big deal and is considered a luxury meal that is very tasty. The food is also incredibly cheap it can range from 2-7 Canadian dollars and there is no tip or tax! However, I find I spend more just because it's cheap. 

Spicy chicken meat

Dessert

Gal-bee-tung, best hangover food

$3 at the cafeteria

Huge pizza omplet

New form of bul-go-gi

Street food we ate in a street tent

Health: The first couple of days I felt like I was losing a lot of weight. I kind of didn't have an appetite for the first couple of days and ate one meal a day. Probably because of the heat and fatigue. Also, the fact that I walk what seems like 10miles a day may help! I would suggest future exchange students to bring really comfortable running shoes. Now that I am a little settled in, my beer belly is slowly making it's way lol and my lungs are suffering from second hand smoke, as smoking is allowed everywhere. Lastly, if you ever feel sick, need a check-up/drugs the medical system is based on capitalism so if you have money you can get anything and fast! A lot of my relatives come to Korea for their health issues.

Party life: This is truly the city that never sleeps and never stops drinking! I guess because alcohol is so damn cheap here. $1 for a bottle of soju which is cheaper than water! My university is located right beside Shinchon where you will find endless amount of bars to drink at. We are a station away from Hongdae which is kind of grundgy clubbing district for a younger, artsy-er crowd-- but still super fun and lively. My first night clubbing was in Hongdea and I had an amazing time! The people in the clubs don't really dance like Canadians do but they get all hyped up when certain songs come on such as g-dragon or some song that goes.. "sex, sex, sex on the beach" LOL. In one of the clubs I went to there is a huge screen TV that zooms into girls' ass and legs and boobs. That was kind of degrading. Other than that the music is sweet-- House music, k-pop and old school R&B. Oh! and every second Friday of the month is national clubbing day so all the clubs are jam-packed. You can buy one ticket and have access to all the clubs and club hop! Hongdae is so lively at night, I just love it. All the stores seem to open at night so night shopping is a blast. I look forward to clubbing in Gangnam which is like the balling district. I heard the clubs are a lot fancier and the people are a lot "better looking and classy". Lastly, Korean culture=drinking culture. It ain't no thang when you see people drinking at 10am lol A couple of my friends and I started drinking at 1pm one day and we felt sick by 10pm. I guess we need more practice.

At Harlem, the first club I've been to in Hongdea

Beer drinking contests

You see these bars everywhere

No alcohol prohibition, so you can drink on the streets at all times of the day

Shopping: If you want to buy cheap stuff for your dorm go to Daiso. It's basically like Korea's dollar store. I heard the shopping areas follow these categories. Myeongdon, Apujeong, Gangnam= higher class shopping; Itaewon= American, Edea= lots of hair salons and girly stores because its beside Ehwa Women's University; Insadong=traditional; Amdaemun= open air market, lots of bargaining and knockoffs, trinkets and jewelery. So far I haven't really done much hardcore shopping but I did buy a couple of shirts for $5 and make-up for really cheap! Lastly, I can't understand why I can't find a freaking bath towel anywhere in Seoul? I've been drying myself with 3 small face towels or clothes.

Night shopping in Hongdae

Typical summer fashion in Korea= skirts, blouses and heels

So many stores to choose from

In Gangnam= baller district

Things to do for fun: Ultimately, you will never run out of activities to do. So far I have had fish clean my feet, smoked Hooka, went to an amazing 24/7 spa park, site see because the city is so beautiful. I want to go to the water parks, Lotte world, Kareoke, visit Seoul tower, jet ski, travel to Busan and Jeju etc...

Amazing sunset

Yoga infront of P90x lol

At a cafe drinking smoothies

Getting our feet pampered by fish

At Hooka Cafe

Spa 

At Dragon Hall spa

Inside the salt steam room at Dragon Hall Spa

Yonsei/Dorm life: Yonsei campus is really huge and modern and beautiful. My university in Canada does not compare to Yonsei's campus. I am really glad I decided to come here. Also, it's so close to everything so it makes having a social life really easy. Everyone is from around the world and very diverse. It really feels like the college life here that you see in movies. People definitely drink a lot and go out a lot. Everyone is super friendly this first week because everyone is looking to make friends. I already have a solid group of friends that I hang out with and have a lot in common with and have fun with! I am very pleased to find that I've met a lot of American-Koreans who like me do not know much Korean and are looking to connect with their heritage. I find I have a lot in common with these people and really enjoy hanging out with them. I look forward to building really good friendships. I plan to travel a lot with my new friends and make great memories! 

Yonsei University

Yonsei University, can you spot me?

Some friends at Yonsei

Angie and I!

- Regardless of how much I love my life here, I miss home and the people at home. I can't wait for those who I love come to visit. Mom and Dad are coming for a month in October, friends are coming for a bit in November/December and I hope DL will come too =)

--- Sorry for the really long post but I tried to squeeze everything in a nutshell for you guys! Well now you know a BIT of what I've been up to. I will start blogging regularly so that my posts won't be as long.

Love Kimchi!

xoxo

Officially in love...

My first post in Seoul!

I didn't want to blog about Seoul right as I got here because I was giving myself time to let it all sink in and have an accurate opinion on the city.

Where do I begin? The last 5 days have been a whirlwind. I've literally been so busy with figuring out my visa, moving into first day at SK Global House, orientation, going out...

There's so much that has happened I don't think I can possibly fit in all in one post but all I can say is I've already learned so much about myself in the last 5 days in Seoul than I have in the last 5 months in Vancity.

The world is truly an enormous place and I can't believe I let myself wait this long to explore more of it!

Everyday here is a totally new adventure. Being here all by myself really pushes me to be positive, outgoing and have fun. Because I know I need to make a lot of friends in order to feel at home here I take any opportunity to go out, talk to strangers and try new things and use my broken Korean and not even worry about wearing makeup to impress people. So I will dedicate this post to telling you all I am officially in love with this city =) More details to come as to exactly why!

Leaving on a Jet plane

It's been a hectic week. I finished summer semester on August 13th and since then I've been preparing for my departure and tying all loose ends back in Canada.
I am currently alone waiting at the airport. Honestly, I don't think the idea of me being in a foreign country all by myself for the next 5 months has even hit me yet. My mom, Julie and Dai dropped me off at the airport. I really tried to hold back the tears but that was a #fail.

While I finished my last goodbye phone call I realize that I am scared, anxious, nervous... but I keeping trying to remind myself that I am following my dreams and goals. Regardless of all the negative emotions I may feel prior to being in Korea deep down I know that I want this with all my heart. I knew this the moment I truly thought my plans to Korea would be cancelled at the Korean Consulate when I had issues with my visa. When I thought I wasn't able to apply for a student visa I cried so hard. My world felt like it was crashing down and I never realized how bad I really wanted this. Although discouraged at first, I didn't give up and I (and my amazing family) did everything I/we could do to continue this trip. So whenever I have second thoughts about Korea I just think of that time when it was almost taken away from me and how much I wanted it.
So this is my suggestion for you guys:

Keep searching, be curious, build your own opinions and then question them, open your mind to the things you thought you didn't like or that your scared of, speak up, work passionately, and never stop loving and smiling ..

PS: I had a going away party this weekend at my friend's house. Many of my close friends attended and we had a great night! Here are some pictures. LoVe my family and friends always and forever, it's not goodbye its see you later <3

The Point of No Return

Un-yung-ha-say-YO!

So I fell off the blog-wagon for the last little bit. I've just been incredibly busy with blah blah. However, there is some a lot of good news I would like to update on.

I must admit that I can be quite the procrastinator when I know I have time to get things done. That is, until I realize I only have just over a month to get my act together. I really needed to have several of these errands done in order to officially be able to attend Yonsei University in the fall.

- - -

1) Apply for my Visa: PENDING

Unfortunately, this is the only thing pending on my list. On Thursday, July 14 I am heading downtown to the Korean Embassy to apply for my D-2 visa. I will apply for an open-entrance visa so that I can leave and enter the country on several occasions. This is due to the fact that I plan to travel a lot. 

Hong Kong, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand . . . 

Finally I have all my paperwork ready. This includes: a bank statement with $10 000 USD or more, visa pictures, passport original and photocopy, $80.00 cash, completed application form, flight itinerary, admission letter to Yonsei University, SFU transcript. 

The visa should take about a week to process. 

2) Purchase a flight ticket: CHECK

Because I was so busy lazy, I asked my dad to call a Korean flight centre to check up on flight tickets for me. He has always been the hard-working, get-er-done, proud-korean type so naturally I knew I could depend on him to be more than excited and find the best possible ticket deal. 

Note, it is super helpful to go to a Korean Flight Centre when purchasing tickets to Korea. Employees speak both English and Korean; as well as, they seem to know the best deals and communicate very efficiently. 

There is a current promotion going on for $1290.00 tax incl., Korean Air, round trip, direct flight, and open-ended. Open-ended flight means that I can decide to change the date of my return flight whenever I please as long as it is within the next 6 months of my departure. My flight will be departing YVR on August 22 so that I can arrive August 23, the day of dormitory check in. As I do not have my Visa yet, they were able to hold my seat for 2weeks.


Note, it's cheaper to leave after August 20 because that is when high season ends.

4) Apply for IYC Airport buddy pick-up: CHECK

IYC airport buddy pick-up program is a great way for exchange students to meet local students and get to Yonsei University safely. IYC is a student club at Yonsei University that links local and exchange students together. The program is meant to help exchange students settle in. 

Two local Korean students will be waiting for me when I arrive at Incheon Intl. Airport with great big "Michelle" signs.

5) Get accepted into SK Global House (Yonsei University's Intl. Exchange dormitory): CHECK

I applied for housing a couple of months ago. Yonsei University has two dormitories for exchange students. I-House and SK Global House. SK Global House is the newer, "nicer" dormitory, so I applied there.

I applied to stay in a room with two beds, meaning I will have a room mate. I know its a big change from my life right now. Living on my own for the past 5 years has allowed to me to have my own space and to do things according to my rules. Living with a complete stranger from another part of the world will be quite the experience. However, I thought this would be the best way to make friends! 


Also, the price is significantly lower at 1 587 000 Won for twin bedroom compared to 2 394 000 Won for single bedroom (1000 won is apprx. 1 dollar).

Source: http://ih.yonsei.ac.kr/?code=0201

I am so thrilled to announce I have been accepted to SK Global House. All I can say is... I hope I like my room mate and I hope she likes me!

6) Wait for my acceptance in the Morning Korean Language Course: CHECK

As mentioned in early blog posts, learning Korean is the absolute most important goal on my Korean bucket list.

The Morning Korean Language Course is very intensive. It involves learning Korean from Monday-Friday from 9AM-1PM. It is equivelant to 6 credits (2 courses). In addition, they only accept 50 students per semester. 

I am pleased to announce I have been accepted into this program! I cannot wait to be transformed into a real life Korean. 

- - -

So this is my update... I am at the point of no return and I can safely say... KOREA HERE I COME!!!

xoxo,

Michelle

Kimchi