I landed in Seoul, South Korea in the month of August 2016 last year at Incheon Airport in the early morning hours. I had to check-in with my Visa and passport. It took about just a minute. I knew I entered into a new world.People look radiant and I can hear the buzzing of Korean words being uttered. I took the exit door after getting my bag and exchanged some dollars into Korean won. I saw my big sister and pastor Kim waving at me from the rail and we met with joy.
Driving through the expressway from the airport to Seoul Christian University, the view from the window of the car overwhelmed me: the freeway, traffic systems, and the overpass overlooking the River Han with natural lushes of green trees and mountains impressed and uplifted me. It was a breath of fresh air! The roadways are way too good to be mentioned in words. After 45 minutes of travel, we reached the campus. I was heartily welcomed by my roommate and one Naga brother who isdoing his PhD in the same school. The new journey begins…
Now, it’s almost a year since I arrived. During my stay here, I’ve seen and learn things that have touched me personally. I would like to share some of the things with you.
Korea has been joyous and comfortable. I love the environment and I’m constantly amazed at the many beautiful things that I findin this country or particularly this city Seoul. Many Nagas who have been here for many years would still comment that there are always new and exciting things happening in this city.The city is still transforming and changing for good! The people here are beautiful and have a high taste for clothing style and fashion. We hardly see anyone shabbily clad. The culture of cleanliness and tidiness is clearly portrayed in their streets and vicinities. The concern for physical fitness and body is also one thing that stands out to me.Whether in the morning hours or evening, we would see hundreds of young and old people exercising at different outdoor exercising stations. All these exercising points are built for the common people to utilise. Not only that, separate lanes are created for riding bikes (cycle) to many different important locations in the city. One can enjoy the ride and at the same time go for picnic or sightseeing.
The transportation system is also too good to be true! For instance, the subway system in Korea is international friendly and is easy for any foreigner to get familiar with the route within Seoul. The subway map can be downloaded in the apps store and does not need an internet connection to view it. The free Wi-Fi connection in almost all the public stations, shopping centres and restaurants is also very efficient for anyone to connect withpeople. The physically disabled-friendly ambience is also one thing that I really appreciate. They have separate reserved places for the disabled, pregnant women and also old age people on subway trains. The city ensuressecurity and the freedom for all people. There is hardly any chance of losing even our wallet because the city is filled with highly guarded security personnel and cameras. Here, even the women folks enjoy the freedom of travelling or walking around even in the midnight hours. I highly appreciate the safety and the security that people enjoy.
Some of the market stores are open 24/7 (like GS stores, C4U, 7th eleven etc.) for the public to enjoy foods and drinks. The respect and welcomingetiquettes of the store keepers or that of bank managers in the offices are beyond our idea of receiving customers. They’re too welcoming with their “Annyeonghaseyo” (Hello) and “Kamsahamnida” (thank you) that if you don’t buy their things, you’ll for sure be embarrassed to walk away without responding to their kind gesture. The Koreans are way too generous and love to give a helping hand if we ask them to. The Bible says, “It is more blessed to give than to receive;” they’re indeed more blessed in the sense that they love to give. The Christians here are very generous towards foreigners like us. So far, we’ve lacked nothing and our needs are being amply supplied. To mention but a few: the monthly allowances that we get from the Church for our food and daily needs, the monthly rice that the Church sends to us in our school and many other individuals who have helped us. We are overwhelmed by their love and generosity! We only pray that God will continue to bless Korean Christians and also in setting an exemplary model for us to emulate. They have indeed risen from poverty to a philanthropic nation.
Koreans are lovers of nature too. They take good care of their surroundings and see that the trees and flowers are well kept and preserved. The nature of the four seasons: Summer, Spring, Autumn and Winter has tons of wonders and beauty to attract us. Although summer is quite humid, the frequent heavy downpour of rain cools down the temperature. Spring is one season that brings out the best of its natural beauty with full of colours and arrays that can only be explained in pictures. Autumn is also pretty grand: the trees turns to yellowish and grey in colour with full of rushing cool breeze. Winter comes and the city is filled with snow. The snow lights up the whole surrounding with its radiance. All season in Korea is special and I suppose that nobody will be disappointed even if they travel to this city in any given time of the year.
There are so many historical places and also many tourist spots to visit if one has the time to do so. I’ve enjoyed the experience of Jjim-jil-bang (modern combination of sauna and ondol (underfloor heating system)): we have to pay 10,000 won (560 Rupees) per night for staying in Jjim-jil-bang. It helps one’s body to be rejuvenated and refreshed. Many Koreans, after a hard week of work would spend their weekend in Jjim-jil-bang to rest and regain their strength. The Koreans are conscious of health and eat healthy foods. They love to treat people with delicious food and delicacies. I, sometimes think they’re the best group of people in the world. That maybe an overstatement but not understated! I could go on with morelists of praises that i have perceived of the Korean people but let me hold back myself for another time.
