Korea is a small country but a big population. In Seoul, there are nearly 10 million people. You would think that going and doing stuff yourself is simple when in such a convenient city, but it is one of the most terrifying things to do.
I have free time each Thursday when all of my friends have classes to do. This time mostly is spent catching up on work and getting stuff done so I do not have work over the weekend. I choose a new place to go out alone and adventure. I thought I should be scared to do this but for some reason, I felt calm.
Last Thursday I went to Anguk and visited five art galleries, and a café and walked around all alone. It was a very fulfilling day where I could choose to do what I wanted and walk in silence. I think I have missed silence a bit. Having roommates, a loud city, constant online classes, music everything is just loud in my head. Now this last Thursday, I was able to look at some art in virtual silence and feel at peace for the first time in Korea. Even walking around I met two very kind individuals, one being the artist at an exhibit who told me about her art and gave me a free aromatherapy spray and another worker that helped me get a discount on a gallery ticket. I also went to a park that was so quiet and full of fall leaves and pretty structures, there was also a deer pen! The day was very happy but things can be not as good when I go alone too. once I had my entire day planned out about going to this restaurant in an area and doing my work at the nearby café. When I arrived at the restaurant I realized the place was closed down and then tried to go to the café and it was the day of the week they close (many things close on Sundays here). I made a 40-minute trip for nothing and went back home to study at my usual café that has bagels!!
I have many opportunities to go out alone and study at various cafes. It is easier to find a small table for one especially when café study culture is VERY serious here, I am not bothered to stay in one spot for 4 or more hours. I have also had to go eat out by myself. While me doing this is rare I have done it a few times. This feels much more out of place in Korea because of the dinner sit-down culture. I know a few restaurants where sitting alone is not weird but many of my favorite places are packed and one lonely diner may not get a seat. The convenience of being able to take out food and drive home is not available to me since now it is so cold and I always have a 20-minute walk back to the dormitory so the food will not be in the best shape when I arrive. But also the point of going out just to go back up the hill and eat in the dorm is frustrating. I want to be in Korea, not just in my room, but with online classes, cold weather, and timing sometimes it doesn't work out how I want it to.
Each time I go out, success or not I think I made an improvement in some skill. Patience, directions, confidence, or some other quality. The fact that I don't feel afraid but rather enjoy the fact that my day has so many possibilities. Korea is not the best place to go alone, especially when you see many couples or people that do not look like you. I am a lonely outsider, but I don't feel sad about that.
