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#My complicated thoughts were sorted out and I became calmer #Time to reflect on myself and courage #I was glad to have learned more
I walked a lot of the Olle Trail. I thought I would do a lot of thinking and sort things out, but I didn''t feel that way while I was in Jeju. However, after returning, I realized that during the month I spent in Jeju through the ''I Want to Live There'' program, many of my complicated thoughts were sorted out, and I was able to reflect on myself a lot.
-''I Want to Live There'', Jeju Shiltte House / Kim Hee-san, gap-year participant (gapper) |
Why did you choose Jeju?
I had been to Busan often, and I''d only visited Jeju with friends or family, so I thought that even if it wasn''t overseas, I could easily go there alone.
What do you think is the difference between existing programs and the gap-year program?
With other programs, there''s often a lot of obligation to do certain things and you feel constrained,''A time to look back on myself''I think that''s the most distinguishing part.
What were the main tasks you did at Shiltte House?
I showed guests to their rooms and helped prepare meals, and I cleaned the guest rooms in the mornings. I helped with the café work when needed, and I enjoyed it without any particular difficulty.
What are your thoughts on the provided accommodation and meals?
The accommodation was very pretty and pleasant to stay in. They provided wholesome food different from what I usually eat, so it was a bit hard to adapt at first, but later it suited my taste and I felt it made me healthier.
What did you mainly do during breaks or days off?
At first I toured tourist spots like the Jungmun Tourist Complex, but as time went by I felt that simple sightseeing wasn''t much different from regular tourists. Over time I tried to spend more time walking the Olle Trail, visiting exhibitions, and having time alone to think. Jeju is really a great place for that kind of time.Udo, the Saryeoni Forest Trail, and the Kim Young-gap Gallery remain vivid in my memory.
The most memorable place, experience, or person during your time in Jeju
I walked the Olle Trail a lot. I thought I would do a lot of thinking and sort things out, but I didn''t feel that way while I was in Jeju. However, after returning, I realized that during the month I spent in Jeju through the ''I Want to Live There'' program, many of my complicated thoughts were sorted out,and I was able to reflect on myself a lot.
Most of the guesthouse guests were around my age or older, and we were able to share plenty of stories—not only about their varied life experiences and wisdom but also about common concerns.
Memorable people
I met a former nurse in her late 30s who retook the college entrance exam at thirty, and after her third attempt entered a teachers'' college; she''s now a teacher. She advised me not to be hung up on age. Before coming to Jeju I often worried that I was too late for my age, but I realized that I''m young and that it had just been an excuse.
One guest, who was about my father''s age, had quit his job and come down to travel Jeju, and he shared many good stories about life. I loved that it was a place where guests of various ages and occupations could gather and communicate. I felt strongly that there are many different ways to live.
The pros and cons of the ''I Want to Live There'' program
Pros: time to reflect on yourself; it''s nice that you can choose the duration yourself. Communication with many people.
Cons: It''s hard to call this a drawback, but if I had one regret it would be that it would be better to have more information about the guesthouse and the local area beforehand.
Advice for future juniors who will participate in the ''I Want to Live There'' program
Rather than going with the aim of achieving something and coming back, it''s better to go with the mindset of reflecting on yourself and trying a new way of life.To preserve the feelings from that time, it''s good to record them with photos or always carry a notepad to organize your emotions as they arise.
Shiltihouse highlights, unique programs
At Shiltihouse I was able to meet many different people; I had barista training experience, and it was nice that there was also a café. The guesthouse hosts were very kind and the guests who came were also wonderful.There was a tangerine farm on site, so the tangerine-picking experience was unique and enjoyable. I tried picking tangerines myself — it was a bit tough, but we made juice from the ones we picked and served it to guests; it was a special experience.There was a bus stop right in front, so it was convenient to travel to other areas.
Future plans, programs I''d like to participate in
I regretted not being able to stay longer. Through the ''I Want to Live There'' program I gained the courage and confidence to go anywhere. I will soon travel somewhere else or participate in another program.
Gap year programs recommended by participants
Free Your Soul — India healing yoga program
I''d like to see programs where you travel to multiple places rather than staying in one spot.
Final comment
- It felt like a good time; it really helped me sort out my thoughts and a time to reflect on myselfI was glad it turned out that way. I met many great people, saw many wonderful things, and the fact that I learned so much was the best part. In some ways it felt short and in others long, but I experienced a lot and it was great. If I get another chance, I''d like to participate again no matter where it is.
People I would recommend it to
Those who need something — people who need time to reflect on themselves. I''d recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about themselves. If you''re introverted and timid, it can be an opportunity to change your personality, so it would be good.
