Two months can be long or short, but I saw and learned so much that it was arguably the most meaningful time during my one-year break. -Busan, I want to live there :: The passionate second city / 6-week gap year |
- Participation period: March 18, 2014 ~ May 31, 2014
- Items I was inconvenienced by not having: Mobile phone charger
- Items that were convenient to have: Toothbrush
- Advice about what to bring
The guesthouse has almost everything, so there''s not much you need to bring besides items that aren''t provided.
What I learned through the gap year program I participated in
Through the gap year program my spoken English improved a lot, and I became comfortable talking with strangers. I was able to greet and approach foreigners without hesitation, make friends with them, and learned a great deal about interpersonal relationships.
Were there people you met or spent time with through the gap year program?
I was glad to meet a Polish friend, Worna, who I worked with when I first arrived, and over the two months I had a very meaningful time with a Japanese banker friend, a British couple, many foreign friends, and the staff brothers, sisters, and juniors I worked with.
What advice would you give to future participants in the gap year program?
If you make and follow your own plan, you can do well at traveling or making friends. Don''t rush; take your time and live at a relaxed pace, and there should be no problems.
How would you compare yourself before and after participating in the gap year program?
I gained a lot of confidence in speaking English and it became more natural. I also feel much more mature in terms of interpersonal relationships.
Please tell us about your travel route during the gap year.
Since it was located in Nampo-dong, it was convenient to travel around Busan''s southern area. It was easy to go to Jagalchi Market and nearby places like Gamcheon Culture Village, Taejongdae, Bosudong Book Alley, and the International Market. Igidae Park near Gwangalli was also great for visiting.
ⓒKorea Gapyear
My gap year story spent in Busan
When I first joined the program, I did so simply because I wanted to travel Busan. I wanted to spend time alone traveling in unfamiliar places and have time for myself. As it was a gap year, I wanted to step away from studies and seriously think about my goals and dreams, and I also joined to get enough rest after completing my military service.
After arriving and unpacking in the room, we were told how life would be here. The routine provides soup and bread from 8:00 to 10:00 in the morning. Around 11:00 I would eat with the ajumma and the manager, and although cleaning time is officially from 11:00 to 15:00, cleaning is usually finished around 2:00. Cleaning isn''t very hard: you tidy the bedding used by guests the day before, sweep and mop, and hang the washed towels. After about a week you become familiar and it''s not too difficult. After that, it''s free time, so you can plan how to spend your time.
ⓒKorea Gapyear
At first I didn''t have much money to spend, so I found an extra part-time job on weekday evenings. I was lucky to find work that only required going 2–3 times during the week, so it didn''t take up much time. On weekends after cleaning, I went to many places I wanted to visit with fellow gap year friends. The staff working here recommended great travel spots, which made traveling easy.
I didn''t know what Gamcheon Culture Village was like, but when I went, it was a mural village and really pretty—I even felt like I''d love to live there once. When I went to Taejongdae, the guesthouse had bicycles, so I rode one to Taejongdae. Since Taejongdae is in Yeongdo, I took the chance to circle Yeongdo along the coastline by bike. It took about four hours and was tiring, but also rewarding and fun. Igidae Park took about an hour by bus to get to, and the view of Gwangalli from Igidae felt similar to Hong Kong.
ⓒKorea Gapyear
The guesthouse parties held every Friday were the most memorable and enjoyable. At first, talking to strangers was awkward and uncomfortable, but week by week I began approaching people, talking to them, becoming friends, and I realized that simply sharing experiences with them was a great learning experience.
Even after the trip ended, I kept in touch and made many friends, so I feel like I''m taking a great gift with me. The ajumma and manager I worked with took care of me like their own son or sibling, so I had a very enjoyable and fun time.
Two months may be long or short, but during my one-year break it was the most meaningful time—I saw and learned so much.
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