Contrary to my initial worry that time spent alone would be lonely or boring, I soon learned that I can enjoy plenty of fun and refreshing activities by myself. From now on, I plan not to be afraid of being alone and to gradually increase my time alone. - A place I’d like to live at least once, Busan! Gap Year Stay / Shin Mirae gap-year tribe gapper / 4-week gap year |
The time to prepare for employment was approaching, but I didn’t want to spend my break at a TOEIC academy while I still hadn’t decided what I should do or wanted to do. I wanted time to calmly think about myself and what I want to do, so I decided to participate in the Gap Year Stay.
While spending a one-month gap year in Busan, I became completely immersed in the charm of the city. When I had previously visited Busan, my stays were short—one or two nights, two or three nights—and I had only been to the major famous spots like Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Nampo-dong, so I didn’t think it was particularly special. However, during the gap year, by wandering around and experiencing Busan’s nooks and crannies, I...Busan’s unique charmI came to know.
The first thing I liked was that I learned how to be alone. While I was in school I hardly ever had time to be alone at home. I used to eat, study, and watch movies with friends or family and took that for granted. During the gap year, almost for the first time, I ate out alone, watched movies by myself, and visited travel spots alone. I thought those times would be hard and lonely, but they were actually novel and enjoyable. I learned how to enjoy being alone.
Another thing I enjoyed was that, since I normally like baseball, I remember going to Sajik Baseball Stadium twice while in Busan. True to its reputation as a baseball city, Busan’s baseball fans demonstrated how passionately they enjoy the game. It was impressive to see people happily socializing and having fun together at the stadium even when it wasn’t the team I cheered for.
At the guesthouse we had a chimaek (chicken and beer) party with guests every Friday. During that time we ate chicken and drank beer with guests, talked about many things, and had chances to go out and hang out together. The best and most meaningful part was getting close to various people and hearing diverse stories. Once, a guest asked me to guide them, so I had the opportunity to show someone around the sights. Until then I had always felt like an outsider in Busan, so being able to step forward and introduce and guide people around Busan was an enjoyable and memorable experience.
The gap year period was the freest time of my life so far.the freest time of my lifeIt was.
Apart from the joy of meeting new friends and new people, having a lot of alone time is also memorable. From going into a restaurant and eating by myself, to watching an early-morning movie alone, walking along the night sea by myself, and taking a bicycle trip to Gyeongju alone—these solitary experiences were the most memorable during the gap year and became my greatestlearningexperience.
Contrary to my initial worry that time spent alone would be lonely or boring, I soon learned that I can enjoy plenty of fun and refreshing activities by myself. From now on, I will not be afraid of being alone and plan to gradually increase my time alone. If I have another opportunity, I plan to take a gap year in another region of Korea or abroad. I am confident a gap year will be one of the most enjoyable experiences for anyone who is contemplating their future.
Places I discovered during the gap year
Because I usually spent my time visiting sights after work, the time I could use in a day was short, so it’s hard to describe a travel route.
To introduce the places I liked,Haedong Yonggungsa, Igidae and Oryukdo, Yeongdo Jeolyeong coastal walking trailare the most memorable. These places are along Busan’s Galmaet-gil, similar to Jeju’s Olle-gil, where you can walk and enjoy seaside scenery. I remember these places because they offered beautiful views rather than being crowded and noisy.
When you go to Nampo-dong, most people visit BIFF Square, Jagalchi Market, and Kkangtong Market, but if you go into the back alleys of Gwangbok Fashion Street,there is a secondhand marketThere you can dig through piled-up clothes like a treasure hunt and buy them cheaply. The tops I bought there for 1,000 or 2,000 won I still wear well. If you go to Nampo-dong, be sure to visit.
My gap year was
an experience ★★★★★
I was able to have many different experiences that I couldn''t normally have.
Learning ★★★★☆
There was plenty of time to think, and I learned a lot through different experiences.
Environment ★★★★☆
The accommodation was in good condition, and the meals were good.
Safety ★★★☆☆
Because guesthouses are open by nature, you need to be careful on your own.
Leisure ★★★☆☆
If you come simply expecting a trip, you won''t be able to enjoy as much of it as you think.
