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#A changed approach to treating myself, a more relaxed life #Encounters with diverse people, a trip to Gyeongju #Unexpected new experiences, the importance of relationships
The thing that changed the most was how I treat myself. I realized there are many truly wonderful places and good people in the world. Therefore, rather than pushing myself too hard about what I need to do going forward, I decided to be more relaxed and take a look around.
-I want to live there — Gyeongju Gap Year Stay / Jo Yong-ho, Gap Year Family, gapper / 8-week Gap Year |
Currently, South Korea is,
Each year 60,000 middle and high school students drop out, 346,000 people in their twenties are just idling because they have no dreams, and the job turnover rate within one year of employment has entered the 40% range,75% of university students are not satisfied with university life, and over 80% of office workers say they do not feel happy.
Many people tell others to dream, but to address this problem — the lack of practical methods and support — we want to introduce ''Gap Year'' to South Korea.
''Gap Year (Gapyear)''is a time to either balance or temporarily pause studies and work to engage in various activities such as volunteering, traveling, internships, education, and starting a business,
to set the direction for moving forward — a culture recommended in the United States, Europe, Japan, and elsewhere.
#Drawn to Gyeongju
I spent two months participating in a gap year program at a guesthouse in Gyeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Before joining, I was attracted to the city of Gyeongju. A quiet town I visited as a child with my parents, and the holy place of school trips. That was how I thought of Gyeongju. I wanted to have time just for myself in a place where no one knew me before preparing for employment.So I left for Gyeongju. And I experienced new things I hadn''t expected.
#Meetings, meetings and more meetings
At the guesthouse where I stayed for two months, they organized a small party every evening for the guests. Guests came from all over the country, and sometimes from other countries.We talked with guests about each other''s travels and, beyond that, about each other''s lives.In fact, for someone like me who wanted time alone, it was a lifestyle completely opposite to what I had in mind.
However, these experiences opened up another world for me. I learned about various travel destinations and people who were truly different from me — things I couldn''t have found just by searching the internet. It was so refreshing and precious.Life at the guesthouse was so interesting and rewarding that I found myself looking forward to meeting the guests each day.Of course, they would leave for their next destinations the next day, but these cool transient relationships seemed to make an even greater impact.
#Setting off on a trip
That being said,while living at the guesthouse, I did not forget my goals.I was given about five hours of rest per day and had two days off per week. During short breaks I explored Gyeongju or did the studying I had planned, and on my days off I strapped on a backpack and traveled to nearby cities.
The guesthouse was close to Cheomseongdae, Anapji, and Daereungwon, so on nice days I could always ride a bicycle and go around here and there. Especially when wandering through the alleys, I could encounter scenes of the past that you can''t see in Seoul.
On my days off I visited nearby Busan and Pohang, and I also took a trip to Andong, which takes about two hours. I hadn''t traveled much within the country, so I vowed to visit many places during this opportunity, and there were as many beautiful places as I had expected.
#Starting again
I am now back in Seoul. Even after finishing the two-month trip that felt like a dream, this place is the same. However, I myself have changed a lot. Meeting many people changed the way I relate to others, and traveling to varied places taught me how to travel.
But the biggest change was how I treat myself.I realized there are many truly wonderful places and good people in the world. Therefore, rather than pushing myself too hard about the things I have to do in the future, I decided to take things more calmly and look around.
Through the gap year program I discovered by chance, although it was a short period, I had a precious experience I can never repeat, and I gained valuable lessons in my life. Living away from home — at first it was scary, but it was so exciting and appealing.
My gap year was...
Experience★★★★★
I met a diverse group of people I couldn''t meet anywhere else.
Learning★★★★★
Learning depends on you. I learned the most from other people.
Environment★★★★☆
Because it was a guesthouse, it couldn''t be as comfortable as home, but I was satisfied.
Safety★★★★★
There are no safety concerns whatsoever.
Leisure★★★★★
I spent about 3–4 hours a day resting in downtown Gyeongju and took trips twice a week.
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