Projects
|
FAQ
|
Announcements
#Overcame lethargy; recharged #Enjoyment of solo travel; improved physical fitness #It was a precious time that became a turning point
The time I spent living and leisurely traveling for two months on Jeju Island — a place I had always wanted to live in at least once — became a time of recharge and a turning point for me.
-Jeju! I want to live there, Gap Year Stay / Jo Min-hee Gap-Year Tribe Gapper / 8 weeks of gap year |
Jeju Island — I definitely want to live there at least once.
Actually, I had been eyeing this gap-year program for quite some time.
I had always wanted to live on Jeju at least once. With graduation approaching, I wanted time to myself; because it was within the country I could go without much burden, and the fact that housing and meals were provided made me decide.
However, I hesitated a bit because having to live in a place where I didn''t know anyone wasn''t easy for me, and since the month before I applied it was ranked the most loved program, I worried that there might be many applicants and I wouldn''t be chosen.
Fortunately, when participation was confirmed and I told friends and family, their reactions were the same: why are you going alone for two months, and unpaid at that? Their reactions shook me a little, but now that I''ve completed the gap year I have no regrets. If you''re wondering whether or not to take a gap year, I strongly recommend you do it.
The joy of traveling alone that I felt for the first time
Anyway, leaving behind expectations and worries, Jeju was truly beautiful. Meal times at the guesthouse, which felt like a family home and left no time to feel lonely, were always cooked by the owner. The salmon rice bowl I tried for the first time, soy-marinated shrimp, and the steak we gathered to grill — they were all delicious. Thinking back, I feel sorry that I didn''t properly express my gratitude each time.
I went with the staff to see singer Jiteun''s performance held at Eridu Cafe, and in my spare time I visited libraries and quiet cafes across Jeju to study, traveling alone by bus and sometimes on foot.
Actually, I didn''t usually enjoy traveling. I hardly had any travel experiences unless friends went along. So through this gap year I was finally able to travel to my heart''s content and fully experience the joy of traveling alone for the first time.
What Jeju Island means to me?
The first memorable place among those I traveled to alone was Darangshi Oreum. The slope was so steep that I nearly fell and it was a tough climb, but the memory of standing at the summit feeling the cool breeze and taking in Jeju''s magnificent scenery at a glance will likely give me great strength throughout my life.
The second is Udo. Udo is the best travel destination in Jeju that I chose. When I first planned to go after arriving in Jeju, I had to turn back because the ferry wasn''t running due to rain, but I was finally able to go on a sunny day. (On rainy days it''s a good idea to call in advance to check ferry service.)
There are several means of transportation within Udo, but I moved around by bus. However, buses only go to fixed locations, so if you want to go somewhere spontaneously I recommend renting a scooter.
The time I spent living and leisurely traveling for two months on Jeju Island — which I had always wanted to live on at least once — was, for me,a time to recharge and a turning pointIt became.
