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#Found peace of mind and felt a sense of accomplishment #Hiking Hallasan and experiencing bus travel #Gained the courage to get through things without fear
After visiting Jeju, my heart became much more peaceful. Visiting many places I hadn''t been to gave me a sense of accomplishment, and above all, climbing Hallasan was the most fulfilling and rewarding; traveling by bus helped me learn the geography, and it was wonderful.
Jeju! I want to live there — Jeju Gap Year Stay Lee Bo-young, gap year participant (25, university student) / 8-week gap year
* This project has ended.
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I desperately needed rest and respite.
I was mentally and physically exhausted and unwell. Due to stress, I developed irritable bowel syndrome and skin troubles. I desperately needed rest and respite. I had transferred into the third year at an online university, so I could continue my studies while in Jeju, and because this was a project I''d wanted to join for a long time, I applied quickly when there was an opening.
Through this project I wanted to find rest and respite for my mind and body.It was my first time living away from home for more than a month, so I wondered if I would adapt well, and I also wanted to diligently continue my studies. Since this was my second visit to Jeju after high school, I wanted to see many places.
#I felt that next time, wherever I go, I won''t be afraid and will get through it well.
I knew I desperately needed rest. My family also agreed that I should go and stay in Jeju by myself. I was very tired of living in harsh Seoul. I was curious about what it would be like in Jeju and a bit worried, because I have irritable bowel syndrome and the breakfasts were wheat-based.
So when I told the Korea Gap Year coordinator about this,they encouraged me, saying, "Don''t be afraid—have the courage to speak directly to the host!" and I was grateful that my conversation with the host went well.I thought that if I try things without being afraid beforehand, next time wherever I go I won''t be afraid and will get through it well.
Packing at home and getting to Gimpo Airport was tiring. On the day I went to Jeju, the weather wasn''t good so I arrived at Jeju Airport later than expected. I was surprised that Jeju''s bus system is different from Seoul''s; I ended up on a bus going the wrong way, got off, checked the Naver app, and finally found my way.
I told the owner at the airport I''d find my way there, and I arrived at 10:35 p.m. I ended up sharing a room and a bunk bed with the owner''s second child, a girl, and we became close. I got along with all four siblings, so it was nice living there. I was taken to the church they had moved to but hadn''t attended, and I would go worship and spend Sundays there.
I called the owner ''Aunt.'' With her I rode in her car to go to the market, drove along the coastal road, watched movies with the kids on weekends, and went on outings. I attended my online university classes diligently, reviewed, and studied with the course materials. During midterms I went to a study room to take exams and study.
I didn''t really have sufficient spare funds, but I borrowed money to get my driver''s license. My ''aunt'' said that if I went up to Seoul the driving schools would be crowded with students and there might not be spots, and that it would be easier to obtain it here.There were foods I tried for the first time, and I sometimes dozed off and missed my stop on the bus. When I went to tourist spots, I''d take pictures for others and ask them to take pictures of me, which I enjoyed.
Because this is the south, maybe it''s warmer, so there were mosquitoes even in November. In September–October I noticed about 20 mosquitoes in various parts of the room in the morning. I was surprised that housing costs and prices are higher than in Seoul, and I was a bit disappointed to have to pay higher delivery fees. There are many things to consider if one were to live here.
# I want to go back to Jeju soon.
A girl came as staff; we traveled together, took pictures of each other with her camera as we visited attractions, planned trips, arranged work schedules, became close, and got along well.
I tried to be considerate and avoid making mistakes. I think it''d be nice to visit again. The owner''s eldest child will come up to Seoul and we planned to meet there. Since I had been an English teacher, I helped the eldest with studying during their exams, and I assisted the second daughter with her studies and homework while she attended an academy.
I bought tasty food for the kids, went to the church sports day and had fun, exercised together in the park at night, and made many memories with the children; it was wonderful. I want to go back to Jeju soon.
# My Jeju Travel Tip
If you travel by bus like I did, you can check routes and transfer sections on Naver Maps, but I recommend also checking the Jeju Provincial Government website''s transport section where they have city and intercity bus timetables—be sure to refer to that when traveling.
# My Gap Year Tip
(Meals)
Meals were self-catered, but because I have irritable bowel syndrome and couldn''t eat many wheat-based foods, I called the guesthouse owner in advance to explain and agreed to eat with the owner''s family. I didn''t cook on my own; I helped prepare food, assisted, did the dishes, and set the table. If you have a condition like mine, call the owner beforehand and they''ll help you.
(Difficulties)
When a strange guest came to the guesthouse, it was unpleasant and difficult both while working and in everyday life. It was even harder because the best option was for that guest to leave — it couldn''t be helped.
(Language)
If I knew more Chinese, it would be more comfortable when dealing with Chinese guests, since most Chinese people don''t use English.
(Accommodation)
In some cases you may stay in the owner''s house in the same room on a bunk bed with their child, so be flexible; children prepare for school around 8 o''clock, which can disrupt your sleep.
(What to bring)
Bring any personal products you must use; the guesthouse is in a busy area so you can buy what you need nearby. There are many large supermarkets and cosmetics brand stores.
(Tips)
If you have questions, call the owner and ask. Open your heart, approach first, and work diligently, and you can get along well.
# After visiting Jeju, I felt much more at ease.
After visiting Jeju, I felt much more at ease. Visiting many places I hadn''t been to gave me a sense of accomplishment, and above all climbing Hallasan was the most rewarding and fulfilling experience. Traveling by bus helped me learn the geography, and it was great.
My gap year was
Experience★★★★☆
I went to a new place alone, traveled and stayed there, befriended guests at the guesthouse and traveled with them, grew close to the staff and traveled together taking photos to make memories, and obtained a driver''s license.
Learning★★★★☆
You must live diligently and plan ahead; it''s not easy, but maintaining a regular, disciplined lifestyle is desirable.
Environment★★★★☆
I''m very sensitive to the cold and dislike winter, but it was warmer than Seoul so I liked it.
Safety★★★★☆
Although the guesthouse is open 24 hours, it was safe, and even when traveling alone there were no threatening incidents.
Leisure★★★★☆
Not everything went according to my plans, but I had a good time and rested well.
