I do know for a lot of, the act of shifting to a different nation for college is frightening. There are such a lot of uncertainties, and should you haven’t flown loads earlier than, it may be daunting. I’m right here to let you know that touring internationally by your self is feasible! Right here’s what I did to make it to Seoul, South Korea, by myself.
First, I feel it’s actually essential to contemplate what sort of traveler you’re. Personally, I’m a really Sort A traveler, which helps me keep away from any nervousness or confusion once I’m on the go. After I knew I’d be learning at Yonsei College, I started researching important journey ideas. Throughout my analysis, I realized that I may register for my Korea Digital Arrival (Okay-ETA) Card earlier than my departure. This type permits the Korean Authorities to know why you’re coming into the nation, the place you’re staying, and the way lengthy you’ll be there. Filling it out prematurely made my immigration course of a lot shorter. I didn’t need to fill out a paper one whereas in line, or stress seek for wifi to fill out the digital one whereas in line. After practically 30 hours of journey and eventually arriving in South Korea, all I needed to do was present my passport to the immigration officer, and I used to be all set to move to baggage declare.
The Longest Layover
You could be questioning why my journey time was 30 hours when a direct flight to Seoul is 14 hours from O’Hare Worldwide Airport. I flew with Cathay Pacific, a Hong Kong-based airline, and it supplied essentially the most reasonably priced round-trip flight I may discover. My flight itinerary included a 14-hour flight from O’Hare to Hong Kong, a 12-hour layover, after which a 2-hour flight from Hong Kong to Seoul. Whereas that will sound like loads on paper, I can safely say that it was a really peaceable journey time and I loved my flights! (To not flex, however I’m additionally capable of sleep on airplanes).
Though 12 hours could appear to be a very long time to be caught in an airport, I really discovered Hong Kong Worldwide Airport to be a really pleasant place for a layover. The airport had lovely structure and was very clear. I spent a few hours strolling across the airport, admiring the ceiling and the array of luxurious retailers. I used to be additionally very grateful that the airport had small 2-tiered purchasing carts all over the place to carry my backpack as I walked. Whereas exploring the airport, I used to be even capable of get pleasure from and deal with myself to the McDonald’s Lunar New Yr My Melody and Kuromi Meal! Regardless that it was a particular version meal, it solely value $9 USD.
After consuming, I discovered a spot close to my gate and settled in for the night time. I handed the time taking part in Good day Kitty Island Journey (on the Nintendo Change), calling my boyfriend, studying Music of Achilles, and taking a number of 2-3 hour naps in between every thing. For my naps, I stretched throughout 4 airport seats, which weren’t that uncomfortable (genuinely), and close by others adopted swimsuit. I attempted to interrupt up my sleep simply to stay conscious of my environment, however at no level throughout my layover did I really feel unsafe.
Arriving in Seoul
However sufficient about my prolonged layover, a bit of bit about my first 24 hours in Seoul. After I arrived at Incheon Worldwide Airport, I made a decision to journey by myself to my IES Overseas Housing utilizing Seoul’s public transportation. Rising up in Chicago, I’m used to navigating trains and transit methods, so I felt assured figuring it out; as soon as you recognize one system, it’s not tremendous tough to determine others. I beloved taking the Seoul Station Specific into the town as a result of the journey included lovely views of each Incheon and Seoul. To not point out the added bonus that the trains appeared new and tremendous clear in comparison with those again house.
Afterwards, I transferred to an area subway line for the rest of my roughly hour-and-a-half journey utilizing an app known as Naver Maps, which I set to English and works higher for navigation in South Korea.
As soon as I arrived, I checked into my housing, dropped off all my belongings, and headed straight to 7-Eleven to seize a light-weight dinner and a few snacks for the night. In South Korea, comfort shops are all over the place. I went to 7-Eleven as a result of it’s a model I acknowledged instantly. Together with a banana milk, I additionally grabbed 2 kimbap rolls, that are Korean rice rolls wrapped in seaweed type of grab-and-go type, a big bottle of Pocari Sweat, a Japanese drink just like Gatorade, and a bag of potato chips. Testing was very environment friendly and never a lot completely different from the expertise within the U.S.
To finish the day, I admired the sundown over Namsan Tower from my window, completed unpacking, and bought prepared for mattress. It was a comparatively relaxed first day in Seoul, however simply the tempo I wanted in spite of everything my time spent touring.
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