Seoul Day 7 [2 August 2011] First day of school,lunch with newly made friends and Cheongnyangni

Today is the first day of my Korean lesson.
I had such a good sleep that I woke up way too early. Went to Paris Baguette to purchase my bread and climb all the way to IIE building to check out the class that I'm in.

As expected. I didn't do well for my interview placement test, thus they decided to place me probably about 2 level down my actual level. It happens that my class is held at Cheong Un Guan building and I had to hike down this hill again.

It's a relief to hear that most classes in Summer Intensive are held here as this means, we do not need to climb so much hill everyday. The hill is quite scary that I don't even think I can climb with my heels. I kind of salute those Japanese and Korean girls that can climb the hill with their 10cm heels up and down peacefully.

Since the teacher was not here yet, started making friends with the classmates. About 80% of the class was Japanese. I had friends from Kyoto, Hokkaido, Osaka and Tokyo. And I have to mention one thing, that is, the way they speak Japanese is so nice to listen! The feeling is like I'm watching J-Drama live in front of me.

Since the school had a buddy system, which is 2 foreigners will be attached to a Korean, all of us had to fill up the form. As I was staying in a goshiwon instead of the dormitory, I was given a buddy all by myself. =)

After all the admin stuff, the lesson officially started. We went through a little and went straight to have listening test. Since the class I was in was too low for me, I managed to get full marks and the teacher started asking me why I'm in the class. Second half on the teacher came in to continue the lesson.

Things I like about KyungHee is that, I get to learn from different teacher instead of in Singapore whereby I only get to learn from 1 teacher for every level. Not that I'm saying the teachers in Singapore is bad, it is just that lesson are many times more interesting over there as you get to experience different teachers' teaching style in a day.
Of coz, I am still glad that I met 김 선생님 and 나 선생님 in Singapore as they really made me love Korean more than the culture. They teach way beyond the Korean Language and the culture. The current teacher is great too just that she is too strict that I don't mix with her like the other 2.

So from Monday to Friday, the lesson schedule is like this.
First half of the lesson is being taught by Teacher 1. From 9am to 11am.
Second half of the lesson is being taught by Teacher 2. From 11am to 1am.

Lesson ended and I headed to the cafeteria to wait for my newly made friends from orientation to have lunch together.

Had white radish clear soup. 

Lunch was great. As usual, we chat a lot.
1 of my friend had an issue with her dorm's pillow and we decided to get 1 for ourselves. We decided to try our luck at Cheongnyangni. Initially we thought that the shops should be cheaper than those in the department, but we couldn't find any shop selling pillow except for blanket. The blanket was quite thick, so I didn't buy since I am only using it for a month.

Definitely love exploring the inner part instead of main roads. 

Hoegi Station

Cheongnyangni Station

I assume they prepare this for winter.

Lotte

Headed back to Cheongnyangni's Lotte Department to purchase our needs. We were probably lucky that day as the pillow were on sale for that particular brand we went to. Had a hard time explaining the kind of pillow case I wanted as the one on display were too thick. I won't need a thick pillow case in summer plus Singapore is Summer all year. It will become very useless for me. We purchased the pillow and pillow case from her and the sales person were very polite throughout. Couldn't purchase the blanket even though I like it very much as I would have a hard time packing it home.

Explored our way to Lotte Mart to do some grocery shopping. I like it that we can rent a locker to put our heavy belongings before shopping.

The 3 level of Lotte mart definitely got me addicted since I am a supermarket lover. And this outlet opens until 12am daily. Which means, when all shops are closed, this is still opened. I bought a thin blanket that's suitable for summer here too.

A total of 60 000won here. 

I definitely love this pillow. None of the pillow I had were comfortable. At just 17 000won, I had good night sleep everyday. I don't mind purchasing them when I am in Korea.

65ml. Nice, good and cheap.This only costs me 2250won.

Bought our needs and we part our ways at Hoegi Station. Headed back and started my "Cleaning, clearing, packing" session. Finish everything at 9pm and decided to cook my dinner. That was also the time I realised that I definitely need to purchase something called, "Pots and Pans". The kitchen were in shortage of pots and pans as everyone tend not to wash them, leaving it at the basin or they took it off to their room without returning until late. Headed off to Family mart.

Dinner for the night. 

Ended my night chatting with my friends on the net who were so anxious about me (Probably more than my parents, since they still cannot recover from their shock that I went alone.) and watching the television programs. Oh, I have to say that their advertisement are so so so interesting.

Of coz I didn't forget to wish my sister a Happy Birthday. Celebrated over skype.

Seoul Day 6 [1 August 2011] Orientation, Placement test, Myeong Dong and Moving house for the last time!

Wasn't sure what time was the orientation because Kyung Hee did not inform me. So, I decided to follow the usual school lesson timetable, which is, to reach IIE building by 9am.

Since I was staying quite a distance away from KHU, I left the house at 8.25am. Walked all the way to Dunkin Donut (Oh, the donut taste so much nicer than in Singapore! I am serious!!!! I don't even bother to eat them in Singapore.) to purchase my all time favourite sugar glazed donut.

Reach IIE at exactly 9am sharp. And it turns out that.... the event is only starting at 10am at Crown Gwan. Which is like totally opposite of IIE. So walk down the hill and up the hill to Crown Gwan.

Grab the map form the school website.

Took my own sweet time to walk over and relax myself till 10am. In the mean time, photo taking session since I was on top. Okay, I am not really on top. But the view was nice.

Outside Crown Gwan

The Seven Wonders! The van blocked my perfect wonders.

On top of Crown Gwan.

On top of Crown Gwan.

Waited and they finally ushered us in to the hall. We were all being separated by English and Japanese Language. The English language were grouped at the front while the Japanese language were being grouped at the back. So since I was in front, the stage was quite near to me.

The hall. 

Waited and they finally start the Welcome Speech. So basically they did it in 3 languages. English, Japanese and Korean.

Everything ended in 1.5 hours. The next part of the orientation was touring the school. Managed to talk to those around me in the hall and we toured together.

They brought us to the Library building. Really beautiful! If my school library is that pretty, I don't mind studying in the library after school! I am serious! Very harry potter style!

Trust me. I love the environment. This is really SCHOOL life!

Then, next it was the administration building. Sady, the fountain isn't working that day! Usually they would switch on during usual school term. Really a pity that I don't get to see it!

Pretty Scene.

And the last destination was Cheong Un Gwan.

I love this building.

And since the placement test is only going to start at 1pm. We decided to have lunch at the school canteen. Ate with friends from Finland, Netherlands and Japan. We chatted about everything in, English. Haha. It was fun knowing them and we are still in contact now. One of my Netherlands friend is still in Korea, Seoul now for a year of study. I am seriously very envious!

Katsu. My first meal in school! 2800won. The usual school price.

Returning the trays to the kitchen!

After lunch, we climbed our way up to IIE for placement test. Oh well, the paper was so TOPIK-styled. The first 15 was easy but as it proceed further, I gave up. It's beyond what I can do. Hand up and went for the oral.

The placement test oral totally makes me feel so down. I did my very best. But still, she wasn't very happy with the way I answered. Partly was, I think I did it too informal. Anyway, it's okay. No harm anyway. It is a long way to learn and master Korean well.

Waited for my newly made friend from Singapore and we decided to head to Myeong Dong for some shopping. Alright, more like sightseeing for me since I would only shop in some specific area.

We decided to walk all the way to Hoegi Subway station from school. I'm excited! It is because I finally get to use my Hello Kitty Card and taking the subway for the very first time! For the past few days, I was hanging around Hoegi to get more familiarise with the area and some other parts without taking the subway.

Upon reaching Hoegi Station, I need to top up my card. Used the top up machine for the very first time and trust me, it's easy to navigate it in Korean!

Thanks to Visitkorea.or.kr for this subway top up machine photo!

Hoegi has 2 subway lines. Line 1 and Jungang Line. Since we are heading to Myeong Dong, we took Line 1 and decided to walk to Myeong Dong from City Hall Station.

More and More lines. And I managed to try ALL. 

In the subway of Line 1. 

We decided not to take the underground even though it was the faster route. We took the main route and walked all the way to Myeong Dong. And we entered from the side of the exit of Myeong Dong Underground Shopping Mall.

Yes. Thanks to Daum Map! This is the place where we entered Myeong Dong. And this is also the underground link that you should use if you want to take subway Line 1 and Line 2.

But it is more lively after 4pm and not like in this picture. So please visit after 4pm.

It is very obvious to know that you are in Myeong Dong because the street are full of people like this.

Myeong Dong!

Our first stop for shopping was to enter her favourite bag shop (Which is beside Missha in that picture). Bags were retailing at 10 000won to 50 000won. Since I didn't pack any bags to Korea, I decided to buy a 10 000won bag for daily use. I can't believe that I didn't pack any bags to Korea! That's is definitely not me.

The Owner's memory is good. I returned back a few days later and she still remembered where I'm from and where I was studying at that time. And of coz, she also pull out new designs for me to choose which I am very happy with. I am a happy customer. Oh, where other shops is selling the same bag at 45 000won, she sold it to me at 30 000won.

After which, we decided to roam around. Stalls were selling clothes, shoes, bags, scarf, HP case, accessories, umbrella and many others. They were all selling the same items and the price were the same too.
I think it all depends on whether are you really daring to bargain with the stall owner.
My advice to you when you want to bargain is, "Be nice. Give a smile and don't bargain too much." To me, I don't fancy the accessories (earrings, necklace and bracelets) in Myeong Dong. Most stalls were selling replica LV and Chanel.

Basically, to me, I feel that Myeong Dong stuff are generally more expensive than other places. And that was why I only bought 1 bag and nothing else on my first trip down to Myeong Dong. Myeong Dong is not the place I would do my shopping. It's the place that I did all my skincare shopping for my friends, family and relatives.

After having some walked about in Myeong Dong, we walked in to KrispyKreme (slightly further down from the picture) to have a bite. Sit down to relax and have a chat.

Since the boss inform me that he will help me shift house at 8pm, we left Myeong Dong at 715pm. This time round, we took the underground route to get to Line 1 since there are some shops at underground. My friend decided to buy a light jeans coloured shoe and her decision was really fast. Everything within 5 mins. Even faster than me.

Took the subway back alone after Jongno 3-ga station.
Sometimes, I really love alone time. I love to spend time by myself. Looking at the people around me. Observing people, listening to their loud conversation and etc. Venturing places alone. It's really interesting and peaceful.

Strolled all the way back to The Boss's house from the station. Reached "Home" and started putting everything to my luggage bag. After 15mins of packing, the boss came over and asked if I'm really to go.

Of coz I am ready!


I'm excited to see how my room will be like. He loaded everything to his Volksvagen Car though I say I can do it myself (For the light ones. HAHA!). Oh yes, he owned 2 cars and 1 bike. Seriously very rich. And the traffic was quite bad on that day. A 3 mins journey became a 15mins journey. During the ride, we chatted in Korean/English. He was like a dad asking his children, 'How's School today? How's the placement test? and etc.' And I sound like a kid whining about how I was unable to do the placement test and oral well. Oh well, what done has been done.

Reached the Goshitel and he carried my heavy stuff up to level 5 by stairs at one shot. Yes, 1 shot. No stopping. And I got the room that he showed me on Saturday. Unlike others who had toilet beside their bed, mine is the toilet after the bed. Thanks for reading my mind!!! Beside my bed was the study table.

I wanted to load the photo on how my room looks like but I guess I better not show. I managed to grab 1 of the picture from the dorm that looks like my room. Except that i had no window and my wardrobe is 2 times bigger than the one shown and the position of the wardrobe is like between the toilet and the room's door.

He didn't proceed to show me where are the things in the Goshitel. I guess it was quite late therefore he didn't proceed or he had forgotten since he is such a forgetful boss. (My Hong Kong dorm mates sure agrees with me that he is a very forgetful boss.)

Settled down with everything. Clean up the table, shelves, drawers, cupboards and floor. Unload everything. Bath and sleep all the way without a pillow again. Poor thing. I suffered with No pillow for 5 days!

Seoul Day 5 [31st July 2011] Hangul Stickers and Bad Weather day.

Because I slept real late last night, I do not feel like waking up at all. I just want to sleep till I feel awake.

I was supposed to go down to Aritruim to collect my Laneige Sensitive Emulsion at 11am because it was not available yesterday. They had to do ordering for me.
I decided to take my own sweet time because it was raining!

Got ready and left my room at 12.30pm.When I was leaving the main gate, the boss saw me and asked what time I will be back home. Reason was, I do not know the password to unlock the main door of my room. When I left my room just now, the main door to my room was locked. I do not have the password to get in should they have locked the door.
So I told him I will be back early today as I would need to return and study for placement test which is the next day.

Collected my item and I decided to ask the Sales assistant, what is nice to eat outside Kyung Hee. HAHA. I know I should explore them myself but by 1.30pm, I just couldn't think anymore.

She recommended me to go to 행복한식탁.
So we bid goodbye and I stroll my way there.
Went in and I think I spent around 2 to 3 minutes on the menu because there are many many things that I feel like eating!

So many thing. And the most shocking thing was Beer only costs 4000won! The beer was in bottle form.

Kasu seem nice but I needed some hot soup to cover the coldness in me. The rain was getting heavier and heavier. 

Therefore, I ordered....

Kimchi + Tuna fish soup. 

Nice! The taste was great! Spicy and Sour. 

I have not eaten such a nice kimchi soup in Singapore. (I mean the real korean shop. None of them are able to compare with this!) 

After having a very happy and delicious meal, I decided to walk to the book store near Hoegi Station to purchase some writing materials. 

Thanks to daum map for the picture!

Yes, that's the book store which is the biggest around Hoegi I think. 

Spend near an hour or more purchasing things inside. Everything is just so NICE, PRETTY AND CUTE! I'm a cute things lover and so their book store totally make me want to buy everything back.

I have to control and control myself. And so here's the items that I bought.

Hangul Stickers and an alarm clock as I don't trust my Samsung Jet Alarm coz sometimes it does ring at all. I'm scared to be late for school. 

The Mickey Mouse Alarm clock was like the smallest. Super good for travelling purpose. It was the old school Mickey Mouse and I really like it very much.

The hangul stickers was what I always wanted to purchase. Imagine how happy I was when I found them in Epoxy Sticker form. I used them on my Korean Electronic Dictionary and Laptop at the moment. 

Next I also purchase their oxford brand writing pad and a pair of socks. I have forgotten to take their pictures but I found the oxford brand writing pad online. 

This is the oxford brand writing pad. They are bind in a bundle of 100s. 5000won.

At first I thought I miss out looking at their range of writing pad until I approach the sales person and they tell me this is the writing pad. They don't sell the writing pad that we used in Singapore. So I settle with this. 

Very interesting writing pad I would say. There are dotted lines on every piece for you to tear it out and it will become the writing pad that we used except that I will need to use hole puncher to punch 2 holes. Some writing pads already comes with 2 holes or 3 holes.

So when I write something on it, I have to be very patient in tearing them to avoid them being torn by me.

Left the book store with a smile on my face. 

Decided to venture to Korea University since I wasn't that far away from the school and the rain had stopped. Saw some really nice photos of KU from the internet and I really wanted to take a look.

Started walking and enjoying the scenery. However, just when I was happily enjoy my way to KU, it started to pour very badly + strong winds again. So I went to Mister Donut to purchase Hot Chocolate and donut to keep for dinner. 

U-turn and walked all the way back to the apartment since it was really not a good idea to go anywhere with the very bad weather which lasted till the next day.

Went back to do revision and rest early for the night. 

Orientation, the next day~