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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
And the last destination was Cheong Un Gwan.
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!
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
It is very obvious to know that you are in Myeong Dong because the street are full of people like this.
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!
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!
Hi Regina,
ReplyDeleteI was browsing about goshitel and goshiwon and read your post. What you posted about the 'real goshiwon' scares me. I'm looking for a place to stay for 1 month study in Seoul. Before reading your post I though renting a goshiwon is good enough for a place to stay. But now seems that I have to change my mind. Do you have any idea which goshitel you would recommend that maybe a better option for me?
You can email me at :as3d_hampor@hotmail.com
I really need your help :(
Thank you.
Hi,
DeleteDon't worry! I guess i was one of the 0.01% that got a really bad goshiwon. However, after i shifted to another goshiwon. Everything was fine again. Will definitely not recommend that first goshiwon to anybody. It's a real turn off considering that it's my first time to Korea. The 2nd goshiwon's boss is definitely better than the first too!
Renting a goshitel or goshiwon is definitely good enough i feel. If you are a student, i guess you won't want to be tied down by the curfew time. The curfew time range from 10pm to 12pm depends on the university. And of coz, comparing the prices of apartment and goshiwon, goshiwon is definitely a better choice.
Which school are you going to? I hope that i can help you too!
Regards,
Regina
Hi Regina
ReplyDeleteCould you also help me with recommended goshiwon near KHU?
I'm visiting a friend in Seoul within this week and Tenten is one of my goshiwon lists to go.
Please mail me at n3rolf@yahoo.com
Thanks
Hi!
DeleteThere are a number of goshiwon around KHU area. However, as I only stayed in Tenten, I couldn't help much. For Tenten, my advice is to call up the boss to check if there are available room left as the goshiwon is usually full during the school semester.
You may also try out Core Livingtel, Art Oneroomtel and Co-M Livingtel (Located near to Korea Uni instead.)
Please do take note that the minimum stay for Goshiwon is 1 month.
Have fun in Korea!
Regards,
Regina
Hi Regina
ReplyDeleteI'm going to take fall and winter course at kyunghee u. this year and now i'm finding a good place to stay around the uni.
What do you think of Core livingtel and Art oneroomtel? I decided that i should find a goshiwon before arriving in korea coz i couldn't speak the korean lang. I tried to search about goshiwon around kyunghee on the internet but there hardly anyone talking about it.
please e-mail me at: crazyjj33@gmail.com
Thanks
Lew