SEOUL, KOREA - MAY 25, 2001
I asked my workplace again if there was any possibility of having anytime off in August, maybe even if I could transfer to another of its institutes in the city of Seoul, where they could allow me some time off. They said there is no possibility whatsoever - July & August are the highest enrollment periods (summer break from schools), and they would need everyone they had working as many hours as possible. Its also impossible to hire someone else, because enrollment drops significantly in September.
I am still uncertain of my somewhat immediate future. I have a great situation and great life in Seoul right now. To disrupt it completely and having to start over either again here or elsewhere I'm not quite sure if I'm ready to do. Time will tell over the next few weeks. The wedding is not until August 4th, but if I make the decision to leave Seoul, it will be sooner rather than at the last moment.
The areas of Seoul I enjoy most have been changing quite a bit recently. I usually enjoy two areas of the city named Shinchon and Hong Dae (short for Hongik University - the premier art university). Both have really good nightlife with alot of activity and excitement and people everywhere. When I first arrived here last September, they were both really good areas. Recently there seems to be a great influx of military guys especially in Hong Dae area, and now I've been noticing in some of my favorite Shinchon places. This is alright, but the dynamics of having alot of military guys gives the places a more aggressive edge to it than I prefer. Hong Dae especially is suddenly having a strong Itaewon feel to it. (Itaewon is the foreign ghetto of Seoul - it surrounds the military base - where most of the soldiers and koreans who are attracted to soldiers spend their time).
On the other hand, there is kind of good excitement in the air these days. It is still a comfortable month (May) and people are enjoying the comfortable weather of the moment. Many restaurants have been moving their chairs outside. There are more outdoor festivals and such. I've been able to meet alot more of my friends more often these days. The weather is perfect right now. But if I do leave, it will be before July, when monsoon rains and high humidity dominate the city.
I'll be trying to keep the website updated as much as possible over the next few weeks regarding my decision to stay or leave the city of Seoul.
Next Journal Entry in Seoul:
June 25, 2001
You can email me at:
Wintermoon2@yahoo.com