Reflection on Quarantine Life in South Korea

By:

Suzy Ni

Published:

Countries

Demographics

,

Majors

,

Regions

Suzy Ni

<i>"Hello" in your host country's language:</i> ์•ˆ๋…•ํ•˜์„ธ์š” (annyeonghaseyo) <i>Home Institution (your U.S. University/College):</i> Middle Tennessee State University <i>Expected graduation year:</i> 2022 <i>Destination city & country:</i> Seoul, South Korea <i>Program provider:</i> ISA <i>Major/minor:</i> Major: Biochemistry Major Minor: International Relations & Honors Research Minor Concentration: Pre-Med <i>Demographics:</i> First-generation college student, Asian-American <i>Future career aspirations:</i> After my undergraduate, I hope to attend medical study to study possibly psychology or oncology. I also want to do research and aid in the help of finding a better healthcare program in the United States. For my side hobbies, I hope to grow my small business as a fashion/ jewelry designer. I also love reading and writing and hope to publish my own book someday. <i>Top 3 goals for your time abroad:</i> 1) Research South Korea's healthcare programs to aid in my research on finding a better healthcare system in the United States. 2) Culturally immerse myself in South Korea by trying to learn the language and South Korea's history. 3) Being academically and intellectually enriched at my host university (Korea University) and hope to develop confidence through the study abroad experience.

~ As my time in quarantine is almost up, I wanted to share with you guys my quarantine food experience in South Korea. My study abroad program was through ISA at Korea University and on the day of arrival, we were quarantined at JK Blossom Hotel. My meal plan was the vegetarian option, and I received my meals 3 times a day.

Reflection: Did you survive quarantine food?

~In terms of survival, I survived the first week of quarantine food. However, I started to realize a lot of the foods were being rotated around, and sometimes I would even get the same breakfast for 3 days in a row. While in quarantine, I was not able to change my meal plan nor ask for an alternation to my meals. I simply had to eat what was given to me. While I have to say, most of the food was mediocre, the portion size was pretty decent as I was given just enough carbs and protein throughout the day.

Reflection: What was the toughest part about quarantine?

~The toughest part about quarantine was the โ€œno wasteโ€ policy in South Korea. As most people are not aware, South Korea is huge on recycling. Since there are not many open spaces in South Korea to dump their trash, the country has been promoting recycling more. This has caused citizens to become more responsible with their trash. While in my quarantine hotel, I was given 3 different color bags for my disposable items. The yellow bag is only for food waste, while the white is for recyclable waste, and the blue is true trash. With the โ€œno wasteโ€ policy implemented, I quickly learned the idea of not wasting food as I would back in the states. Even the food that I dislike, consume it to avoid the stress of separating my disposables.

Reflection: What is something valuable you learn while reflecting in quarantine.

~While quarantine life is not the best part about studying abroad during covid-19, I would say I actually appreciate the 2 weeks of quarantine. These 2 weeks have given me time to think about my mental health and plan my goals and schedules throughout this year. I feel like being in quarantine actually prepares me mentally for cultural shock and other things I might encounter here in Seoul. Quarantine also helped me regain back the sleep that I was deprived of back in the United States.

Reflection: What are some tips you recommend to survive quarantine life in South Korea?

~Please, Please, Please bring detergent! Since you can not leave your hotel room, the only laundry you will be doing is the old fashion hand washing technique. Due to the fact that I did not bring detergent, I was hand washing all of my clothes with soap and body wash. It would also be smart to bring extra clothes hangers since the hotel I was staying in only gave me 2 of them. If you usually eat a lot, I would recommend bringing snacks. However, donโ€™t forget the โ€œno wasteโ€ policy in which you would have a lot of trash piling up in your room. If I was you, I would prevent that as it can easily attract bugs into your room, and in general, it makes your room stink, which is not a pleasant experience. Lastly, download a lot of things to watch and bring something you enjoy.