A Love Letter to my Seoulmate(s)

By: Desiree Galamgam

Travelling to a different country for the first time was extremely daunting to me. Yet, I was exhilarated by this new challenge and the prospects of meeting new people. My goal this semester was to form meaningful relationships, especially with those who were eager to travel around Korea and try new things. Thanks to CIEE’s Seoulmate program, I was able to meet some amazing people who I’ll keep in touch with long after this program ends.

CIEE’s Seoulmate program pairs 2-4 study abroad students with a local Korean student at the beginning of the semester. Together, you plan and meet throughout the semester to explore around Seoul. My Seoulmate, Jeongmin, was super reliable and sweet! Jeongmin diligently looked for interesting places for our group to visit. Our first stop was Insadong and Ssamziegil. There, we visited a traditional Korean Teahouse and tried various teas (plum, omija, balloon flower) and traditional Korean snacks. At Ssamziegil, we got to visit the stores of artisans and their handmade crafts.

Our next hangout took us to Jeongmin’s hometown, Suwon! Jeongmin was an amazing tour guide. As we walked around the Hwaseong Fortress, we had lunch at a Tonkatsu place and dessert in a Vietnamese coffee shop. As we sipped on our coffee and teas, we learned more about what it’s like to be a university student in Korea, sharing stories from our respective colleges/universities. We ended this day with a nice (and windy!) stroll around a lake and an obligatory photobooth picture!

At our final hangout, me, Bree, and Jeongmin met up in Hongdae to try some jokbal! Even in the midst of final season, Jeongmin brought us so much joy and laughter. Even after dinner and one final photobooth photo, we found ourselves trying to stall for more time together! The chilly wind could not stop the warmth radiating from Jeongmin.

To my Seoulmate, Jeongmin, thank you for all the great memories! I hope when I return to Korea, we can meet once more. 찢었다! Thanks to the Seoulmate program, my adjustment to Korea and daily life was eased. The friends I made because of the Seoulmate program deserve a shout-out as well. I’m so grateful we were randomly grouped together for another Seoulmate event. Thank you for all the gut-busting laughs, late, late night study sessions, and precious memories. Until we meet again!

EXPLORE SEOUL