South Korea : Lisbeth Luna (A We’re Not in Madison Anymore Moment)
A We’re Not in Madison Anymore Moment
Wait, did I get to Seoul, or is it another day of dreading the walk-up Bascom for my next class?
This was my thought after heading to one of my classes from my dorm with all of its hills. It felt like I was again fighting for my life going up Bascom in heat and humidity. Then I remembered it only takes me 5 minutes to get to class – there’s no way I’m in Madison.
After class, I usually grab something to eat at Mem U. Wait, no, it’s the ECC. That’s right, I’m in Seoul! The Ewha Campus Complex (ECC) is another Mem U and Union South but definitely bigger than both combined. They’re the same with restaurants, study areas, etc., but the big difference is that the ECC goes downhill and has a wider food selection! It’s arguably the most famous landmark at Ewha.
To get around Seoul, I can easily take the Subway, bus, or taxi with just one thing – the T-money card. I honestly would not know how to act if Madison had a metro system like this. The streets and Metro station are also very clean, which seems odd considering the lack of trash cans around the city.
Walking down 10 blocks in Seoul, I pass 6 Olive Young’s, 10 convenience stores, 15 cafes, and 5 Olens stores. Olive Young is Korean Sephora, and Olens is a lens store where you can get colored contacts. This convenience isn’t really found in Madison, and it is also something I will miss about Korea once I leave.
Nevertheless, I kind of miss struggling going up Bascom.
Lisbeth Luna
Major: International Studies and Economics; Cert. Criminal Justice and Chicano/Latino Studies
Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin