Korean Job Discussion Forums

[taobenli]

So, I wrote here a while ago about my plans to travel around China and Korea during the almost three weeks I'll have in late August and early September. I have some money saved for this trip and I've been looking forward to it. I decided I wanted to go to Dalian by ferry and spend about 4 days in China, then return to Korea and travel around the coast. It sounded like a fun plan, but then after class today I went to the Chinese embassy (using time I could have spent studying for my final tomorrow) and ended up walking out because of a mild panic attack (I felt really dizzy and anxious, something I don't usually experience).

The first thought that went through my mind was, "I really don't want to travel in China alone for any length of time." In college my major was Chinese, I studied in Beijing for 4 months and traveled in Yunnan (2 weeks) and Guizhou (2 weeks). But when I traveled in China I traveled with a friend, and I realized I'm really anxious about traveling in Liaoning alone. I'm not even as worried about safety as I am about being able to emotionally handle a country as stressful as China. I love China, and I think part of the reason I want to go back is to reconfirm to myself that love and my choice of study. But I'm only filled with dread thinking about it...

The second thought that went through my head was "Why are you always wanting to run away to China? You're in Korea now, there is enough to see in Korea in three weeks and it will be easier to plan. " Am I right in thinking this? Is Korea big enough to hold a (solo) traveler's interest for three weeks?

I have traveled alone only for a few days at a time, and I'm just worried about having that much time alone traveling (though I normally like spending time alone in my day-to-day life). I'm normally so busy and the thought of three weeks to drift around actually scares me. More than that, I had a bad Korea day today and feel like I want to hop on the plane as soon as my classes are over on Thursday and get out of here. But my flight is not until Sept. 15th, and I know objectively that to go home right away would be a waste of this free time...

How do I get over this alternating ennui/anxiety? My fear of submerging myself in cultures that I generally really like gives me a lot of doubts about my desire to be an anthropologist. Should I reconsider and go to China (I can only afford the ferry, not a plane ticket)? Should I spent two weeks traveling Korea and a week somewhere else entirely (I've never been to SE Asia- but can't afford more than 200,000 won to get wherever and back). Are there ferries from Korea to Taiwan? (Another place I'm very interested in...)

Please give me words of encouragement...it is VERY appreciated.

[Son Deureo!]

I have seen W200,000 plane fares offered at Top Travel before, might be worth looking into.

As a French major who is a world away from France, I say you'd be crazy if you passed up the chance to go to China. Either China.

Just go.

[Trekker]

I travelled alone in China for 3 weeks (Yunnan and Sichuan province). I was a little nervous about how I would make out, especially since I was going to an area that was off the beaten path. But I have a lot of experience living and working in countries that are very different than my own country so figured that with my trusty guide book in hand, patience, curiosity and a sense of adventure, I'd make out o.k. And I did. It's normal to be somewhat apprehensive about traveling to a foreign country where you may not know the language and how to get around. But I find that most people are very helpful and welcoming. I'd say go to China and enjoy the adventure.

[taobenli]

Thanks for the encouragement...I think you're right, I should just go to China and hang out there for a few days. I can still get the visa tomorrow. I think part of my fear of going has to do with the fact that I once knew the language well, but have forgotten a lot while learning Korean. So there's some self-guilt there, too.

Trekker, are you male or female? Just curious...Asia is one of the safest places in the world for women to travel, but still I worry...

[tzechuk]

A friend of mine travelled alone in China for 3 or 4 weeks.. but then she taught in China and made friends, so she did have friends to visit with....

I think if you stick to cities or biggish towns, you will be OK...

If you have a mobile phone, take it with you - my husband told me that nowadays China is starting to use the CDMA system, so you will be able to open international roaming before you leave Korea to use your phone in China.

Good luck and have fun!!

BTW.. why did you choose to do Chinese at university?