My First Week in Seoul: Korean Classes, New Friends & K-Pop Moves

Yes, as I mentioned before, the excitement was real. And it still is. What an incredible first week I’ve had here in Seoul!

Fast-Paced Korean Classes

My Korean classes at Lexis Korea are going really well, but wow… the pace is fast! 

My teacher is fun, kind and full of energy, but she doesn’t slow down. I’m really glad I took Korean lessons before coming here, because it helps me keep up with the rhythm of the class.

We’ve been working hard all week and on Monday morning, we will be having a test to see how much we’ve learned so far. It feels a little exciting and a little nerve-wracking at the same time!

A Truly International Classroom

One of the most special things about this experience is my group of classmates. They come from all over the world and it’s amazing to see how easily people from different countries, ages and backgrounds connect. 

Of course, small groups naturally form, but they are never fixed or exclusive. Everything feels very fluid and relaxed and that makes the atmosphere even more special. In a way, it feels like we’re all on the same adventure, learning, struggling, laughing and improving together.

With Karin, whom I met on the very first day, I often had lunch together during the week. Those little breaks between classes quickly became a nice routine.

Small Daily Rituals

Even the mornings started to develop their own rhythm. Before heading to school, I would stop around the corner at Dunkin’ Wonders for my regular breakfast: a latte and a chicken wrap. It was the perfect quick start to the day before walking to class.

Special Moments with New Friends

Outside the classroom, we also started exploring Gangnam District together.

One afternoon, I went for tea with Christian, Karin and Marlene at Cat Café Mocha Gangnam. It was such a unique experience. Before entering, we had to take off our shoes and change into slippers and once inside, cats were everywhere, lounging on shelves, wandering around the room, or quietly observing the visitors. We could pet them if we wanted and the whole atmosphere was calm, cosy and slightly surreal.

Another evening I went out with Karin, Christian, Marlene and Emilie for a real Korean BBQ. Sitting around the grill, cooking the meat ourselves and sharing dishes together made it not only delicious but also a lot of fun. It felt like a true introduction to Korean food culture. 

Embracing the Full Experience

I really want to make the most of my time here, so I’ve signed up for all the Friday afternoon activities the school offers. 

Today’s session? A K-Pop dance class! 

And let me tell you…trying those moves myself gave me a whole new level of respect for K-pop artists. It may look effortless when you watch it on stage, but believe me, it’s fun but also a serious workout!

Looking Ahead to the Weekend

This weekend is going to be exciting too. 

Tomorrow, we have a day trip to the east coast…a chance to explore Gangneung, my first opportunity to travel outside Seoul. 

And on Sunday, a small group of us are going to see the Cherry Blossoms in different parts of Seoul. The blossoms have just started blooming and I can’t wait to see them.

My first week in Seoul has been full of new experiences, new friendships and plenty of learning.

And somehow, I have the feeling that this adventure is only just getting started.

Little Moments from My First Week

• Realizing that Korean class moves much faster than expected, but loving the challenge.

• Meeting classmates from different parts of the world and quickly feeling part of an international group.

• Starting each morning with my small breakfast ritual, a latte and chicken wrap at Dunkin’ Wonders before heading to class.

• Visiting the cozy Cat Café Mocha Gangnam, where cats quietly ruled the room while we enjoyed tea in our slippers.

• Sharing my first real Korean BBQ dinner with new friends, delicious food, lots of laughter and the fun of grilling everything together.

• Discovering that K-Pop dancing is far more athletic than it looks!

• Looking forward to my first trip outside Seoul to visit Gangneung.

• And hopefully seeing the first signs of Cherry Blossom Season around the city.

                                    https://youtube.com/shorts/e6PYZ_PCQs8?feature=shared