It is my first time as a “Global Seoul-mate” ~ a group of bloggers/SNS supporters appointed by the Seoul City government. I didn’t learn that my application was accepted until I received a “gift” from the mail and an accompanying welcome note a few days before I left for my summer vacation.
The first mission of the “Global Seoul-mate” was announced on July 23rd, but it wasn’t until I was already in Los Angeles that I read about it. Luckily, I have a lot of images taken from my community in Dongdaemun-gu Seoul that I could use for the mission. Today is the deadline so I’m kinda just beating it ~
Who am I?
I’m originally from Angeles City in the Philippines, but I’ve been living in Seoul for the past 11 years a few months after getting married to my Korean husband. We have one son who is now in second grade at an elementary school in Seoul. We spent the first 8 years of our marriage life in Jongro-gu and we transferred to Dongdaemun-gu three years ago.
I’m currently a full-time mom and homemaker. I do volunteer work with my friends at “The 601 Habit”.
What is S.E.O.U.L to me?
I took this photo at the playground of Hongneung Park in Dongdaemun-gu. The slide is S-shaped and as you can see, boys will be boys. What I love most about Seoul is that it’s a relatively safe city. And because of this I don’t have any worry about my son going to the playground and playing like I did more than three decades ago. I also like that other parents would watch your child when you’re not around.
Anyone who has been to Seoul would rave about its efficient transportation system. You can take the subway or bus to go around the city ~ even in the middle of the night. Since the city started the night bus service, I was able to come home twice riding a public bus at two o’clock in the morning! I love that I don’t need to have a car to survive in this big city ~ less pollution, less expenses.
Seoul maybe a large and opulent city but a few aspects of it is still old ~ and that mix of modern and old makes the city more appealing. Perhaps an old tradition that we still uphold ~ meal preparation. I’m proud to say that I cook for my family and I make sure that I serve them from the heart ~
The mix of old and modern makes the city “unique” with unlimited things to do and explore. And when I get tired of exploring, I sit down with a cup of hot tea using this old-fashioned celadon tea cup bought from a store in a modern building in Dongdaemun.
I was folding this plastic bag of chips into a tight square. I just feel lucky to be living in Seoul. Life here is not perfect but over the years, I have learned to adjust to both its old and modern ways. I feel safe here and this is the city where I see myself living until I’m old.
As a member of the Global Seoul-Mate, I hope to present a well-rounded view of what it is like to live in Seoul. I hope to be able to participate in its cultural activities ~ like what I’ve been doing for the past decade.