I was back at the train station I know well. There is still a queue of students for the bus to the university as it was before. There are quite a few new buildings. One thing that has changed is the increase in multinational brands. StarBucks is everywhere as are other common global brands such as TGI Fridays. For a short while I got to savour the care free world of my student days and sip coffee while watching the world go by on a weekday.

Met up with a friend, who is still studying. It may seem weird after so long, but Korean guys have to be in the army for about 3 1/2 years. So while I've been working, got married and had kids.. my friend is just about to think about his career. Sometimes I'm tempted to think about studying again, but it doesn't fit with my long term goals.

For those of you interested in studying Korean, it's always best to do it in the country itself. You will learn much faster and what is more important when learning a language is to understand the culture and how people live. SNU has a great intensive programme. It's only until lunch, which means you can learn language the best way, go out, make friends, have a chat with the ajuma (auntie) at your favourite eating spot and explore the city the rest of the day.

If you're about to graduate or just graduating, I think it's worth exploring this option. Work for about a year and save up as much as you can. Then do something you've always dreamed about.. backpacking through Europe, visit a Mayan temple, living and learning another language in another country etc. It can be scary at first, I remember having second thoughts about being a plane full of Koreans and wondering what I was doing, but it's worth it. Even if didn't have a chance to travel again after that, I wouldn't have any regrets about could haves, should haves and might haves..