They say “A journey
is best measured in friends, not in miles.” (Tim Cahill) but what happens when you
combine the two? My friends and I have just started our second year in the EPIK
program and have decided to start planning trips around Korea independently.
See, last year we had always participated in events organized by the many foreign-teacher
focused tour groups in Korea. These groups usually create an event focused
around a special event or seasonal activity. For example, some of the trips
that they plan are: skydiving, Buddha’s birthday weekend, Mudfest, ATV
riding/paintball, and when the weather gets cold, they even have a ski trip
planned. The best part is you simply pay their fee (usually around $200) and
show up at the planned location! Now you’re probably wondering, “If the
opportunities are so abundant and convenient, why would you want to plan your
own trip?” Well, as Kevin Hart would say- let me explain. These organized trips
are great for someone who wouldn’t know Sokcho from Gumi, however, they have a
few drawbacks.
1.
Price/Accommodation:
So, you’re telling me for 150,000 won, I get transportation to and from the
event, lodging, and even some meals? I’ll take it! How can you afford to offer
this deal? Oh…it’s 7 people to room? I see. One of the things they don’t tell
you about these trips is that for the money you’re spending, you’ll be
sanctioned off in a back woods part of town, in a motel/hotel that has agreed
to handle foreigners, with little amenities and several other people. Usually
these places are manageable and clean, however, you won’t be getting much sleep
in one because…
2.
Everyone on the
trip is drunk and loud. I can’t tell you how many beers are consumed on these
voyages, all I know is it’s hard to spot a foreigner without one. From the
moment we set sail (usually at 8 am) the stench of alcohol fills the air as
most people drink on the bus to pass the time. When you crunch the numbers, it
means that people are drinking for 5-8 hours straight before we even get to the
event site. The organizers usually endorse the “party bus” atmosphere with loud
music and karaoke. After the event is completed (zip lining, ATV riding, hang
gliding) the drinking resumes with a fervor well into the night. If you have
the misfortune of rooming with some party goers, you can assume that you’ll
have a hard time getting rest over the weekend. This gets agitating when…
3.
You aren’t eating
well. My advice for someone joining one of these trips is to eat a big, healthy
breakfast before getting on the bus. It’s probably the last real meal you’ll
have during the weekend. During the long bus rides (5+ hours) there will come a
time when you are ready for some food. Unfortunately, keeping time is a
priority, so you have to grab something easy from the rest stops we go to.
Usually we are given about ten minutes to use the restroom and buy a snack from
the market. Basically, your lunch is going to be some sort of chip, roll of
unidentifiable meat, or cookie. Maybe all three! Things don’t look better once
we arrive at the event site. I remember one trip where there was only a
7-Eleven within walking distance from our hotel. During the night when you get
hungry, delivery is going to be your only option. Now you’re tired, hungry, and
ready for the awesome event you signed up for! Which is unfortunate because…
4.
The events are
never what you think they are. “Come zip line over the cool waters of such and
such beach, Korea’s Hawaii-esque island! After a day in the sun we’ll relax
with a beach side barbeque” Except, now, because of some unforeseen events, the
zip line is broken, it’s raining, and the barbeque turned into some measly chips
and a sandwich (maybe). If every trip delivered on the awesomeness promised in
the event descriptions, I would have no problem signing up for them. I can
handle a lack of sleep and proper food if it means I’ll be enjoying some
unbelievable experience. Unfortunately it’s a rare occurrence to have all
expectations met on these tour packaged trips. Even something as simple as a
day at the beach turned into cold winds and rain last year.
With the difficulties encountered
during these pre-planned, inclusive trips, it makes sense that we would try and
create our own experiences our last year in Korea. We have the resources to
make decisions and know the layout of the country much better than before.
Despite differing opinions, and weeks spent coming to a consensus, I can
confidently say that trying to plan a destination with your good friends in
Korea is a journey that everyone should take.
Imani is an elementary ESL teacher here in Daegu. She enjoys Korean food, attractive Korean men, and making me look bad because she always looks put together whereas I just rolled out of bed 10 minutes prior. You can stalk her at thetravelparadox.blogspot.kr.
