Blog 8: Midterms, Coldplay, and Jeju

This week was packed with excitement—from midterms to music, and a much-needed escape to Jeju.

Midterm

Out of the four classes I’m taking this semester, I was relieved to only have one midterm to study for. Still, I spent a lot of time preparing since it covered quite a bit of material. Once I finished, I felt a huge sense of relief and freedom—which came just in time for what was next.

Coldplay Concert

Right after midterms, I went to a Coldplay concert, and it was hands down one of the best concerts I’ve been to in Korea so far! The energy, lights, and overall atmosphere were incredible. It felt so surreal to hear their music live and be surrounded by people who were just as excited. Definitely a core memory of this semester.

Jeju

The day after the concert, I flew to Jeju with my friends for a short getaway. We rented a car from Lotte Rent a Car, and I ended up being the designated driver. Driving in Jeju was surprisingly calm and scenic—very different from the chaos of Seoul. (Disclaimer: I would never drive in Seoul!)

We visited Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, O’Sulloc Tea Museum, Innisfree Jeju House, Cafe Snoopy, and a few other scenic spots. The cliffside view was absolutely stunning with its columnar rock formations and crashing waves. At O’Sulloc and Innisfree, we enjoyed some delicious green tea desserts and walked around the peaceful gardens. Cafe Snoopy had a super cozy vibe and beautiful ocean views—definitely a great place to unwind.

One thing I had to keep an eye on while driving were the red light and speed cameras—they’re everywhere in Jeju. I was constantly double-checking the speed limit and making sure I came to complete stops. It definitely kept me on my toes!

Even though the trip was short, it was the perfect reset after a busy week. I came back feeling refreshed and grateful for the experience.