One of the biggest changes I experienced after moving to Korea was how I started becoming a frequent visitor of public spaces. Back in Indonesia, I was used to spending most of my time within walls. When I wasn’t home, people could probably find me either in a mall or at a café as there were limited public spaces available for people to enjoy comfortably, unlike in Korea.
I was never a person whom you would expect to find going on hikes or taking a picnic before I came to Korea. But now, I often find myself texting my friends asking if they would like to go on a walk or enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic. The change happened very naturally, I believe, is thanks to the natural beauty of the environment and because of how well-maintained these outdoor spaces are.
In places like the Han River parks, everyone can enjoy the breeze while admiring the beautiful harmony of both nature and the cityscape. Supporting facilities such as convenience stores and rental stores for picnic necessities are also available, making it accessible to almost everyone. Hiking trails are also considerably safe as they are clearly marked and regularly maintained. You can easily see people of all ages enjoying weekend climbs, some equipped with their hiking gear and some in their regular workout fits.
On top of that, all these places are completely free, which makes them even more appealing. You don’t need to spend money to enjoy a peaceful day out or a fun-filled workout session with a view. It’s a refreshing contrast to the pay-to-play mindset I was accustomed to, and it has truly changed the way I view leisure and wellness. Living in Korea has shown me that having access to public spaces is a good way to have the community interact with each other and improve their well-being. Seems like finding a remedy for my daily worries has literally become a walk in the park.
One of the biggest changes I experienced after moving to Korea was how I started becoming a frequent visitor of public spaces. Back in Indonesia, I was used to spending most of my time within walls. When I wasn’t home, people could probably find me either in a mall or at a café as there were limited public spaces available for people to enjoy comfortably, unlike in Korea.
I was never a person whom you would expect to find going on hikes or taking a picnic before I came to Korea. But now, I often find myself texting my friends asking if they would like to go on a walk or enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic. The change happened very naturally, I believe, is thanks to the natural beauty of the environment and because of how well-maintained these outdoor spaces are.
In places like the Han River parks, everyone can enjoy the breeze while admiring the beautiful harmony of both nature and the cityscape. Supporting facilities such as convenience stores and rental stores for picnic necessities are also available, making it accessible to almost everyone. Hiking trails are also considerably safe as they are clearly marked and regularly maintained. You can easily see people of all ages enjoying weekend climbs, some equipped with their hiking gear and some in their regular workout fits.
On top of that, all these places are completely free, which makes them even more appealing. You don’t need to spend money to enjoy a peaceful day out or a fun-filled workout session with a view. It’s a refreshing contrast to the pay-to-play mindset I was accustomed to, and it has truly changed the way I view leisure and wellness. Living in Korea has shown me that having access to public spaces is a good way to have the community interact with each other and improve their well-being. Seems like finding a remedy for my daily worries has literally become a walk in the park.