South Korea is a country, where people dedicate most of their time studying and working. Everyone is too busy, which is easily noticed in everyday life in Korea. In subways, you can witness how people rush, run from one line to another; in the streets people walk very fast; cafes are full of people with computers; to name but a few. This is due to harsh Korean system which is characterized with intense competition and the need to constantly learn and improve. Not only Korean people are busy all the time, but also foreigners who study in Korean universities or work for Korean companies, because they are also a part of this challenging system.
To study/work effectively, it is required that we have the right environment, and it is better to change this environment time by time, since being in one place all the time can reduce efficiency sometimes. Moreover, many foreign students cannot study at home first of all because they live in dormitories and share their rooms with other students, and because studying at home can often be distracting. This article, therefore, suggests places in Korea, where you can concentrate on your work or studies without distraction.
1. Chain Cafes.
Studying in cafes is the most common in Korea, if not around the world. However, let me emphasize the word “chain” because I do not recommend to study in any type of cafes. Why chains? First of all, in Korea, chains such as Starbucks, Twosome Place, Coffee Bean and the Tea Leaf, Gong Cha and etc. are everywhere. Undoubtedly, you will have at least a couple of them around your home. Secondly, most people visit other cute, nice or interesting cafes for their thematic interiors, special desserts or just for trying something new with their friends. Thus, this type of coffee shops are often full of people, who chat, so it is extremely noisy. Chain cafes, however, have become so ordinary for people, that they do not usually visit them for new experience. Yes, these cafes are also full of people, but they go there to read, to study or to work, so it will definitely be silent there. Moreover, the background music in chain cafes is often relaxing, which helps people concentrate on their work deeply. Besides chain cafes, you could also consider small unpopular cafes around your place if you notice that not many people visit them.
2. Public libraries.
Libraries in Korea are usually large and really beautiful. Perhaps, the greatest and the most famous is the Starfield Library located in COEX mall and in Suwon city (two branches). Libraries are ideal places to study because as the name suggests, they are libraries – places to read, to study or to work. Firstly, you will be motivated by the atmosphere where people study, environment which is filled with books all around. Secondly, people have to be quiet in libraries in order to not bother anyone studying or working.
3. Subways.
Subways? Seriously? Yes. Let me explain what I mean. Seoul is a huge megapolis, we often have to travel long ways to get from one place to another. If you live in Seoul, admit that to travel from one point to another, it will take you at least 40 minutes, if not an hour. Unfortunately, most people waste this time by sitting on their phones while commuting. However, it is a perfect moment to do some work. Subway trains in Korea are characterized by dead silence, because talking is disrespectful towards other passengers. Moreover, it is annoying that you have to sit for a long time without doing anything interesting or useful. Why not use this time productively? If you sit in a wagon in a subway, take out your laptop or book and start working. You will become so focused that the time will pass unnoticeably and you’ll quickly arrive at your destination. For instance, I always read books when I take a subway for the road of more than 10-15 minutes. I become so nourished by the book that I do not notice how time passes.
4. University Lounges.
If you are a university student or there is a university close to your place, you can consider university lounges to do your work/studies. Some of the lounges in universities require student ID card, so you cannot enter if you do not study there, but there are also lounges that do not require any ID. Why I believe university lounges should be considered as a place of studying: 1) They are bright, modern and clean – highly motivating. 2) They are designated for students – very silent. 3) You don’t have to pay for using them. 4) Sometimes you can bring your snack or drink. In spite of cafes, where you have to buy something, or subways and libraries, where you cannot bring food, university lounges do not have these restrictions, although certain places are no food zones. Drinks? Every time!
5. Study cafes.
If you have to study/work overnight, neither of the abovementioned options will be viable, unless you find a 24-hour working café or a library. Study cafes are the best option in this case. Study cafes are cheap and operate 24 hours. Usually, you will pay for the time you use which you select in advance (2 hours, 4 hours, 6 hours…), and the drink is included in the price. In study cafes, there are small rooms that you can use, which helps studying people not to distract one another. Definitely consider this option, if you want to work or study during night hours.
This article recommends that you don’t stick to only one option, but try them all and change your studying and working environment time by time. Undeniably, there will be one place that fits you best, which you will use most of the time, but giving a try to other places is a good choice. Always remember that you are doing a great work, because studying in Korea is not an easy thing that everyone can do. So, you are the chosen, and you will make it all. Good luck!
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