Emperor Sejong hangs out in Yeouido park and makes sure everyone has a good time. Today we had decent weather, although it started getting chilly around 5pm. I made it through another day of intense Korean class.

Sometimes, I wonder how much work I should be putting into the class. It’s only going to affect me during my stay in Korea. I will probably very rarely use the language outside of Korea and the occasional Korean restaurant in the US.

I know that it’s always great to take part in the culture that you are experiencing during a study abroad adventure, but I still have to balance that with the other classes that will have a lasting effect on my academic career in the near future.

I think I have a satisfactory balance, but I also have an internal driving force that interests me in the local language. I want to be able to have at least a simple conversation in Korean. I also want to be able to pass my International Business mid-term. Obviously, the latter is much more important, academically speaking.

I’ve got a couple more weeks until mid-terms. I hope I get a good grip on the material I will need to focus on before then. I have to get ready for a presentation in my political economy class on Thursday. The convergence of capitalism and democracy is my topic. Honestly, I am not looking forward to it, but I can pull it off. I am a hero.

It follows a pretty logical method. The more capitalist a country/market is, the more likely it is to be more democratic. I have to also follow the history of the development of such markets and how the developed from feudal societies and then into democracy or other forms of government, such as socialism and captured state.

After mid-terms some of my friends are planning a trip to Jeju island, which they invited me to go on. I’m seriously going to try and go. It’s not the high traffic season yet, so it would be less crowded than later in the summer. Jeju island is the sub-tropical souther island off the tip of Korea. It’s a popular honeymooning spot and supposed to be a lot of fun for everyone.

I just want to go swimming or something. It doesn’t matter if it’s in the ocean or in a pool. I have to remember that I can’t refuse to enjoy my time here. A little bit of time off from school and making my brain into mush is much needed in so many ways, particularly right after exams.

Friday I am going to climb the mountain behind the university with Patrick. I hope the weather is nice and warm. The view is supposed to be top notch.

I guess I should review my reading before all of my classes tomorrow. I need books on tape. Seriously. Paper books are overrated.