CONGRATULATIONS! YOU'VE survived the mid-term exams and you’re already half-way through the semester. Now it’s time for you to take a breather by fully immersing yourself in the autumn atmosphere. Take a stroll and marvel at the vividly tinted trees and the crunch of dry leaves under your feet. Inhale the deliciously crisp air to cool down your overworked brain. To help you fully enjoy everything autumn has to offer, here are some tips from The Yonsei Annals staff on how you can fall into fall.
Kim Shin-young (Reporter, Culture Div.): Hiking up Mt. Namsan
Fall is my favorite season as it is the best time to go hiking and to reconnect with nature. I recently went hiking on Mt. Namsan, a mountain famous for its Tower. You can get there by walking around 20 minutes from Line 4 Chungmuro Station. Although some trails were steeper than others, it only took me around an hour to get to the summit. From there, you can either go visit Namsan Tower or walk along the Fortress Wall of Seoul. You can enjoy the breathtaking view of Seoul as you feel the cool autumn breeze. Before the weather gets too cold for outdoor activities, I suggest you go hiking and fall into fall.
Lee Ju-won (Reporter, Current Issues Div.): Books for Getting into the Fall Spirit
It is often said that autumn is the season for reading. As the wind becomes cooler and the nights get longer, I like to sit back with a good book that can amplify the nostalgic feel of autumn. For instance, I always read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern around this time of the year since the story is also set in fall. The vivid description of an enigmatic circus that sets the stage for a magical duel heightens wistful sentiments. Another fall favorite is The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Although this story isn't set in fall, the cozy feeling of the book fits my autumnal emotions. The warm story of adventure, friendship, and self-discovery is perfect for reading under warm blankets before bed. What are your fall favorites to read in autumn?
Richard Dawton (Guest Reporter): Fall Mood Music
What better way to get immersed into the leafy season than by listening to some autumn tunes? Frank Ocean's album Blonde offers a myriad of songs that complement a coffee break on a rainy day. I recommend Pink + White, a song that takes you on a stroll through a lush garden. Siegfried is also excellent for its stripped-down, atmospheric track that lets Ocean's honeyed voice ring and resonate. Other than Frank Ocean, no fall playlist would be complete without songs by the self-proclaimed "King of Fall" himself: The Weeknd. Songs like the smoky Coming Down and The Morning, whose mellow and swirling beat is overlayed by The Weeknd's angelic tone, are perfect as the chill starts to creep in.
Phuong Nyugen (Editor, Photo Div.): Moon Cake: Autumn's Gift
One reason I look forward to autumn every year is to eat moon cakes. A moon cake is a round, baked pastry that is traditionally eaten along with tea in East Asia in celebration of the lunar mid-autumn festival. This delicacy is shaped like the full moon to represent wholesome reunion and harmony. Looking back at my childhood, I remember munching on a large fish-shaped moon cake that I bought with my saved-up allowance. Every time I leave Vietnam to study in Korea, I always pack some moon cakes to alleviate my homesickness during the fall semesters. What is your go-to fall treat?
Kim Da-eun (Reporter, Campus Reporting Div.): Visiting Seon-am-sa Temple
In November, the once green leaves begin to paint themselves with red and yellow hues. Seeing the stunning view of fall foliage is a great way to enjoy the fall atmosphere. To give a couple of suggestions, many people "feel the fall" by visiting Seon-am-sa, a temple situated in Suncheon. It is surrounded by the Jo-gye-san mountains, displaying harmony with nature. Its beauty and historical importance was recognized by UNESCO and is protected as a world heritage site.
Kim Suh-hyun (Editor): Fall Outfit of The Day
The first thing that pops into my mind when I think about fall is sweater weather. Even though I've always liked wearing sweaters and hoodies, I hate having to squeeze myself into tight jeans in order to complete the look. One day, I decided to give mom jeans a go and this has changed my attitude towards jeans ever since. Mom jeans can go with anything, has plenty of "leg room" and gives you warmth against the chilly autumn air. Tuck into your favorite sweater, pair it with sneakers, and you're good to go! If you're someone who hates wearing skinny jeans, definitely give mom jeans a go. Plus, going jeans shopping and revamping your wardrobe will definitely get you in the autumn mood.