JUNE BRINGS feelings of ambivalence to students; the dreadful finals are just around the corner but so is summer vacation! Vacation is a time not only for relaxation but also for great opportunities – a chance to go on an adventure. Thus, a trip to another country would be a refreshing experience worth spending a month or two. If given the time and money to travel abroad, which country would be the choice of Yonseians, and why? The Yonsei Annals asked Yonsei students of various years and departments about their dream summer vacation in a foreign country.

Ju Sang-uk (Fresh., Dept. of Education)
I want to go to Singapore because I have always admired its clean environment and felt affinity for its small size. Also, Singapore is especially dedicated to sightseeing due to its many attractions, such as the Merlion fountain and Universal Studios. At the same time, there are many restaurants that sell delicious foods so I think Singapore is the best place for an overseas trip.
If I were to be able to go to Singapore during the summer vacation, I want to be with my three friends because I feel happier when I am with other people rather than when I am alone. Furthermore, I would stay there for at least a week or two since I want to go around and see every corner of Singapore. Since the purpose of my trip is to relax, I would like to stay at a hotel. Even though hotels would be expensive, it would be worth the price, because they provide the best service and convenience.

Kim Su-hyun (Soph., Dept. of Math.)
One country I want to visit during the summer vacation is Croatia. I do not know much about this country, but I fell in love with it when I first saw photographs of the Croatian landscapes online. The green color of grasslands seemed so natural that I wanted to see them in person. After I searched a little bit about Croatia, and despite my first impression of its natural beauty, I learned that the country itself is quite sophisticated and developed. However, I want to go there and enjoy the beautiful natural sceneries.
As to specific plans, I do not want to stay longer than five days because I always find trouble when eating outside of Korea. Last time, I was uncomfortable with the unfamiliar local food, so I expect it would be the same this time. I want my trip to be short in time but meaningful in experience.

Heo Kyu (Jr., UIC, Dept. of Life Science & Biotech.)
If I have a chance, I am eager to go to Brazil and its neighboring countries in South America. Since I was young, I dreamed of visiting South America because it is the birthplace of many famous soccer players of whom I am a great fan. I have always wanted to visit the countries myself and feel the passion for soccer inherent in the people of South America.
My choice for Brazil was influenced by a TV program, Ggot bo da Cheong chun, which was shot in Peru. I was especially impressed by one of the cast, Yoo Hee-yeol’s remark that when he was young, he thought that he would be able to visit the Seven Wonders of the World in his life but he could not. I am already in my mid-twenties, and have yet to accomplish the goals I planned. I think a trip to Brazil would be the first step of achieving my life dreams.

Lee Mi-yeon (Sr., Dept. of Econ.)
Germany has been my dream travel destination for a long time. I like the cozy and quiet atmosphere of rural places, which almost seem like a scene in fairy-tales. My taste is more for the quiet country than for modern, noisy cities. I especially would like to see the German castle, which Disney modeled Cinderella’s castle after, and Rothenburg which is a beautiful town built in the Middle Ages. Also, I want to visit Zugspitze to drink beer. One of the reasons I want to go to Germany is to drink beer – I heard that Zugspitze is famous for delicious beer.
For specific travel plans, I want to go alone. It is my romantic fantasy to travel all by myself. Also, to enjoy the most of Germany, I would save money on accommodations by staying at a guesthouse rather than a hotel so I can eat more food with the saved money. As I am travelling alone, my travel time would not be more than a week.