#suncheon

[gregor-samsung]

택시운전사 [A Taxi Driver] (Jang Hoon, 2017)

[filmap]

헤어질 결심 / Decision to Leave Park Chan-wook. 2022

Temple Songgwangsa Temple, 100 Songgwangsaan-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea See in map

See in imdb

[rjkoehler]

Seepweed field, Suncheonman Bay, Suncheon.

[wheresanne]

Things I’ve Learned in Korea: Healing Time (힐링타임)

As an American abroad, I’ve had the chance to learn many things from traveling Asia, working as a teacher, and living in South Korea. In this new column series “Things I’ve Learned in Korea,” I will reflect and share with you some of my musings, observations, and life lessons that I have learned. 

“Hi class, what did you do this past weekend?” I asked my students.

“I had healing time!” one of my Korean students replied.

What is Healing Time (힐링타임)? 

As a culture with high stresses, pressures, long work or study hours, South Koreans often try to find time for healing time. Healing time is a dedicated time to go for a walk in a park, go for a hike or be in nature.

If you didn’t already know, it often happens when Koreans say an English word and misunderstand or spin its actual meaning — this is called Konglish. In the English language, we know that the word “heal” means “the state of being free from illness or injury.” However in the Korean language, I would say that “healing” means “to relax and refresh our mind and body from working hard.”

To my understanding, 힐링타임 means taking care of your mind and body: working out, getting enough rest, drinking water, eating well, having ice cream, playing sports, taking photos of nature, hiking, spoiling myself a new shirt or a fresh haircut, riding my bicycle, listening to music. It’s usually in a peaceful environment, such as nature.

These days maybe 힐링타임 is the latest American trend of “self-care” or “treat yo’ self” or even my mother’s version of “me time.” It is supposed to be a time and place in your schedule for you just to spend time away from work and away from stress. Just relax. It’s time to take care of your physical health, your skin, mental health, and take a rest.

I often reflect on differences and similarities between Korean culture and American culture.

We can see examples of 힐링타임 through Korean dramas, Korean skincare, PC gaming rooms, shopping, eating out in restaurants with friends, or going for walks outside of Korean homes or work offices. These are some examples of when Koreans may take time for their body and mind.

I think currently the new generation trend is for American university students to brag about pulling all-nighters and talking about how hard we hustle. It is called hustle culture; and I’m guilty of this, too. We want to be successful. We want to be humble but we also want people to know that we work hard. For me and my colleagues, we are in our 20s when we are learning about ourselves and learning to love ourselves. We are also making time for self-love and self-care.

As BTS Korean pop boyband says, it’s important to love yourself.

Experiencing 힐링타임 in South Korea

In South Korea, I think I have understood why many members of the older generations enjoy hiking at their local mountains or the National Parks. I’ve also encountered many Korean bicyclists who are passionate about biking throughout the nature sides of Korea. These are examples of “healing time.”

“Where did you have healing time?” I asked my student.

She replied it was at Suncheon National Bay Gardens, located an hour south of Gwangju city in Jeollanam-do province.

Suncheon National Bay Gardens (순천만습지) is another spot for couples, families, or friends to go and enjoy nature. I have visited this beautiful national garden and wetland, and then I was able to understand the meaning of healing time in South Korea.

If you have any comments or questions about this post or South Korea, feel free to contact me! Thanks for reading! 🙂

What are some ways you spend your 힐링타임?

Have you been to Suncheon Bay Gardens before?

What’s your favorite healing spot in Korea?

Share this post for later! Pin it to Pinterest.

Watch my travel video of Healing Time 힐링타임 in Suncheon National Bay Gardens on Where’s Anne YouTube channel:

[playablecreator]

[the-oak-forest]

Suncheon (순천시) - Jeollanam (전라남도) - South Korea (2016)

Boseong County (보성군)

[captain-foodfunk]

Sunset in Suncheon Bay, South Korea

[iandhlee]

#foodstagram #한정식 #생선구이 #전라남도 #순천 #옥룡식당 #authenticfood #전통한식 #남도반찬 #photography #순천맛집 #suncheon (전라남도 순천시 순천만에서)