Content of this week’s happenings
Itaewon Halloween
On the 29th, the three of us all visited the Itaewon area for Halloween festivities in separate groups. I went with my Czech friend, while Megane and Yong Lin went with their Malaysian friends.
While I only stayed untill dinnertime, the others stayed around the streets past 10pm.
As the night went on, many did not notice the tragedy happening in Itaewon’s alleyways. Due to overcrowding, many people were crushed and lives were lost throughout the district. Many of the deaths were young adults, who were there to party and enjoy their lives during the first ever large-scale party since the restrictions on covid-19 were lifted in Korea.
Luckily, none of us were hurt as we were not in the area when the incidents started happening. Exchange students were identified and contacted by others from the school to make sure they were safe.
The event subsequently resulted in a week of national mourning for the whole country and a shutdown of any parties on the following Sunday.
The event became one of the worst tragedies and lost of life in recent South Korean history, more details can be read here: https://www.channelnewsasia.com/interactives/seoul-crowd-crush-itaewon-halloween-tragedy-3035276
Nepalese Restaurant
My two Czech friends, Jonas and Dat, and I went to try a Nepalese restaurant near our University. They offered many types of curry, including Mutton, Chicken, and Vegetables. I ate paratha with mutton curry, while my friends tried Chicken Masala, Chicken Curry and Naan.
The food there was delicious and extremely filling!
Japanese Restaurant
Together with Megane, Jonas and Dat, we visited a Japanese Restaurant along cafe street near our university. They offered large bowls of rice, with varying types of delectable seafood and vegetable tempura. There was green vegetables such as lady finger, and seafood such as prawns and fish, coated in deep fried tempura.
Closing : Writer’s Thoughts
We mourn for the more than 150 people who had tragically lost their lives in the incident, most of whom were young adults like us.
May their souls rest in peace.
More updates in the next issuance of the blog.
Holden
(NYP -> DKU) Exchange Program 