As reported by The Center of International Affairs of JNU, this semester has welcomed around 200 international students from an array of different backgrounds to all different levels of education offered in the University. Compared to last year, the overall number of enrolled students has increased, and so does the efforts to make these students an active part of the community. Nonetheless, when these new students left quarantine, they faced a lack of support and guidance from the School. Being unfamiliar with the grounds surrounding the school, it was almost impossible for them to get acquainted with the facilities on their own.
To provide aid to these students, The Islander asked various members of our community for their suggestions on restaurants, cafes, and similar places near JNU, where these students can either enjoy a taste of other cultures or spend a cozy time with friends.
Starting off with the Student Restaurants inside of JNU, the most recommended from both International and Korean Students is the one in Student Dormitory #6, as it usually provides an assortment of Korean and international dishes made with higher quality ingredients, as well as not having as many spicy options as the other alternatives have. It is worth mentioning that after a year, this semester the Student Restaurant in Hall #1 of the Student Dormitory has opened its doors again, proving to be a convenient option for students that live nearby.
Regarding options outside the school in the Front Gate, International Students praise ‘Aura Kitchen’, a Japanese food restaurant that mainly offers ‘Tendon’ (a combination of tempura and donburi - hence its name), being a friendly option for students that cannot eat pork. Both Korean and International students encourage to visit ‘Five M Coffee’ because despite being well-hidden, it has both cheap and delicious beverages at an extremely low price.
On the otherhand, the recommended places in the Back Gate include ‘Old Soul’, a cafe well-known for its acclaimed sandwiches, ‘Omma’s Chicken’, a chicken restaurant ideal for a weekend reunion with delicious food, and ‘Charming Restaurant (Maeryok Sikttang)’ for students who want a top-notch dish with Korean influences.
While having a wide range of options for eating, Muslim, Indian and vegan students have hardships finding places that do not sell either pork, halal chicken, or any animal-made products at all, and as a consequence, most of them use the International Kitchen to prepare their meals, purchasing ingredients from Internet or local marts
Through these recommendations, The Islander staff hopes that International Students are encouraged to explore around JNU, making worthwhile memories along their way.