Earlier this year, when I began to consider how I wanted to spend this summer, I came to a crossroads. I already knew that I wanted to travel. It was to where, though, that was giving me some trouble. In the end, I had to decide if I wanted to travel to a city in Europe or to Seoul, South Korea. Seoul seemed like the obvious choice, since my family is originally from Korea. Although I am ethnically Korean, I can speak no Korean and can understand very little. Longing to be able to communicate with my grandparents, who speak very little English, I applied for a scholarship to study at Seoul National University in Seoul, South Korea. When I was chosen to receive the scholarship, I was ecstatic.
At Seoul National University, I took an intensive introductory Korean language class. My teacher was engaging and passionate, and I looked forward to class every day. Staying in the undergraduate dormitory and going on the program-wide field trips allowed me to meet some truly amazing people, and to forge very close friendships. Not only did I meet American students, but I also met students from Britain, China, Australia, Turkey, and Norway, just to name a few. With my newfound friends, I ventured out into Seoul almost every single day to explore quirky neighborhoods, to taste new foods, and to learn more about Korean history and culture. It was these adventures that would become the defining moments of my trip to Seoul.
For example, one Saturday morning, four friends and I woke up at seven in the morning to hop on the subway—an hour-long ride—to Bukhansan National Park. When we arrived at the base of the mountain, we stocked up on freshly-made kimbap (steamed white rice and other ingredients rolled in seaweed) and jokbal (seasoned pig’s trotters) from a vendor. We then set off on a hike that would allow us to explore ancient Buddhist temples and to engage in deep conversations about anything and everything. The ten-mile peak presented us with breath-taking views of the surrounding area. That day was one of the happiest days of my life.
Back at home now, I am able to understand conversational Korean, and communicate with my grandparents so much easier than I could before. I plan to continue my study of Korean language at Harvard this fall. This summer was unforgettable, and I cannot stress enough how incredibly grateful I am to have been given this amazing opportunity.