People often use the word “life-changing” to describe their time abroad. It always sounded like a cliché to me, but after my time in Seoul I understand why it is used so often to describe these experiences. To immerse oneself in a different culture is to unleash a wave of discoveries, both external and internal.
The time I spent in Seoul made up for much of the cultural knowledge I lacked growing up. I was a half Korean who did not speak a word of Korean, vaguely knew what Kimchi was, and had never considered the possibility of traveling to Korea. During my six weeks there, every day was a day to learn a new word, try a new Korean dish, and discover a different part of the city. It was a day to connect with relatives, make a new Korean friend, or walk a different street. I went from having 3 Korean family members, to having dozens. I became a Kimchi enthusiast with a passion for bibimbap, gimbap, and naenmyeon. I took every opportunity to greet or thank someone in Korean, or introduce myself with “Isabella-yeyo.”
Taking classes and residing at Seoul National University allowed me to make both academic and non-academic discoveries. Academically, I realized that I should never be afraid to try something new. I was hesitant of taking Computer Science at first, but I am glad I stuck to it and learned a new skill. My management course allowed me to discover teamwork at an international level, as it brought together people from all over the world. My Korean class exposed me to the systematic beauty of the Korean language. Outside of the classroom, I discovered a variety of different cultures, as I made friends of all different nationalities. They were all united, however, by a shared interest in Korean culture and language. Observing this passion from Koreans and non-Koreans alike filled me with a sense of pride for my Korean identity.
My summer in Seoul has allowed me to embrace this half of me in a way I never imagined possible. It has given me the gift of self-discovery and has left me with memories and experiences I will never forget.