This summer, I had the opportunity to go to Korea for a month for the Seoul National University International Summer Program (SNU ISP). I took two courses (one for credit and one just for fun): International Relations and Peace Building in the Korean Peninsula & Arts, Media, and Culture in the Korean Diaspora. I enjoyed both courses; the former catered explicitly to my interests, especially when exploring North Korean human rights issues and reunification challenges. The latter was also interesting as we explored the global influences of Korea and the Korean diaspora worldwide. These two courses deepened my understanding of Korean international geopolitics and culture and how this influences today's world.
As it's been almost four years since I visited Korea, where I was born, it was a notably more unforgettable experience. Through the program, I met new people and made amazing friends from all over the world, ate delectable food, and went to various places enriched with culture and history. This included ancient palaces, the DMZ, going inside the Blue House, watching the Nanta Show, dedicating time for cute cafe hopping, strolling around Gwangjang Market, enjoying time near the Han River, and so much more. In particular, the program hosted field trips that were a large part of the experience. My first field trip was the Seoul Tour, where we visited Gyeongbokgung, Insadong, Cheong Wa Dae (the Blue House), and then the National Assembly. Learning more about Korea, its history, and its culture through these various facilities was fascinating. I learned that Gyeongbokgung was built in harmony with nature, which is why the rooftops of the palace align with the mountains behind it. Insadong also had a lot of cultural and historical stores within the streets. Here, we also got to make stamps with our names imprinted. Through the Blue House and the National Assembly, I learned more about Korean historical events and the connection between the past and the present leading up to the democracy of Korea, along with its various leaders and historical figures. Many events, such as the Japanese colonial period and Korean War, were emphasized during the tour, which had cascading effects on Korean culture and politics.
It was such an unfamiliar yet familiar sensation to be back in Korea, and it was even more surreal that I was coming back after so many years and starting college. Overall, I am grateful for this chance to explore and engage with Korean culture while learning in Korea.