Looking back on my time abroad, I honestly can’t believe how much I’ve experienced and learned in just a few weeks. While I started the program mostly excited about Japan, and I loved it, I actually ended up being even more surprised by how much I enjoyed South Korea, especially since I didn’t expect to connect with it as much as I did.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is just how different Asian countries are from one another. I think I went in expecting a lot of similarities between Japan and Korea, but they each have such distinct cultures, norms, and vibes. Korea feels more fast-paced and trend-focused, and while I noticed people weren’t quite as outwardly friendly as in Japan, I still met some incredibly kind and helpful locals along the way.
Something that stood out to me was how Korea isn’t as prepared or used to tourists as Japan. There were definitely moments where I felt a bit lost navigating signs, apps, and even restaurants, but that also pushed me out of my comfort zone and made the whole experience more real.
One of the most unforgettable things we did was visit the Demilitarized Zone, also known as the DMZ. It was surreal to stand just miles from North Korea, and I was surprised by how safe and calm it felt. I thought I’d be nervous, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of the trip.
Other highlights from South Korea have included diving into Korean beauty culture by buying skincare and attending beauty spas, learning about the global impact of K-pop in our class, taking a Korean cooking class and learning how to make Kimbap, as well as participating in Taekwondo!
This trip shifted how I view business, travel, and culture. It reminded me that no amount of research can replace actually being there and living it, and I’m so grateful I got to.
