In Summer 2023, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Seoul, South Korea to further my studies as a dual degree in International Studies with an Asia focus and Graphic Design. Through my 6 weeks journey at Korea University International Summer Campus program, I had expanded my knowledge on South Korean culture through its cuisine, art and architecture, and made meaningful relationships with friends around the world.
Traveling abroad alone for the first time was initially overwhelming, but I was quickly captivated by the vibrant culture of Seoul. From the colorful neon signs and thriving café scene to the elegance of traditional Korean architecture, every aspect of the city offered a fresh and immersive experience. Despite having studied Korean culture through classes and traveling vlogs, witnessing it firsthand provided a deeper and more enriching perspective. As a designer, I was also fascinated by the creative design and marketing strategies in the Korean business sector. From pop up events for drink companies, K-Pop bands music album release parties and movie premiers, every experience was creatively executed and engaging. Observing the difference between the Eastern and Western design world provided me with an insight into how culture and locality plays a role in design choices targeted towards its consumers.
In addition to being culturally immersed in Korean society, I also took two international courses, Language, Culture, and Society in Korea and International Relations of East Asia, at Korea University to deepen my understanding of Korean culture. In Language, Culture, and Society in Korea, I learned about how the linguistic system of the Korean language, such as proverbs, gender differences, and honorifics, reflects the culture and history of Korean society. The course highlighted the uniqueness of Korean cultural tradition in the broad context of East Asian civilization (Japanese and Chinese), as well as Western influence, especially of English. I also studied to have a broader understanding of the Northeast Asia region through my International Relations in East Asia course. Examining the historical and contemporary state relations in East Asia such as territorial disputes and strategic alliances, I had developed my analyzing skills on the dynamics of foreign policies and their impacts on world order through this course. The course also introduced China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) which later influenced my research on the economics and social impacts of China’s BRI on the Southeast Asia region.
