“I hope you get your K-drama moment!”

Well, let’s just say I (unfortunately) didn’t get to slow-motion fall into someone’s arms with a tear-jerking song playing behind me. I know, how disappointing. However, I gained something even better: friendships and experiences I will remember forever.

It felt like a dream when I first landed in Korea. I could finally see and experience everything I had only seen online, such as the impressive Incheon International Airport and the convenience stores that had everything your heart desired. I just couldn’t help myself as I had to try the coffee and banana milk combination from GS25. The crazy part is, I don’t even drink coffee! It took about an hour to get from Incheon to Seoul, where I stayed at an Airbnb. I didn’t think I could sleep that night, but before I knew it, I was waking up to move into my dorm.

My move-in went smoothly, and I finally met my roommate. We hit it off instantly as we had many similar interests. Suddenly, the whole experience became a lot less nerve-wracking. One event that is still in my memory is the exchange student welcome party. With some encouragement from my roommate, I ended up attending. I was glad that I did, as I met so many people, not just from the US but worldwide. Those people became the familiar faces as I navigated through the first days of school.

I will be forever grateful to the club that made that party happen. Hands Up for Gathering, or HUG for short, is a club that plans events for exchange students. This club provides many opportunities for you to experience different aspects of Korean culture with local students. Some memorable excursions included visiting Namsan Tower, experiencing an escape room, watching a musical play, and attending a Korean baseball game. There were even activities such as a talent show (my roommate and I got third!), making kimbap, and playing Yutnori, a traditional Korean board game.

Sogang even pairs you with a Korean student (buddy) within HUG who can support you throughout your study abroad journey. I was lucky enough to have two buddies, and they were some of the nicest people I have ever met. We taught each other English and Korean, and they took me to many of their favorite restaurants and cafes near campus. I learned a lot about living in Korea, and both expressed interest in wanting to study abroad in the US. I felt I was very persuasive in explaining why they should choose Chapman, so hopefully, they will come soon!

My friends and I also ventured off on our own. With Korea’s public transportation system being very convenient and easy to use, we could go almost anywhere. One place we went to was Gyeongbokgung Palace. It is a popular tourist attraction and one of the first landmarks to be established in Seoul. People also like to wear traditional hanbok while roaming around the palace. My friends and I wore hanbok, and it was nice to become one with the culture. In addition, we also went to Lotte World Adventure, which is an amusement park. The rides were super fun, and there was even an ice rink inside the facility. I really enjoyed going to the museum that is associated with Lotte World. I learned a lot about Korean history, and we even got to experience some traditional games. I wasn’t the best at them, though…

Of course, how could I not end with my concert experiences! I love K-pop, so I went to as many concerts as possible. I believe I went to a total of 12 concerts and two festivals. Sogang also had a festival week with food, games, merch, club performances, and even K-pop performances. I am still in shock about all the concerts I went to. What I love about the Korean concert ticketing system is that there is no reselling. Every ticket is sold at a price set with no ridiculous charges. However, getting the ticket is still a battle, but I found it to be a nice bonding experience with my K-pop friends. I was so excited to experience concert culture in Korea, and the concerts have a different impact when you watch them in the country where the genre originated.

My Advice List:

  1. It’s okay to be nervous; it means you care (nothing wrong with asking questions)
  2. Don’t be afraid to try new things, keep an open mind (take advantage)
  3. Make an effort to learn the native language (locals really do appreciate it)

Random last note, make sure to take pictures in the photobooths! They are all around Korea, and even though I am not a photo person, I still found them enjoyable. You can use so many frames, themes, and props to spice up your pictures! Of course, it’s all for the memories, and I am not ashamed to say I have a BIG photo album at home now.

Romantic run-ins aren’t the only K-drama moments; sweet friendships are also popular among viewers. Hopefully, I was able to provide some perspective about Korea!

Summer Fusato

Communication Studies

Spring 2025

Seoul, South Korea

Sogang University