This summer of 2025 will be my most unforgettable experience ever. I have been wanting to travel to South Korea because I have been exposed to K-drama and K-pop, so I was curious about how everyday life in Korea extends far beyond the dramas and pop culture I like.
I have always told myself I needed to study abroad at least once during my undergraduate years so I wouldn’t leave any regret behind. Six months before the program began in June, I browsed the UW Study Abroad website and found dozens of options. I narrowed my choices to those aligned with my major, and that’s how I discovered this faculty-led, one-month-long South Korea program. I was thrilled by the perfect fit it offered; one month felt like the ideal length for my first study abroad experience.
Since the program focuses on smart cities, we had to travel to different cities in South Korea, in which we stayed four days in Seoul, two days in Sejong, and three weeks in Busan, so it was a fantastic opportunity to explore how each city contributes to the smart-city ecosystem and to immerse myself in the local culture. On our first day, we visited Gyeongbokgung Palace and wore hanbok, the traditional Korean clothing. I’ll always remember that visit; exploring a royal site from the Joseon Dynasty under the scorching sun made wearing hanbok quite the challenge, but it was an unforgettable experience.
Not just that, we also visited Hongdae, a neighborhood famous for its vibrant youth culture, street performances, trendy cafes, and unique fashion. It was exciting to see a different side of Seoul, one that’s full of creativity, self-expression, and nonstop energy. Walking through the lively streets, I felt the modern heartbeat of the city that contrasts with the historical sites we visited earlier.
We also went to Busan, a city that is known for its coastline and dynamic blend of nature and urban life. Unlike the fast-paced energy of Seoul, Busan offered a more relaxed vibe, with beaches, fresh seafood markets, and scenic mountain views. We went up to Busan Tower and had this amazing view showing the city and the sea stretching out to the horizon. From up there, I could really appreciate how Busan blends urban development with its natural surroundings. I wasn’t expecting it, but we also went on a group hike to the Oryukdo Skywalk, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience. Although it was hot and there were plenty of mosquitoes along the way, the effort was totally worth it. It was one of those moments where nature, challenge, and beauty came together perfectly.
The last and most memorable experience was the group yacht ride. After our tiring hike earlier that day, our program directors surprised us with a sunset yacht outing, and it was absolutely magical. I didn’t expect anything like this. Watching the sun go down while sailing along Busan’s coastline was the perfect way to relax and think about everything we had learned. This study abroad program truly offers the best mix of interesting seminars about smart cities and fun cultural activities. If I hadn’t applied, I would have missed out on all of this, and it’s not something I could easily experience again.
Arriving in a foreign country is not always easy, especially when it’s a place where English isn’t the main language. I’ve learned to push myself out of my comfort zone and be brave when exploring new areas. Watching online videos for tips and tricks also helped me prepare. If I had the chance to study abroad again, I definitely would. This experience taught me how to adjust to a new country and its culture, which is very different from just traveling for a week. Lastly, I know finances can be a major deal-breaker for many of us, but there are plenty of resources available if you keep looking. Scholarships, financial aid, and program-specific funding can make study abroad more affordable than you might think.
