It’s been three weeks since I arrived back home from Seoul, and I’ve had plenty of time to reflect on my experience. Although being back in my childhood bedroom can feel like no time has passed since I was packing for my fateful departure five months ago, I know I have come back a different…
Tag: Seoul
Love Letter to Seoul’s Subway
After arriving home from Seoul three weeks ago, there have been many things to miss about my study abroad, but one particular thing has been at the forefront of my longing: Seoul’s subway system. I took the subway almost every day in Seoul. It was the means that empowered me to explore the city with…
Snapshot of Seoul: Daedongje
Over a month ago was Korea University’s Ipselenti Music Festival—one of the most anticipated events of the semester. Since the day I moved into the dorms in February, other students told me about this fateful week in May where some of the biggest A-list names in K-pop come to perform on campus. Now that I…
Seoul Excited
Hello! My name is Scarlett Weir and I’m writing this from the future. Time-zone-wise from Seoul to Pittsburgh anyway! I’m a rising senior in the School of Computing and Information, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Information Science with a minor in Economics. From June through the end of July, I will be interning at…
Seoul Searching: Three Months In
Annnyeonghaseyo from Seoul! After completing over halfway through my study abroad, I thought I would provide an update. These past couple of weeks have been busy with studying, projects, and exams for my various classes. It was midterm season at Korea University. Since I took a lighter course load this semester, I have not completely…
First Days in Seoul
Hello from Seoul! My name is Sarah Yang, and I am a sophomore studying computer science at SCI. After an extended month-and-a-half winter break, in late February, I finally embarked on my journey to study at Korea University for the Spring 2026 semester! Boarding the plane for my 17-hour flight felt surreal. Essentially, a year…
Final Reflection – What I’m Bringing Back
Spending the summer living and working in Seoul was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic and personal life. It was more than just a chance to gain professional skills—it was an opportunity to step into a new culture, adapt to a different pace of life, and learn how to navigate challenges far…
From Metro to Trash Disposal – Korea’s Attention to Detail
FHC Blog Prompt #4 During my two months in Seoul, I had the opportunity to explore many aspects of daily life outside of my internship work. One of the things that stood out the most to me was how certain parts of the city’s infrastructure and culture are designed for efficiency, cleanliness, and accessibility. The…
Meaning of Success in Another Country
FHC Blog Prompt #3 Interning in Seoul, South Korea, I’ve come away with more than just professional experience, I have also gained a deeper understanding of how different cultures define success. As someone who grew up in America where people often equate success with individual achievement, independence, and innovation, I was fascinated by how differently…
Assimilating into Korea’s Social Norms
FHC Blog Prompt #2 While I’ve been exploring the city and tasting its cuisine, there’s one cultural adjustment that’s been unexpectedly tough: Korea’s social norm of minding your own business. This is the biggest part of South Korea’s culture that I am struggling to assimilate with so far. Coming from a place where casual small…