Written by: Saanvi Nagar & Aishwarya Sabnis
Edited by: Laavanyaa Joshi
In August 2024, an exchange program at Seoul National University (SNU) evolved into one of the most transformative experiences of our lives. Over ten days, from August 19th to 28th, our group of 20 students, led by our faculty Dr. Embassy Lawbei, delved deep into Korean culture, forming lasting friendships and creating unforgettable memories. What began as an academic trip quickly turned into a journey of profound personal and cultural discovery, leaving a lasting impact on each of us.
The trip began with a Welcome Dinner hosted by SNU at the College of Liberal Studies building, an event that instantly set a welcoming tone for the rest of our journey. The evening buzzed with excitement as we met our Korean peers and faculty, sampling delicious traditional dishes. Each dish was not just food—it was a gateway into Korean heritage, with flavours that told stories of the country's love for balanced, healthful ingredients. What started as polite introductions soon blossomed into lively conversations. We laughed over our attempts to pronounce Korean words, exchanged first impressions, and felt the invisible barriers of language and culture start to dissolve. By the end of the night, we weren't just guests; we became friends sharing an experience that was only beginning.
The air of transformation was palpable as ideas flowed freely while we strolled through the picturesque campus of SNU, inspired by its striking architecture and vibrant academic atmosphere. SNU’s campus stood out for its vast, open layout and its integration with natural surroundings, creating an environment of tranquillity and focus. The seamless blend of modern architecture with lush greenery offered spaces that felt conducive to both academic rigour and personal reflection. The campus's scale and design allowed for a sense of exploration, with quiet spots for study and vibrant areas for collaboration. In contrast, my home university fosters a more bustling and close-knit atmosphere, with spaces designed to maximize interaction and energy. These differences highlighted how campus design can shape the academic experience, each reflecting unique priorities, cultural values and also the vast population differences both India and South Korea encompass.
The lively academic discussions spilled over into personal conversations, where we shared stories, tackled common challenges, and built friendships rooted in mutual curiosity and respect.
One of the most powerful experiences was our visit to the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), where history and reality met in a poignant way. The DMZ, a narrow strip of land separating North and South Korea, is both a symbol of division and hope. Established in 1953 as part of the Korean Armistice Agreement, the zone stretches approximately 250 kilometers and serves as a buffer to prevent direct military engagement between the two nations. For Indian students like us, witnessing the DMZ was profoundly moving. The area is marked by stringent restrictions on civilian movement, with heavy surveillance and limited access even for residents near the border. The contrast between the vibrant life in South Korea and the stark separation at the DMZ reminded us of India's own history with partition, evoking reflections on the long-lasting impacts of geopolitical divides on ordinary lives.
Walking through one of the infiltration tunnels and standing at the Peace Observatory, we were struck by the gravity of Korea's divided past. The experience was more than a history lesson—it was a deeply personal moment of empathy and reflection. Our Korean friends shared stories of various families, separated by the border, and we reflected on India’s own Partition, a traumatic event that still echoes in our collective memory. This visit was a humbling reminder of the shared struggles that shape nations and the hope for reconciliation that every generation carries. Standing side by side with our Korean friends, we felt an overwhelming sense of solidarity and a mutual commitment to building a peaceful world.
Our journey continued with a trip to Cheorwon, a city where Korea's wartime resilience stands proudly alongside vibrant landscapes. We explored the Cheorwon History and Cultural Park, but the highlight came in the form of a thrilling white-water rafting adventure on the Hantan River. With our Korean friends as both guides and cheerleaders, we paddled through the rapids, shouting encouragement in a delightful mix of languages. Every splash and turn brought us closer, blending adrenaline with laughter, showing us that even in solemn places, joy and camaraderie thrive. Each twist and turn on the river brought us closer, blurring the lines between “us” and “them” as we paddled, screamed, and laughed together, bonding over shared adventure.
Back in Seoul, our days were filled with exploration as we sought to uncover every facet of the city. From Hongdae’s vibrant street culture, where we wandered through eclectic art-filled alleys and unique boutiques, to the serene views from Namsan Tower, we experienced the city’s vibrant duality—its fast-paced modernity and deep-rooted traditions. At the Resound Art Exhibition, celebrating 20 years of innovative digital installations, we marveled at the way visual art and sound merged to express universal emotions that transcended language. The experience was both uplifting and introspective, showing us how art can create a space for connection and empathy that feels both timeless and timely. On our last day, we visited Lotte World, one of the most popular amusement parks in South Korea, where the thrill rides and laughter allowed us to unwind and celebrate the friendships we had built. The vibrant energy of the park lightened the mood, offering a joyful conclusion to our journey. As we soared through heart-pounding rides and shared endless laughs, I found myself treasuring not just the incredible sights and experiences of the trip but also the remarkable people I was sharing them with. These final moments of exploration, filled with reflection and cultural immersion, became some of the most cherished memories of our adventure.
Minju, a student from Seoul National University, reflected on the experience, saying , “Together, we explored some of Seoul's most iconic spots, including Hongdae, Myeongdong, Lotte World in Jamsil, and Seongsu. Being from Busan, I had always experienced Seoul as a visitor, but this time, I saw the city from a fresh perspective alongside my friends from India. Sharing these new experiences allowed me to discover even more of the city I call home.”
The food in Seoul was another unforgettable part of our journey. In the hip district of Seongsu, we discovered the famous Korean dessert, bingsu. We ordered the mango flavor, and each spoonful of the finely shaved ice, mango syrup, and fresh fruit was like a burst of sunshine—a little piece of heaven that we shared in contented silence. Exploring the bustling neighborhood of Myeong-dong, we treated ourselves to street food like tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), hotteok (sweet pancakes), and the delightfully crunchy Korean corn dogs. These flavors felt like Seoul’s spirit, vibrant and varied, with a hint of spice and a dash of sweetness.
Cafe at Hongdae, Seoul Full-course Korean Cuisine Bingsu : an authentic korean dessert
In the morning, we ventured to Myeong-dong, bustling with vibrant shopping streets, to buy keepsakes—each item a token of our journey and a reminder of moments to bring back home. Later, we dressed in traditional Hanbok at Gyeongbokgung Palace, where walking through the palace grounds felt like stepping back in time, immersing us in Korea's royal history. What made this experience truly unique was the saree-hanbok exchange we organized with our Korean friends. While we marveled at the elegance of their Hanbok, they embraced the beauty and intricacy of our sarees. Watching them drape sarees with curiosity and enthusiasm was heartwarming, while we learned the significance of Hanbok’s colors and designs in Korean culture. This cultural exchange, blending tradition and camaraderie, symbolized the essence of our journey—a celebration of shared heritage and mutual respect, leaving us with memories that transcended the boundaries of fabric and form. Our farewell dinner that evening was a mix of joy and bittersweet goodbyes. We shared reflections, expressed gratitude, and promised to stay connected. Each of us took turns sharing our favorite moments, thanking our Korean friends, and reflecting on how much we had grown and learned.
“One of the most fascinating aspects of this exchange was learning about the cultural differences between our countries. While Korea is relatively homogenous in terms of ethnicity and language, India is incredibly diverse, with a rich variety of languages and ethnic groups. Experiencing and learning about these cultural contrasts firsthand was both eye-opening and deeply enriching” Minju added.
Looking back, this exchange was so much more than an academic trip; it was a journey of shared humanity, where the connections we made became a bridge to greater understanding. Whether we were marveling at the poignant history of the DMZ, laughing together on a roller coaster at Lotte World, or savoring the last spoonful of bingsu in Seongsu, each moment deepened our appreciation for the power of cultural exchange. In a world often divided by borders and misunderstandings, it is through these shared experiences, dialogues, and friendships that we build a foundation for empathy and peace.
For Moonsung, an SNU student, the exchange program was an opportunity to connect with CU students in unexpected and meaningful ways. Reflecting on the experience, he said that while their initial interactions were awkward, shared activities quickly brought them closer. “Introducing Korean culture to the Indian students allowed me to promote my country while also engaging in academic exchanges,” he explained. The program, he added, expanded his perspective on life and left him eagerly looking forward to future reunions: “Through new experiences, I expanded my insight into life. I want to meet them as soon as possible.”
The stories of India and Korea are unique, but they intersect in ways that highlight our shared humanity. Programs like these remind us of the world’s interconnectedness and of the importance of building global communities based on mutual respect and understanding. We came to Seoul as students on an exchange program, but we left as a part of a new family, forever enriched by the bonds we formed and the memories we created. In our hearts, we carry Seoul with us—a city of resilience, beauty, adventure, and kindness—a place where we found a second home.
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