Kaying Vang
Host Institution: Ajou University -- Korea
Home Institution: University of North Carolina, Charlotte
Period: Spring 2008


ISEP Photo Essay Contest

I remember when I was just a freshman in college and first learned about study abroad. The thought of living in a completely different country and living by its cultural standards excited me, but it wouldn’t be until my senior year that I would actually be able to study abroad. I chose to study abroad in South Korea because I had been interested in the Korean entertainment ever since high school. I was in love with Korean music, movies, and dramas. I finally settled on Ajou University in Suwon, about 20 miles south of Seoul, because I didn’t think I would be able to survive in a huge metropolitan city like Seoul; I never regretted my choice. Suwon has a population of roughly 1 million people, and it suited my tastes perfectly since I come from a city with only about 800,000 people. Also, one of the perks about living in Suwon was Hwaseong Fortress, which is one of the World Heritage sights. Ajou University during spring
	Korea had so many things to offer, and I definitely enjoyed experiencing its unique culture. Believe it or not, being unable to speak Korean added to my cultural experience. It made me see how much I took body language for granted. For example, I was always amazed at how much I could communicate with the natives just through body language, such as gestures and nods, and I always had fun doing it and seeing the outcomes. View from Hwaseong Fortress overlooking a part of the city
The food in Korea was much healthier than the food in the United States, and I loved how spicy most of the Korean food was. Kimchi, spicy pickled cabbage, was almost always served with every meal, excluding Western food. Although it took me a while to get use to the taste of kimchi, I grew to love it once my taste buds became accustomed to the taste. One of the very first dishes I had while in Korea. The main dish (in the black bowl) is made up of rice, seaweed, kimchi, and cheese. Clockwise from it is kimchi, sweet pickled radish, and tofu soup.
	Another thing that I loved about Korea was how convenient everything was. Restaurants, shops, and pharmacies were never too far away. Convenience stores were definitely convenient, located within only a few yards of one another. Restaurants were stacked one on top of another; karaoke bars, known as noraebang, were everywhere along with PC rooms, bars, and clubs. There were also a large number of DVD rooms and motels. Suwon at night
While in Korea, I also had the chance to see the Demilitarized Zone, also known as the DMZ. Visiting the area really made me feel the pressure between the North and South since that pressure can’t be felt in cities like Seoul and Suwon. The only way to enter the DMZ was with a tour group, and before we were allowed to enter, a soldier boarded the bus we were on to check everyone’s passports before giving the O.K. The DMZ is definitely one of the sights not to miss while in Korea. Freedom Bridge and railroad leading to North Korea
	Another thing I felt that was strictly “Korean” was the jjimjilbang. It basically is a public bathhouse with saunas. The bathhouses are separated into men and women, but the sauna and lounge area are open for both genders. Most jjimjilbangs are opened 24 hours, and spending a night in one isn’t unusual. I had the chance to spend a night in a jjimjilbang while on a trip with a few friends in Mokpo for only 6,000 won (roughly $6). I even slept on a wooden pillow! My friends and I (far right) spending the night at a jjimjilbang
Of course the initial reason why I chose Korea was because of its entertainment industry so my study abroad experience wouldn’t be complete without at least experiencing a concert. The very first one I attended was called the Power Concert, boasting of several top Korean singers, to promote a video game. I also stumbled upon a filming for one of Korea’s many dramas, called You Are My Destiny, late one night. Being the fanatic that I was, I really was ecstatic to be there and experience it all. In Korea, actors and singers can also be seen almost everywhere: on TV (in shows and commercials) or in print advertisements. A few singers are even hosts on radio stations. There are also a variety of game shows with an array of celebrities participating in them. Korea also has several music shows were singers and groups come perform everyday for the fans. One of Korea’s most popular boy bands, Dong Bang Shin Ki, performing at the Super Triple Concert, which was the last concert I attended while in Korea.
	All in all, I had a blast in Korea and was very sad to be leaving it. I thought that four months would be enough time to enjoy the culture, but it proved to be too short. Time really flew by, and before I knew it, I had to return home. I really enjoyed Korea, so I’m really glad that I chose to study abroad there. I also know that some time in the future, I will return once more to Korea and once again experience all the things it has to offer.

Photo Essays from Korea

	Brian Bautista	Ajou University	Summer 2006
	Derek Jamison	Ajou University	Spring 2003
	James Park	Yonsei University	All Year 2001-2002
	Elizabeth Sarno	Ewha Womans University	Spring 2008
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