On June 21st, a group of 27 international students from KDI School embarked on a unique field trip that blended cutting-edge technology with traditional craftsmanship. The destinations are the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) in Daejeon and a pottery workshop at Hanulkang Atelier. This event, organized by the Student Affairs Division, aimed to provide students with an enriching experience, offering insights into Korea’s advancements in technology while also allowing them to unwind and create art.

Visit to ETRI:

The day began with a visit to ETRI, where students were introduced to some of the latest technological innovations. Among the highlights were the bone conductor and the endoscopy capsule. These innovations impressed the students with their potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics and improve quality of life. Nathalie Gabrielle Ardón Arias, an MPM student, remarked on the bone conductor, "The bone conductor blew my mind and also made me a bit sad because it’s not a new technology, yet many people around the world who could greatly benefit from it do not know this exists." She also praised the endoscopy capsule for its potential to improve medical diagnostics and save lives.

Another exciting part of the ETRI tour included the advanced CGI techniques and an AI filter app. Shazra Aminath, also an MPM student, was particularly fascinated by these technologies: "One of the highlights of the tour was learning about the advanced CGI techniques used in films. The realistic scenes created through these CGI methods were amazing.The AI filter app, designed to make Photoshop more accessible to beginners, also caught my attention," she shared. ETRI’s technology showcased Korea’s leadership in technological advancements.

Pottery Class Experience:

After the technological immersion at ETRI, the students headed to Hanulkang Atelier for a pottery class. This provided hands-on experience with traditional Korean craftsmanship. Many students had their first encounter with pottery making. Nathalie described the experience as both challenging and relaxing, appreciating the opportunity to create something with her hands at the end of a busy week. Shazra found the pottery class a soothing break from academic pressures, noting, "The pottery class was relaxing and soothing, to say the least. Though it was challenging, it provided a much-needed break from the usual academic routine.

This field trip significantly impacted the students' understanding of Korea’s technological advancements and cultural heritage. The combination of visiting a leading research institute and participating in a traditional craft allowed the students to see firsthand how Korea balances modern innovation with cultural preservation. Students expressed their admiration for Korea’s development, noting that the trip allowed them to learn about innovations in transportation, communication, medical diagnosis, and entertainment. The experience provided a contrasting yet complementary insight into Korea’s rich cultural heritage, illustrating the balance between technological progress and cultural preservation.

The students walked away from the trip with a heightened perception of innovation in Korea. When asked how the field trip influenced their perception of innovation in Korea, Nathalie said, "Field trips like these reaffirm Korea's status as a global leader in innovation. They just keep reaffirming to me how Korea is a global leader in innovation." Shazra added, "Korea’s approach to innovation is holistic, integrating high-tech research with practical applications that contribute to national economic growth and global technological leadership."

The KDI School field trip to ETRI and the pottery class showcased a unique collaboration between educational institutions and research centers, providing students with an exceptional blend of technological insight and cultural appreciation. This balanced experience not only highlighted Korea’s global leadership in innovation but also emphasized the importance of preserving cultural traditions. Such collaborations enrich the students' experience of living in Korea, offering valuable learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Students should try to participate in these field trips to fully explore and appreciate Korea’s diverse and dynamic landscape.