By Befekadu Mulatu LIKASA(2011 MPP, Ethiopia)

The Global-Friendship Tour sponsored by Hyundai Motors, the world’s fifth largest automaker, took place for two days from May 18. As a Globe reporter on board, I had the unique experience of being both a participant in the tour and an observer documenting the various happenings.

We started the trip with a 4-hour drive to visit Hyundai Motors’ Ansan plant. Occupying 440 acres of land, the Ansan plant boasts an annual production capacity of 30,000 mid to large size passenger vehicles. We had the chance to tour through the entire car production line starting from auto frame, paint, and assembly. Students immediately put their smart phones to use and got busy taking pictures.

The next stop was the 2nd Fleet HQ in Pyeongtaek where we learned about the attack on the warship Cheonan and the tragic fate of the soldiers and sailors who were on board that day. Students saluted those brave youths who died in service of their country.

We continued our voyage to Dang Jin to one of the world’s best steel manufacturers, the Hyundai Steel Company. The visit gave us a glimpse of how the world of steel operates.

We ended our first day at the Hamilton Resort where we were treated to a games night and the opportunity to win small prizes. The recreational hour was followed by an amusing lecture by a guest speaker Robert Holley, a former US citizen who is now a Korean national. He spoke about “Korea from foreigners’ perspective,” and gave useful tips on how to mingle with Koreans. As the program was over for the day students couldn’t resist the temptation of cool breeze outside the resort and the beautiful bridges lit with yeondeung (lotus lanterns). As I walked along the riverside, I observed students enjoying the night, taking pictures and unwinding after a long exciting day.

Next morning we were off to Yeosu Expo 2012. The first exhibition hall we stopped by was Hunyadi Pavilion, where we were entertained with an experimental video exhibition showcasing Hyundai’s latest cars, all brought vividly to life with the cutting-edge technology. Afterwards students were free to explore the Expo and experience a little bit of everything it had to offer. We then settled in for a 6-hour bus ride home, some sharing their favorite moments of the expo, some dozing and some busily uploading their days to the Facebook.