[Studying abroad is one of the most exciting, most life-changing experiences you can have. One of the benefits is that you get to learn about another culture. As a part of networking activities, KDIS offers a ‘‘Home Visiting Program." This program provides a unique opportunity for international students to connect with Korean students, professors, and staff to learn more about Korean culture. In this article, Viola Akullo (MDP 2022, Uganda), shared her experience with the Home Visiting Program during the Winter Break of 2023.]

As I stepped out of the vehicle, I saw the huge Grand Hall of the Nation, which captures the spirit of love of many patriots who dedicated their lives to liberating the country from the dark periods of colonial rule. My home visit program was filled with laughter and a unique feeling of love that permeated every room. From the moment I stepped inside, the abundance of kindness made me feel right at home. As I sat down and began to chat with my new KDIS family, I knew that this was going to be more than just a visit - it was a glimpse into the world of my host, “Justin, my chingu (친구).”

The first of my two beautiful days of my home visit started with Justin picking up my colleagues and me from school and setting off to Buyeo (Justin’s hometown). As soon as we arrived, we left our luggage at his house and started our tour. First, we visited the Baekje Royal Tombs, which is recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site. After that, we boarded a cruise ship. Since I'm afraid of water, hearing the ship break the ice on the frozen river frightened me, but the stunning scenery of Geumgang made me smile. When we left the ship and walked around Buso Mountain, a huge rock (Nakhawaam Rock) facing the river with a pavilion at the top caught my attention. The pavilion, which was built in 1929, was meant to honor the martyrdom of the court ladies of the Baekje Kingdom who jumped to their deaths from the rock, also known as "the Rock of Falling Flowers" when the Baekje Capital fell. After an exhausting walk up the mountain, nothing could have been better than eating the famous ginseng chicken soup, which is still one of my favorite Korean dishes. We then visited the Buyeo museum and got to see the Great Gilt-bronze Incense Burner from the Baekje Dynasty, as well as other beautiful Korean artefacts. The day ended with some shopping, followed by a family meal of delicious Korean food that made it feel like my home away from home.

The second day of my home visit program remains my favorite, as we had the chance to tour Cheonan, the city where Justin lives. After our amazing Korean breakfast, we left for the Oeam-ri Folk Village on a cold, snowy morning. As a real K-Drama fan, exploring a village that is so well known for shooting movies and where one of my favorite movies, "The Classic," was partly shot left me so happy and I couldn’t stop taking pictures. The beautiful village replicates houses for each class in the Joseon Dynasty, with thatched roof houses that are rarely found in other villages and the 6,000 meters of stone wall that also adds to the charm of the village.

At the end of the day, we visited the Grand Hall of the Nation, which was surrounded by various exhibition halls and featured a passionate history of Korea's subsequent development and how Korea's forefathers protected Korea’s independence and pride. My colleagues and I bid our host farewell at the end of the tour and returned to the KDI School. 

It was one of the most memorable holidays for me and I loved getting to know Korean culture more through this program.