An immersive experience that connected Korea’s commitment to public safety with its global leadership in technology

As part of the 2025 Summer Semester activities, KDI School students embarked on a field trip to two significant institutions in Daejeon: the Daejeon Traffic Culture Institute and the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI). These visits offered not only a deeper understanding of Korea’s efforts in promoting civic responsibility and cutting-edge technology but also served as powerful reminders of the role research and education play in shaping a smart and sustainable future.

Immersive Learning at the Daejeon Traffic Culture Institute

The first stop of the trip took students into the world of traffic safety education, where simulations, crash tests, subway evacuation drills, and CPR training provided an engaging and realistic insight into Korea’s approach to road safety. Far from being a typical presentation-based tour, the program immersed participants in hands-on scenarios that emphasized personal responsibility and collective awareness.

“It felt like traffic safety boot camp, but in the best way possible,” said Tyronne Jimenez (2024 MDP). “From simulated road scenarios to practicing emergency responses, the experience was both interactive and unforgettable. It turns out learning how to save lives can be surprisingly fun, and a lot more impactful than I ever expected.”

For Andrea Arbues (2024 MDP), the experience provoked deep reflection:

“Being on the road is a privilege. It must only be given to those responsible enough to ensure traffic safety.”

Eduardo Del Castillo (2024 MPP) highlighted how the institute’s methods could serve as a model for countries dealing with high rates of reckless driving:

“The simulators and drills gave me a much more realistic sense of the risks involved and how to respond in critical situations.”

Innovation in Action at ETRI

The second part of the day led students to ETRI, one of Korea’s premier R&D institutions. Known for its groundbreaking work in AI, semiconductors, 5G/6G, quantum computing, and the metaverse, ETRI showcased how innovation can address real-world challenges across sectors.

Students witnessed applications ranging from augmented reality to autonomous vehicles, and even capsulized endoscopy cameras for healthcare.

“I was fascinated by their AR system,” said Tyronne. “It’s no longer just for entertainment, it’s reshaping how we learn, work, and interact with information.”

Andrea also pointed out the impact of ETRI’s work in diverse sectors like disability inclusion and animation, while Eduardo was impressed by their industry-level expertise in AI for smart mobility.

“ETRI is not just about high-tech labs,” Eduardo noted. “It’s a foundational pillar for Korea’s innovation ecosystem, bridging the public and private sectors.”

Bridging Research, Education, and Public Awareness

For many students, a key takeaway from both visits was how Korea strategically aligns research, education, and public outreach.

“These platforms are paramount to ensure that the solutions made through research are being utilized and appreciated by the public,” Andrea explained.

“True progress doesn’t happen in silos,” added Tyronne. “It takes collaboration across sectors, inclusive education, and an informed public.”

In summary, this field trip offered more than knowledge, it provided students with inspiration, perspective, and a deeper sense of global responsibility.

“Both visits strongly reinforced my belief that education is a key driver of economic progress and social change,” concluded Eduardo.

This field trip was more than a day of observation, it was a transformative experience that demonstrated how Korea seamlessly integrates innovation with education and civic responsibility. As future policymakers and development professionals, KDI School students left Daejeon not only inspired by Korea’s advancements but also equipped with new perspectives on how thoughtful design, public engagement, and forward-thinking research can drive meaningful change. These lessons will undoubtedly resonate far beyond the classroom, shaping how students contribute to smarter, safer, and more inclusive societies around the world.

Thank you to both Daejeon Traffic Culture Institute and ETRI for hosting us and proving us with an engaging and impactful experience!