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Experiencing the Culture while Learning the Language: Andrea’s Unforgettable Chapter of her KDI School Journey

  • Date 2024-10-23 13:45
  • CategoryStory
  • Hit364

Andrea Marín Arias, 21, from Costa Rica, is a Master of Public Management student at the KDI School of Public Policy and Management. Before studying at KDI School, she studied International Relations and participated in academic programs focused on technological optimization. She has volunteered for various organizations, serving as a researcher and content creator. Andrea is also an avid reader of science fiction and fantasy books, with a passion for dancing.

She is currently in her last semester, but a trip from her very first semester at KDI School always brings back one of the fondest chapters of her time in South Korea.

“When we visited Jeonju Hanok Village, a traditional district, for our Korean class trip, it was an extraordinary experience that felt like stepping into a different era. Dressed in beautiful hanboks, we became part of the village’s timeless charm. The girls had their hair adorned with elegant accessories—some with braids or ribbons—and they placed delicate flowers in mine, enhancing our beauty as we wandered through the ancient streets,” said Andrea.

KDI School organized this trip as part of the Korean Language and Culture course, where Andrea took the first level under Professor Lee Hyunjung.

This trip also became a way to put into practice what was learned in class, as she tried communicating with locals along with her friends. “There were lighthearted moments too. Our attempts to practice basic Korean often left locals puzzled, as our thick accents made us nearly incomprehensible, forcing us to rely on the ever-dependable Papago app. And then there were the countless shops tempting us with traditional crafts as we debated whether to splurge or save for future necessities—an agonizing choice, to be sure,” Andrea added.

Because of the trip, Andrea was able to gain a deeper perspective of Korea’s rich history and culture.

“Up until that point, I had only known the modern, high-tech Korea with its cutting-edge skyscrapers. But this glimpse into the country’s past unveiled a different kind of beauty, a duality that exists between the futuristic and the ancient. It was like living in many worlds at once—a singular experience that allowed us to appreciate the richness Korea holds across the layers of time,” Andrea reflected.

“The memory of that day, walking through centuries-old buildings and being showered with compliments on how we looked in our hanboks, felt like stepping into a historical K-Drama. It’s a moment we will all cherish forever—where tradition, humor, and wonder blended into an unforgettable chapter of our journey,” Andrea recalled.

Andrea looks forward to exploring more cultural aspects of Korea, not limiting herself to what’s more accessible but venturing into other regions of the country.

“So far, it has been a delight to witness this romantic duality between history and innovation that flows through the Korean environment. It is absolutely beautiful. Every scene is a new color and a new feeling—from the traditional areas, the unique infrastructure, to the striking traditional clothing. I hope to keep visiting more museums, attending more festivals, trying more exclusive regional dishes, and continuing to learn about the history firsthand. And of course! Improving my Hangul skills—I am proud to admit that I am getting better.

Although I didn’t know much about it before, my friends have personally taken it upon themselves to teach me about K-Dramas and K-Pop, which have become an incredible global phenomenon nowadays.

For the time being, I will continue to enjoy all the vitality that surrounds me from the home of the amazing economic miracle,” Andrea concluded.

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NIETO, Ericka

2024 Spring / MDP / Philippines

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