One of the major deciding factors for me to study at KDI School was the possibility of witnessing Korea’s economic development first-hand. Getting the opportunity to experience this while studying here is life-changing. When the announcement for the Spring Semester field trip to the Global Knowledge Exchange and Development Center (GKEDC) to objectively study the process of Korea's economic development was made, I swiftly registered. The GKEDC is dedicated to studying Korea's economic development process and sharing valuable knowledge with the global community to enhance human development. This field trip was a unique opportunity to immerse myself in the rich history of Korea's economic transformation and gain valuable insights for my academic and personal growth.

On getting to the Center, a brief introduction of the activities that will be undertaken for the day was done, and we watched an inspirational video that reminded us that Korea’s miracle did not magically happen, it was because of the entire Korean people’s dedication.

After the video, we had a tour of the Center, which captured the process of Korea’s economic growth over the past 70 years across several sectors. It was fascinating to see the growth and the possibility that great things can come from little beginnings. How the memory and transformation of Korea were presented in beautiful images, illustrations, videos, and wall art captured our attention and interest. We even had the opportunity to time-travel into Korea’s past using virtual reality. How cool. By seeing Korea's journey over the last 70 years, its successes and challenges, it is easier to understand how economies grow and why countries need to work together globally.

We also had the opportunity to engage in a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) activity, which was the analysis of driving forces in our own countries. This activity enabled us to evaluate our respective countries, analyzing the strengths, weaknesses and policy suggestions, using our understanding of Korea's economic journey as a guide.

I asked one of the participants, Laone Michelle Kuba (MPP 2024, Botswana), for her impressions of the fieldtrip:

“I was impressed by the way Korea was able to preserve and showcase its inventions. We saw the first cell phone, television, and radio. Being able to see all these helps us appreciate Korea’s evolution more. Also, the ability of Korea to rapidly grow because they cooperate is impressive. What will take other countries longer periods to do, Korea did in a few years. Furthermore, being a part of this made me appreciate their forward-thinking attitude. I am now actively thinking about how this can be replicated in my home country.” 

Another participant from Ghana articulated how the fieldtrip gave him wider perspectives on his coursework: 

“The historical perspectives on the evolution of economic strategies, and the current achievements in the 21st century, which highlight Korea's ability to adapt and innovate in the face of contemporary challenges, seamlessly intertwine with my courses in Trade, Industrial Policy and Economic Development”

This field trip was not just about learning new things or improving our skills, it was also about gaining a broader view of the world and appreciating different cultures. By talking to experts at GKEDC, sharing experiences with classmates, and thinking about what we've learned, we'll improve at being creative, thinking critically, and communicating effectively. This hands-on learning will have a big impact on how we grow academically and personally. It'll encourage us to think globally and be ready to tackle tough problems in our interconnected world. Thank you to GKEDC for hosting us!