An unforgettable trip to Korea
2600 miles away from home, after a flight duration of almost 7 hours, my eyes that didn’t sleep for the last 24 hours, those same eyes that longed for years to behold the sight of this faraway land, finally came true on 12th July 2016, a Tuesday. K-O-R-E-A. Yes, the country of the people I grew fond of since childhood, became friends with during school and whose language I learnt at the university out of sheer curiosity.
On arrival at Incheon International Airport, my heart took a leap at the sight of the immense size of the airport, people were hustling frantically chasing time. I wondered if I would get lost in the midst of this chaotic surrounding. It was the first time that I was traveling abroad and to worry, must have been conventional. Thankfully, traveling with a friend from Nepal (Sachchi Chitrakar - whose friendship was bound to grow even after this program) on the same flight to Korea in the same program, had calmed my nerves down to some extent. As soon as we had reached the arrival terminal of the airport, my eyes searched out for the officials from Namseoul University. Prior to arrival in Korea, I was informed that I would be received on time as soon as I had reached airport and nothing more. A silent uneasiness had begun covering my senses as soon as I had arrived the airport- worrying about if I would have to wait for the officials or that I would not be received or get lost in the airport in the worst situation. I began searching for placards with my name written on it or any other sign of Namseoul University. And right at that moment, I saw a lady holding a placard with my name written on it in Korean. I greeted her and introduced myself. Kim Nari, that was her name, the same administrative official from Namseoul University I had exchanged emails with about the program details. To see her right there, comforted the torment that was rising inside me. The next few hours were spent waiting for participants from other countries. Introductions were exchanged and we talked about our countries and educational backgrounds. To some extent, I was feeling weird because, all the participants that I had seen were either high school students or university freshers but I was a graduate already.I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to groom well with them.
Eyelids had started to become heavier and my eyes desperately wanted some sleep. But I just couldn’t let them sleep, not right then, as I was about to behold the faraway land that I had dreamed of. Sachchi and I had to part ways. For the program, she was being hosted by one university while I was being hosted by another. Moving out of the airport, as if someone had modulated the temperature- it was hot like being in a sauna room, only that it didn’t have walls and doors. En route to the NIIED building, where we would be staying for the next few days, the sight of the streets and surroundings astonished me. Those eyes just a while ago that were begging for sleep were now wide awake. I was amazed at how the people had built a highway lane above the sea shore and how all the streets were clean with no emission of smoke or sound. I wondered “How did the people develop this country in such a less time?”, a mere 50 years. How?
Upon arrival at NIIED, we were informed that we had no further planned events for the day until the evening, where a formal program would be conducted inviting the participants. Smiles (^_^) , because Sachchi with whom I had just parted from the airport would be there too. Me and other participants were welcomed with cultural performances followed by good food. Well, I was not particularly inclined to the taste of Korean foods, but there was a whole variety of Korean dishes that not liking them was impossible. After the formal program was over, Sachchi and I had to part ways and this time for at least 10 days. Students being hosted by Namseoul University would be staying at the NIIED complex for the next 2 days. That same evening, we were briefed on the itinerary for the program and what was particularly interesting was that I along with 9 other friends would be making a trip to Jeju island for 3 days, the trip that would be memorable for the rest of my life.
The next few days, before traveling to Jeju island, we made a visit to the Geokbokgung Palace- the palace from where the kings of Joseon dynasty had administered the kingdom. Nearby the palace was located another important building, the Blue House, where the President of Korea resides. Next up was shopping around the Dongdaemoon area of Seoul. Life was bustling on the streets of the city even late at night. The only difference between the light of the day and night was that the hot shiny scorching sun had been replaced with fluorescent lighting, neon lights, electronic signboards and a relatively cooler atmosphere. A little stroll around the city in the evening does no harm. Unlike Nepal, life was still busy in the streets late at night in Seoul.
We also made visits to COM2US, an online gaming company and to a Samsung headquarters office. During the tour of COM2US, I particularly noticed that there was an open library-cum-cafestuffed with comics and manga along with programming books. Whenever, employees felt hectic with their work-stress, they spent their time enjoying a cup of coffee along with a manga book to relieve stress. Also they had a room in the office called- “Mommy’s Room”, which was used by pregnant women and infant mothers for their convenience at workplace. At Samsung headquarters, I was stunned by its colossal size. They had separate buildings for production, another for research and development and another for testing and quality assurance and so forth. Facilities such as football ground, tennis court were also available for employees to utilize their leisure time or to relieve them from the pressure of work. The headquarters were huge enough to run tram service to travel from one unit to another.
Next up was the visit to the Hyundai Regional office at Suwon. Hyundai Motor Group is the largest automobile manufacturing company in South Korea, contributing to substantial export of automobiles around the globe. Inside the regional office, they presented a live demonstration of the car manufacturing process. Huge contraptions, large conveyor belts and loud noise being the characteristics of any big factory, in order to facilitate communication, a local radio transmitter and a receiver were being used. How cool was that? Really Cool. Around 40 minutes of walkthrough of the manufacturing process got me pumped up. It was exciting to learn how sheets of steel were transformed into glamorous cars.These visits to the industrial sites provided me an understanding of the work culture and ethics in Korea.
My trip to Korea was not just limited to visits to historical and industrial sites. There were classes for Korean language and dance. I passed on the opportunity to learn dancing particularly because I felt shy. When the time for physical activities had arrived, it was my moment of Carpe Diem, to seize the opportunity. Physical activities and sports were my niche. The constant cheering from my teammates sounded like music to my ears. Maybe I am boasting but yes, thanks to me, my team won by a decent difference in score. Science, my love since school was not left out during my tour either. A hands-on experience on glass arts got my bloods rushing. Fire was used to transform a Borosilicate glass rod into any desirable shape such as lockets, pendants and jeweleries. The university even hosted a major called Glass Arts Engineering, that focused on creating fashionable objects by molding a borosilicate glass rod. The University students doing their major in Computer Science also gave us a demonstration on an AR/VR project that they were conducting. It was then that I got the experience of a roller coaster ride, virtual it was, but not any less real. I had heard of about AR/VR technology during my University days, but it was the first time that I was experiencing it. There was also this visit to the National Science Museum located at Daejeon during my trip, whereby I got the experience to ride in a Maglev Train. (^_^)
16th July 2016, the day we flew to Jeju island from NamSeoul University. A date that had been imprinted on my mind not just since arriving to Korea, but earlier than that. I had been looking forward to this date since 2015. It was the date for Kathmandu Kora, the biggest annual cycling event organized in Nepal. I was gutted to miss this event, but none of it mattered once we had arrived on Jeju island. Jeju Island, a piece of heaven on earth. The moment I had stepped my foot on this alluring landscape, time had ceased to exist, all worries and troubles had faded away. The leap of joy in my heart, made me feel like I would fly. Perhaps this is what you would call cloud nine. I could not take my eyes off from anything there and wanted to take picture of every scenery out there. The Jeju tour officially commenced with walk along the seashores and then to Jeongbang waterfall. Although crowded, the atmosphere around the place was enjoyable and I wished to stay longer. I was loving the day so much that I wished time stopped, wished that the day would never end. Next up was the Saeyeon bridge. Due to the presence of a vertical structure at the middle of the bridge resembling a mast of a ship, the constant blowing of wind and being surrounded by the ocean, one could feel as if they were sailing into the vasts of the sea. My friends started posing for photos in the famed ‘Jack-and-Rose’ pose, perhaps they too felt the same that they were sailing along the sea. On the other side of the bridge was a garden-like resting place constructed on a large piece of rock. A place to forget all your troubles and relax and enjoy the scenery. Halla-San, the highest mountain in Korea could also been seen from here. Amazingly, at this place, there were wooden seats which played soothing music when a person sat down on them. I thought that this place was perfect for couples and just wished I had a girlfriend right there. HAHAHA. Next up was the hike to Sanbanggulsa, 산방굴사 temple. After a hike of about 30 minutes from the bottom, one could reach the top of the hill and then behold the stone image of the buddha at the top under a crevice in the rock. The spring water flowing from the top of the mountain was believed to cure the body of all ailments and cleanse the soul.
The next day started with a walk along the Jeolmul hiking trail,절물 자연 휴양림. The Harubang, 하루방, which were famous for Jeju were seen ubiquitous around these trails. Even adults and aged people were hiking the trail, contemplating the natural beauty, suggesting that age was only a number. I wondered if I had a bicycle, how awesome would it have been to cycle along these trails. But sadly I was informed that cycling along the path was prohibited. Shortly afterwards, we headed towards Sangumburi, 산굼불리, crater. The volcanic explosion in the past caused the formation of the crater. The same volcanic explosion is also believed to be the reason for the exceptional impeccable natural beauty of Jeju island. Next up ahead was Jeju island world heritage center. Inside, a 4D cinema theater played a movie about ancient myth of Halla-san in Jeju island, about how it was being protected by a goddess from evil and destruction. There was also a museum-like display of life and culture of people in the past in the island and about the geography and formation of the island. Finally we ended the day with a climb to the Seongsan Ilchulbong peak, 성산 일출봉. This mountain was famous for observing sunrise and sunset from the Jeju island. After about 40 minutes of hiking, we reached the top. Although, we intended to see the sunset from the peak, it was cloudy on the day, so we couldn’t observe the sunset. Nonetheless, the scenery of the island from the top was breath-taking, second to none. The next day, we were set to leave Jeju island, but before leaving, a short trip to the Dragon Head Rock, 용두암 and Yongyeon pond, 용연 was made. The rock was given the name because it resembled the head of the dragon. Some people believe that the strong wind blowing around the the place caused in the formation of the Dragon Head Rock.
It was during the Jeju trip where I got to know more about my fellow friends and I could enjoy their company. Being surrounded by Lyyy, Mahyar, Elif and Daniel was comforting. Karaoke night and the night stroll around the seashore will always be stamped in my memory. After leaving Jeju, we regrouped with the rest of the participants and made trips to the National Science Museum in Daejeon, Bulguksa (불국사) Temple and Seokguram (석굴암) Grotto in Gyeongju. I was particularly enticed by the carving of Seokguram, because the Buddha was portrayed in a state of infinite peace and bliss. It suggested me that the Buddha had left the worldly troubles behind and came to this solitary mountain to seek peace and enlightenment.
On the last day of the trip, physical activities like rock-climbing and rowing were carried out at the S-1 Human Resource Training center. I was doing these activities for the first time in my life and I will fondly remember and treasure those moments. On the same evening, a formal session was conducted to officially conclude the program. The past 10 days had been an eventful period. During the event, I got an opportunity to learn more about Korean food, culture and lifestyle and experience them first-hand. Traveling abroad brought in a new vision in me, changing my perception and made me realize a world different from what I was used to. Goodbyes were exchanged and of-course promises to remain in touch. Flying back to Nepal, I was carrying friendship and memories and tales-waiting-to-be-told about Korea.
I do believe that there were lot of people behind the scenes that had helped me due to which I got the opportunity to travel Korea. I will always be thankful to the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Nepal and all of its officials, particularly Mrs. Park Ji Young, for the opportunity they have provided me. I would like to express my gratitude to Ms. Bit Yum Na Ri and Mrs. Kang Suryeo who taught me Korean language at my university, Mr. Sharad Maharjan for always supporting and motivating me to participate in Korean cultural programs and events. An old pal, Anish, also comes into my mind, as he was the person first to suggest me to take up Korean language classes at my university. Thank you Ms. Kim Nari, Daniel, Anna, Elif, Lyyyy, Mahyar and Sachchi for making my trip memorable. Smiles (^_^)
On arrival at Incheon International Airport, my heart took a leap at the sight of the immense size of the airport, people were hustling frantically chasing time. I wondered if I would get lost in the midst of this chaotic surrounding. It was the first time that I was traveling abroad and to worry, must have been conventional. Thankfully, traveling with a friend from Nepal (Sachchi Chitrakar - whose friendship was bound to grow even after this program) on the same flight to Korea in the same program, had calmed my nerves down to some extent. As soon as we had reached the arrival terminal of the airport, my eyes searched out for the officials from Namseoul University. Prior to arrival in Korea, I was informed that I would be received on time as soon as I had reached airport and nothing more. A silent uneasiness had begun covering my senses as soon as I had arrived the airport- worrying about if I would have to wait for the officials or that I would not be received or get lost in the airport in the worst situation. I began searching for placards with my name written on it or any other sign of Namseoul University. And right at that moment, I saw a lady holding a placard with my name written on it in Korean. I greeted her and introduced myself. Kim Nari, that was her name, the same administrative official from Namseoul University I had exchanged emails with about the program details. To see her right there, comforted the torment that was rising inside me. The next few hours were spent waiting for participants from other countries. Introductions were exchanged and we talked about our countries and educational backgrounds. To some extent, I was feeling weird because, all the participants that I had seen were either high school students or university freshers but I was a graduate already.I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to groom well with them.
Eyelids had started to become heavier and my eyes desperately wanted some sleep. But I just couldn’t let them sleep, not right then, as I was about to behold the faraway land that I had dreamed of. Sachchi and I had to part ways. For the program, she was being hosted by one university while I was being hosted by another. Moving out of the airport, as if someone had modulated the temperature- it was hot like being in a sauna room, only that it didn’t have walls and doors. En route to the NIIED building, where we would be staying for the next few days, the sight of the streets and surroundings astonished me. Those eyes just a while ago that were begging for sleep were now wide awake. I was amazed at how the people had built a highway lane above the sea shore and how all the streets were clean with no emission of smoke or sound. I wondered “How did the people develop this country in such a less time?”, a mere 50 years. How?
Upon arrival at NIIED, we were informed that we had no further planned events for the day until the evening, where a formal program would be conducted inviting the participants. Smiles (^_^) , because Sachchi with whom I had just parted from the airport would be there too. Me and other participants were welcomed with cultural performances followed by good food. Well, I was not particularly inclined to the taste of Korean foods, but there was a whole variety of Korean dishes that not liking them was impossible. After the formal program was over, Sachchi and I had to part ways and this time for at least 10 days. Students being hosted by Namseoul University would be staying at the NIIED complex for the next 2 days. That same evening, we were briefed on the itinerary for the program and what was particularly interesting was that I along with 9 other friends would be making a trip to Jeju island for 3 days, the trip that would be memorable for the rest of my life.
The next few days, before traveling to Jeju island, we made a visit to the Geokbokgung Palace- the palace from where the kings of Joseon dynasty had administered the kingdom. Nearby the palace was located another important building, the Blue House, where the President of Korea resides. Next up was shopping around the Dongdaemoon area of Seoul. Life was bustling on the streets of the city even late at night. The only difference between the light of the day and night was that the hot shiny scorching sun had been replaced with fluorescent lighting, neon lights, electronic signboards and a relatively cooler atmosphere. A little stroll around the city in the evening does no harm. Unlike Nepal, life was still busy in the streets late at night in Seoul.
We also made visits to COM2US, an online gaming company and to a Samsung headquarters office. During the tour of COM2US, I particularly noticed that there was an open library-cum-cafestuffed with comics and manga along with programming books. Whenever, employees felt hectic with their work-stress, they spent their time enjoying a cup of coffee along with a manga book to relieve stress. Also they had a room in the office called- “Mommy’s Room”, which was used by pregnant women and infant mothers for their convenience at workplace. At Samsung headquarters, I was stunned by its colossal size. They had separate buildings for production, another for research and development and another for testing and quality assurance and so forth. Facilities such as football ground, tennis court were also available for employees to utilize their leisure time or to relieve them from the pressure of work. The headquarters were huge enough to run tram service to travel from one unit to another.
Next up was the visit to the Hyundai Regional office at Suwon. Hyundai Motor Group is the largest automobile manufacturing company in South Korea, contributing to substantial export of automobiles around the globe. Inside the regional office, they presented a live demonstration of the car manufacturing process. Huge contraptions, large conveyor belts and loud noise being the characteristics of any big factory, in order to facilitate communication, a local radio transmitter and a receiver were being used. How cool was that? Really Cool. Around 40 minutes of walkthrough of the manufacturing process got me pumped up. It was exciting to learn how sheets of steel were transformed into glamorous cars.These visits to the industrial sites provided me an understanding of the work culture and ethics in Korea.
My trip to Korea was not just limited to visits to historical and industrial sites. There were classes for Korean language and dance. I passed on the opportunity to learn dancing particularly because I felt shy. When the time for physical activities had arrived, it was my moment of Carpe Diem, to seize the opportunity. Physical activities and sports were my niche. The constant cheering from my teammates sounded like music to my ears. Maybe I am boasting but yes, thanks to me, my team won by a decent difference in score. Science, my love since school was not left out during my tour either. A hands-on experience on glass arts got my bloods rushing. Fire was used to transform a Borosilicate glass rod into any desirable shape such as lockets, pendants and jeweleries. The university even hosted a major called Glass Arts Engineering, that focused on creating fashionable objects by molding a borosilicate glass rod. The University students doing their major in Computer Science also gave us a demonstration on an AR/VR project that they were conducting. It was then that I got the experience of a roller coaster ride, virtual it was, but not any less real. I had heard of about AR/VR technology during my University days, but it was the first time that I was experiencing it. There was also this visit to the National Science Museum located at Daejeon during my trip, whereby I got the experience to ride in a Maglev Train. (^_^)
16th July 2016, the day we flew to Jeju island from NamSeoul University. A date that had been imprinted on my mind not just since arriving to Korea, but earlier than that. I had been looking forward to this date since 2015. It was the date for Kathmandu Kora, the biggest annual cycling event organized in Nepal. I was gutted to miss this event, but none of it mattered once we had arrived on Jeju island. Jeju Island, a piece of heaven on earth. The moment I had stepped my foot on this alluring landscape, time had ceased to exist, all worries and troubles had faded away. The leap of joy in my heart, made me feel like I would fly. Perhaps this is what you would call cloud nine. I could not take my eyes off from anything there and wanted to take picture of every scenery out there. The Jeju tour officially commenced with walk along the seashores and then to Jeongbang waterfall. Although crowded, the atmosphere around the place was enjoyable and I wished to stay longer. I was loving the day so much that I wished time stopped, wished that the day would never end. Next up was the Saeyeon bridge. Due to the presence of a vertical structure at the middle of the bridge resembling a mast of a ship, the constant blowing of wind and being surrounded by the ocean, one could feel as if they were sailing into the vasts of the sea. My friends started posing for photos in the famed ‘Jack-and-Rose’ pose, perhaps they too felt the same that they were sailing along the sea. On the other side of the bridge was a garden-like resting place constructed on a large piece of rock. A place to forget all your troubles and relax and enjoy the scenery. Halla-San, the highest mountain in Korea could also been seen from here. Amazingly, at this place, there were wooden seats which played soothing music when a person sat down on them. I thought that this place was perfect for couples and just wished I had a girlfriend right there. HAHAHA. Next up was the hike to Sanbanggulsa, 산방굴사 temple. After a hike of about 30 minutes from the bottom, one could reach the top of the hill and then behold the stone image of the buddha at the top under a crevice in the rock. The spring water flowing from the top of the mountain was believed to cure the body of all ailments and cleanse the soul.
The next day started with a walk along the Jeolmul hiking trail,절물 자연 휴양림. The Harubang, 하루방, which were famous for Jeju were seen ubiquitous around these trails. Even adults and aged people were hiking the trail, contemplating the natural beauty, suggesting that age was only a number. I wondered if I had a bicycle, how awesome would it have been to cycle along these trails. But sadly I was informed that cycling along the path was prohibited. Shortly afterwards, we headed towards Sangumburi, 산굼불리, crater. The volcanic explosion in the past caused the formation of the crater. The same volcanic explosion is also believed to be the reason for the exceptional impeccable natural beauty of Jeju island. Next up ahead was Jeju island world heritage center. Inside, a 4D cinema theater played a movie about ancient myth of Halla-san in Jeju island, about how it was being protected by a goddess from evil and destruction. There was also a museum-like display of life and culture of people in the past in the island and about the geography and formation of the island. Finally we ended the day with a climb to the Seongsan Ilchulbong peak, 성산 일출봉. This mountain was famous for observing sunrise and sunset from the Jeju island. After about 40 minutes of hiking, we reached the top. Although, we intended to see the sunset from the peak, it was cloudy on the day, so we couldn’t observe the sunset. Nonetheless, the scenery of the island from the top was breath-taking, second to none. The next day, we were set to leave Jeju island, but before leaving, a short trip to the Dragon Head Rock, 용두암 and Yongyeon pond, 용연 was made. The rock was given the name because it resembled the head of the dragon. Some people believe that the strong wind blowing around the the place caused in the formation of the Dragon Head Rock.
It was during the Jeju trip where I got to know more about my fellow friends and I could enjoy their company. Being surrounded by Lyyy, Mahyar, Elif and Daniel was comforting. Karaoke night and the night stroll around the seashore will always be stamped in my memory. After leaving Jeju, we regrouped with the rest of the participants and made trips to the National Science Museum in Daejeon, Bulguksa (불국사) Temple and Seokguram (석굴암) Grotto in Gyeongju. I was particularly enticed by the carving of Seokguram, because the Buddha was portrayed in a state of infinite peace and bliss. It suggested me that the Buddha had left the worldly troubles behind and came to this solitary mountain to seek peace and enlightenment.
On the last day of the trip, physical activities like rock-climbing and rowing were carried out at the S-1 Human Resource Training center. I was doing these activities for the first time in my life and I will fondly remember and treasure those moments. On the same evening, a formal session was conducted to officially conclude the program. The past 10 days had been an eventful period. During the event, I got an opportunity to learn more about Korean food, culture and lifestyle and experience them first-hand. Traveling abroad brought in a new vision in me, changing my perception and made me realize a world different from what I was used to. Goodbyes were exchanged and of-course promises to remain in touch. Flying back to Nepal, I was carrying friendship and memories and tales-waiting-to-be-told about Korea.
I do believe that there were lot of people behind the scenes that had helped me due to which I got the opportunity to travel Korea. I will always be thankful to the Embassy of Republic of Korea in Nepal and all of its officials, particularly Mrs. Park Ji Young, for the opportunity they have provided me. I would like to express my gratitude to Ms. Bit Yum Na Ri and Mrs. Kang Suryeo who taught me Korean language at my university, Mr. Sharad Maharjan for always supporting and motivating me to participate in Korean cultural programs and events. An old pal, Anish, also comes into my mind, as he was the person first to suggest me to take up Korean language classes at my university. Thank you Ms. Kim Nari, Daniel, Anna, Elif, Lyyyy, Mahyar and Sachchi for making my trip memorable. Smiles (^_^)
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