From the moment I stepped out of Incheon Airport, Seoul greeted me with a rush of warm summer air, the faint scent of grilled meat from a nearby food stall, and the hum of a city that never really seems to slow down. I came to Yonsei University’s Summer in Seoul program to deepen my understanding of Korean language and culture while taking courses that count toward my Korean minor. I expected to learn a lot in the classroom, but I didn’t realize how much my true education would come from the city itself.

Some of my most vivid memories come from exploring Seoul’s landmarks and neighborhoods. I spent hours wandering through the endless hallways of the COEX Mall, its polished floors echoing with the sounds of shoppers and café music. At Gyeongbokgung Palace, the steady beat of the guard’s drums mixed with the rustle of silk hanbok skirts in the summer breeze. Myeongdong wrapped me in the smell of a lot of street food like sizzling hotteok, spicy tteokbokki, and sweet roasted chestnuts and even more while street vendors called out their specials in rapid-fire Korean or even funny broken English. And high above it all, from the top of Seoul Tower, the city’s lights stretched like constellations beneath me.

Food became its own adventure. There was the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried Korean chicken glazed with a sweet-spicy sauce, and the simple joy of grabbing a freshly rolled kimbap before heading out for another night of exploring. Meals were never just about eating — they were moments to connect with the culture and the people around me which is something I truly learned in my culture class there.

As a beginner in Korean, I quickly learned the value of putting my classroom lessons to the test and how I can apply it to the real world. Ordering food or making small talk with new friends often meant piecing together phrases and relying on gestures Each successful exchange, no matter how small, felt like a victory for me.

One of the biggest surprises was how much I wanted to fill every moment. Instead of staying in my dorm between classes, I sought out to do something new each day. That decision turned my six weeks into a full immersive experience, not just in academics but in everyday Korean life.

Before arriving, I imagined studying abroad would mean long hours of homework with little free time. But I learned that with focus and efficient work habits, it’s possible to excel academically and still explore endlessly.

This program strengthened my academic goals by allowing me to apply my Korean language skills in real conversations and connect my passion for culture with lived experience. On a personal level, it gave me independence, adaptability, and a deep appreciation for making every moment count.

• Name: Julian Alonso
• Status: Junior
• Major: Zoology
• Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
• Program: Yonsei University - Summer in Seoul