안녕하세요 Hello, I’m Methma IMBULDENIYA, a 3rd year undergraduate from Lille Campus, who went to Konkuk University in Seoul, South Korea for my exchange program.

Why did you want to go there ?

Steeped in highly traditional culture, South Korea has a lot to offer, including a diverse and fascinating Asian culture, amazing Buddhist temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, delicious and healthy cuisine, and cities such as Seoul and Busan which are world-class metropolis with everything from five-star hotels to cutting-edge shops to an amazing nightlife.

How did you prepare for your departure ?

As a Sri Lankan passport holder, I applied for the D-2-4 visa type through the France KVAC office. The process was done online and documents were submitted through mail. It was convenient, less time-consuming and required no physical presence for any activity. It was all done in the comfort of my apartment. For any further information, the KVAC call center was always available.

How did your first few days here go ?

The first day in Seoul, I had to get a mandatory PSR test and quarantine until the results were out, which all took about 7 hours maximum, as the negative results were send through an SMS to my Korean number which I picked up at the airport telecom booth. All exchange students has the opportunity to apply for Konkuk student dormitory residency called the KU: L HOUSE or finding accommodations outside is a practicable option too.

How is the university ?

Konkuk University has 2 campuses: one in Seoul and one in Chungju. The Seoul campus is located in the southeastern part of the city, near the Han River, and is served by the Konkuk University Metro Station. With nearly 30,000 students and almost 3000 international students, the university land area features over 30 faculties, sport arenas, stadiums, museums, nature parks, and the Ilgam Lake located right in the middle of Konkuk University.

How are the courses ?

The University provides a wide range of courses for all faculties and within the College of Business Administration, they offer courses in both English and Korean for almost all aspects of the corporate world. The course selection process is highly competitive as thousands of students apply for the same courses, the exact second the university online portal opens. Course structures and class settings differ from one another, but the course content is very informative and excellent quality.

What is the local cost of living ?

I would personally describe South Korea as a country of convenience, as the cost of living is much more affordable compared to France. With an easy way of life, bustling city culture and an abundance of entertainment activities, South Korea has created its own unique lifestyle. The cost of public transport if low and eating Korean food is a lot cheaper. Shopping at local markets and stores is more cost effective than major department stores. Cost of daily life within large cities such as Seoul or Busan is expensive, although basic utilities including gas, electricity and Wi-Fi are affordable.

What do you do on a daily basis ?

On weekdays after class, I would take the metro around Seoul to see amazing landmarks such as the Nam-San tower, Lotte Tower, DDP (Dongdeumun Design Plaza) tour the various Palaces, take a stroll through the cultural villages, walk through amazing museums, and ride the city bicycles along the Hang-River.
I would often watch the sunset by the river bank while eating Korean food such as Ramyeon, Tteokbokki, Bibimbap, Korean fried chicken, and Korean snacks.

What do you like best about your exchange ?

I’ve being a fan of Korean entertainments such as music, dramas, movies, and art for several years now. During my exchange I was able to attend K-pop concerts, shows, and festivals often. I spent most of my nights and weekends enjoying the entertainment culture to my heart’s content that I really needed from the excessive academic work load and continuous assessments. The country and its people taught me the value of enjoying life and the importance of work-life balance, which was a necessary realization in the perspective of life. Through all the activities and programs arranged by the university and student bodies, I was able to meet and make friends with Korean students through the I-buddy program, varies extra-curricular clubs and societies, CSR projects, and social gatherings which was exciting to be able to create my own small network of people who shared same interests and hobbies.

Tell us about one of your trips

During mid-October, I planned on a quick getaway to Busan to experience the south-eastern coastal area of South Korea. It was after a longtime I felt the ocean waves hit my feet, as I took daily strolls in the long beaches which reminded me of my hometown Galle in Sri Lanka. Not to forget, I took a ‘Train to Busan’ hoping to get a glimpse of the countryside, nature reserves and South Korea’s agricultural landmarks. I was also able to attend the Busan Concert of the South Korean boy band BTS, who are now global sensations. It was an incredible night I would never forget.

Do you have an original anecdote to tell us about your exchange city or country?

During my final week in South Korea, it was already winter but there was no signs of snow, which was the only aspect of the season I always look forward to. Drowning in exams and studies, I was not able to do any leisure activities as I became a regular at the study rooms and libraries. Although morning weather forecasts were showing no snow report, I took my last exam in macroeconomics on the day before I was going to leave Seoul. To my astonishment, right when I finished the exam and exited the exam hall I look outside of the campus door, and I see snow falling. It was mesmerizing and seemed magical to witness the campus starting to be tucked in a thin sheet of snow, which I took as a sign of last goodbyes from the city to me. I bid farewell to the city and the country with heavy gratitude.

What advice would you give to students who want to go there?

Anyone interested in an exchange program in general should definitely take the opportunity to put yourself out there and take a chance on seeing the world from a different point of view. If South Korea is your choice, make sure you get a Korean SIM, metro card (t-money card), and apply for the Alien Registration Card (similar to residence permit) as soon as possible. Make sure to read and learn about basic phrases, local customs, and traditions before you step in. Also downloading local applications such as ‘Naver’, ‘Kakao Maps’, ‘Kakao Taxi’, and translation apps would be really helpful to find your way through the country, conveniently.

Finally, what are your good local addresses?

– Kondae: It’s an area adjacent to the Konkuk University which is a crowded nightlife area packed with college students, street food, restaurants, and an almost endless amount of bars.
– Jeju Island: This volcanic island is a very popular vacation spot and is best reached by a one-hour domestic flight from Seoul. The island has more than just beautiful beaches, it has a lot of culture and history.
– Gyeongbokgung Palace: The enormous Gyeongbokgung Palace complex, sometimes known as the Northern Palace, has undergone great turbulence over the years. A guided walking tour can be taken to see the palace grounds. The National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum are two other museums on the grounds that are both worthwhile visits.
– N Seoul Tower: Everyone visiting Seoul should go up in the city’s iconic observation tower. You can climb the Mount Namsam, visit the park, and witness a spectacular city view from the top deck
– Museums:
o National Museum of Korea: The National Museum of Korea is the largest; much like the Met in New York, it really can’t be explored in just one trip. The extensive collection incorporates elements of art, history, and archeology and is organized to illustrate the evolution of Korean culture and convey the tale of the Korean people.
o Leeum-Samsumg Museum of Art created by the Samsumg Foundation
– Lotte World: A theme park can be found in the heart of Seoul’s downtown. It’s an enjoyable spot to spend the day and offers an opportunity to see authentic Korean commercial culture.
– Ttukseom Park: Ttukseom Hangang Park overlooks the Han River. Plenty of space to spread out and have a picnic with a view of the Han River.
– Streets to take a walk: Myeongdong, Hongdae, Namdaemun-ro, Insadong, Jongno, Dongdaemun.
– Nightlife: Itaewon, Hongdae, Gangnam,
– Food: Noryangjin Market, Maple Tree House

PS. My best advice is to get lost in the city. Forget about destinations and take a stroll through the streets of Seoul where you would definitely discover moments of interest in every corner. Food, music, fashion, art, architecture and more is best discovered when you least expect it. Let Seoul surprise your soul ❤

Methma IMBULDENIYA, campus Lillois
methma.imbuldeniya@ieseg.fr