Although it feels like I just stepped off the plane at Incheon Airport, the first two months of my study abroad program have somehow already flown by. As someone with no prior experience with Korean culture, my journey has been both enlightening and exciting.
The transportation here is incredibly convenient and well-organized. I went from constantly asking for directions to being confident enough to guide others — all thanks to the highly efficient public transportation system.
Connecting with Alumni
This week, my cohort and I had the wonderful opportunity to meet several alumni from The University of Texas at Austin, all of them currently residing in Seoul.
The alumni event took place at Vatos Urban Tacos, a restaurant owned by Texas Ex Juweon Jonathan Kim. Stepping into the restaurant felt like being transported back to Austin — the atmosphere, flavors of the tacos and burritos and the familiar vibe of home created a deep sense of comfort, making the evening even more special.
It was incredible to network with fellow Longhorns, alumni who are doing amazing things here in South Korea and around the world. Hearing their stories about life after graduation was both inspiring and motivating.
My favorite moment of the night was when we all shouted, “Texas Fight!” together. I have missed out on football games this semester, but that moment instantly connected me to UT Austin’s vibrant school spirit despite being miles away from campus.
Talking to these accomplished alumni gave me a sense of reassurance and hope for the future. Hearing how they navigated life after UT showed me the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Also, talking to Dr. Feigenbaum, the leader of Texas Global, revealed her deep passion for designing the Take the World by the Horns program. She spoke with such enthusiasm about the impact it has on students’ lives and how she strives to create meaningful experiences for us.
Singular Experiences
A month ago, Hanyang University, where I’m currently studying, hosted the Homeless World Cup — an annual soccer tournament held in different cities each year to raise awareness about homelessness. The event is organized by the Homeless World Cup Foundation, a social organization that promotes ending homelessness through the power of sport.
It was amazing to see many passionate teams come together for such an important cause. This was a great way to get involved and show our encouragement for the teams and the cause in between classes during the past week.
The city of Suwon is not only a beautiful tourist destination but also plays a significant economic role in South Korea as the home of Samsung Electronics, the country’s largest and most profitable company. One of our group’s excursions was to the Samsung Innovation Museum (SIM), located here in Suwon.
We learned about Samsung’s many great achievements in the past, present and future of Korea’s electronic industry. In just 110 years, it progressed from the invention of the first refrigerator to developing refrigerators that can open with a voice command and track inventory.
Overall, it was an awesome day at SIM. We got to dive into some of the coolest tech advancements and learn about how Samsung has shaped the world of electronics.
Natural and Cultural Wonders
I was also amazed to discover Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park, the first ecological park in Korea, tucked away very close to bustling city streets. As volunteers, we removed invasive species like thorny squash vines from the bushes to prevent them from overtaking other plants and disturbing the park’s ecosystem.
On our second visit to the ecological park, we built a functional structure out of tree trunks. It was a great opportunity for us Longhorns to give back to the community.
Two months ago, we visited Busan and went to Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, where visitors can contribute to the temple’s maintenance by purchasing a roof tile. On our tile, we wrote our names and wishes, creating a personal connection to this beautiful place. As the Take the World by the Horns South Korea cohort, it was meaningful to leave our mark and know that our hopes would be part of this serene site.
A Glimpse into Technology’s Future
A few weeks ago, we visited SK Telecom T.um, an incredible information and communications technology museum that gave us a sneak peek into what the future of technology might look like.
T.um, which stands for “Technology, U-topia, Museum,” delivers on the futuristic promise of its name. The exhibit was packed with cutting-edge innovations — think 5G-powered autonomous vehicles, drones, flying cars, AI and big data. The whole experience was extremely immersive. We got hands-on experiences with virtual reality, augmented reality, robots, the Internet of Things and even 3D printing.
One of the most interesting parts was exploring a future city model that runs on 5G technology. The guided tour took us through different interactive zones, like the Robot-Gate, the Hyperloop with AI-powered autonomous driving, a Space Control Center using holographic communication and even a Teleport Room where we dove into virtual reality.
I also had the opportunity to briefly step into the role of a doctor and see firsthand how AI is poised to play a major role in future surgeries.
AI systems, combined with robotics, are already being implemented in many procedures, helping surgeons in real-time by improving decision-making, increasing precision and enhancing safety during remotely guided operations. This technology is reshaping the way surgeries are performed, making them safer and more efficient.
The whole experience was like stepping into a sci-fi movie. It gave us a glimpse of what the world might look like as tech keeps advancing.
Final Moments in Seoul
I can’t believe my time in Seoul has gone by so quickly! With less than three months left, I’m experiencing a mix of excitement and nostalgia. I’m committed to making the most of every moment, discovering new places, learning as much as I can and creating lasting memories before I leave this incredible city.
One of my favorite parts of this experience has been listening to the stories shared by fellow Longhorns at the alumni event. Their experiences were not only inspiring but also a reminder that the Longhorn community is strong, no matter where you are in the world.
Sharing laughs, stories, and advice with these amazing individuals filled me with excitement about my own path and the possibility of giving back to future Longhorns, just as they have done for us.
This post was contributed by Srivaishnavi Vijay, a Global Ambassador for Fall 2024. Srivaishnavi is a freshman studying abroad with Texas Global’s Take the World by the Horns program in Seoul, South Korea.
Leave a Reply