My Personal Experience living In South Korea Living in South Korean as an international student was an exciting experience, especially when it came to social and cultural life. At first, it was a bit overwhelming adjusting to a new culture, especially since the majority of Koreans can’t speak English, but everything went smoothly through the Buddy Program organized by the campus. Each international student was paired with a Korean buddy, and they were incredibly helpful in guiding us through everything, from suggesting us to get a bus card to understanding cultural norms.
My buddies were super friendly and helped me a lot. During the first couple of weeks, they showed the local food spots around campus and they favorite café. We also usually eat lunch together in the campus cafeteria while chatting about our campus life. One time, my buddy invited me to his apartment and he made us a delicious Korean dish called Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken).
The buddy program wasn’t just about guidance, though. It became a great way to build friendships. We’d often hang out with the other international students and their buddy to do some picnics or just eating some pizzas and going to noraebang (karaoke rooms). Karaoke is a big part of social life in Korea, while people not just singing but also bonding with each other. We also took a lot of pictures together, especially when the cherry blossom seasons. My buddies even suggested must-visit places when I traveled to Busan and Seoul during the semester break.
One of my favorite things to do with my buddies was exchanging cultures. They often took me to try Korean dishes like tteokbokki or kalkugsu, and in return, I’d take them to an Indonesian restaurant to introduce them to dishes like rendang. Even though they mentioned that Indonesian food was a bit too spicy for them, they still really enjoyed it!
One thing I really appreciated about the Korean culture was the balance between modern and traditional. During the Chamoe (Korean melon) seasons, we visited Chamoe festivals and explored historical temples. At the same time, we also spent plenty of time in vibrant city centers and modern café. This blend of old and new gave me a deep appreciation of the rich Korean culture.
Even on campus, social life was active. There were a lot of activities for international students, which were a great way to meet people from all over the world. One of the highlights was a trip to Ulleungdo and Dokdo, where we immersed ourselves even more in Korean culture. These interactions helped me understand not only Korean culture but also how different cultures intersect in a global student community.
Overall, the Buddy Program and welcoming nature of the local students made my time in South Korea both exciting and meaningful.
Author : Raehan Abdillah
