Author: Darren Blount | Majors: Computer Science, Math, and Physics | Semester: January Intersession 2024
Stepping off the plane and into the bustling streets of Seoul felt like the start of a canvas, painting my first experience beyond home shores. From ancient palaces’ whispered echoes to fragrant spices steeping tendrils, each moment, a unique stroke, creating a masterpiece of memories.
My brush, dry with inkless bristles; I was lost among a new culture. No matter where I was, I seemed to be in everyone’s way. It was the simple things too: how to complete self-checkout, how to order food, or even which side of the street to walk on; however, I was not alone. I met a group of people, and we struggled together until we didn’t seem like flightless birds thrown from a nest.
Outside Inchon Memorial Hall
When walking to class, I felt at home because Korea University’s hilly terrain left me just as winded as the University of Arkansas’. The architecture was impressive: each building decorated with intricate designs. (As an example, this is Inchon Memorial Hall).
The instruction was similar to what I was used to at the University of Arkansas: the professor, an accomplished neural network and AI algorithm researcher, eagerly came into the classroom, set up his riveting material, and began to capture my attention as I saw the practical application of his lectures. I learned how to synthesize large heaps of data into predictive models that could be used to identify early on-set diabetes and also how to train a neural network to recognize handwritten numbers using the MNIST dataset. On the last day of class, Dr. Kim alluded towards generative artificial networks and how their implementation can reduce cybersecurity attacks which fascinated me. Taking artificial intelligence with Dr. Kim was an eye-opening experience where I was exposed to the forefront research in the field.
The thought of using public transportation was daunting because I have never used the metro or subway in the U.S., and only have heard horror stories from friends; however, the Seoul metro was incredibly clean and even easier to navigate. With that figured out, I could travel all around Seoul.
The malls are insane. Here was the library in one. And here is me next to this giant inflatable character. All still inside the mall! Right outside were Psy’s Gangnam Style hands.
If you ever visit Seoul, you have to visit the cafes. The themes are so creative and the deserts are a work of art. I visited a meerkat cafe for example.
Later on in the trip, I dressed up in the traditional Hanbok attire and explored Gyeongbokgung Palace. It had just snowed the night before, so I was freezing. Then, I celebrated New Years by watching the countdown projected on the tallest building in Seoul which later, I went up and viewed the city from 1,821 feet in the air.
Hanbok Attire at Gyeongbokgung Palace
Seoul from 1,821 Feet Up
My favorite time in Seoul was visiting a traditional tea house where I tried Omija Tea which means five flavors: sweetness, sourness, bitterness, saltiness, and pungency.
Then, after aimlessly walking, this artist ushered us into his gallery of calligraphy art. Truly breathtaking.
Each moment, a memory permanently etched in my mind.
For advice, I would recommend learning as much Korean as you can because it would allow you to connect with the locals more deeply than I was able to. Also, if something seems interesting, just go. Some of my favorite memories were spontaneous treks to random places I found on a map. I won’t lie, arriving was scary, but by the end of this experience, I didn’t want to leave. Make sure to dip your brush in ink and create a masterpiece of memories.