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Student of the Month 이달의 유학생

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(December 2025) Meng Ke (Department of Global Convergence) 신규게시글

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? 처음 한국에 왔을 때는, 항상 “내가 이 일을 잘 해낼 수 있을까, 아니면 충분히 잘할 수 있을까?”라는 생각을 많이 했어요. 다른 사람들의 시선을 지나치게 신경 쓰기도 했고요.그런데 교수님들과 친구들의 응원을 받으면서, 점점 깨닫게 되었어요. 꼭 결과가 완벽할 필요는 없고, 다른 사람들의 기준에 나를 맞추려고 애쓸 필요도 없다는 것을요. 무엇보다도 중요한 건 그 과정에서 내가 무엇을 느끼고, 어떻게 성장했는지, 그리고 그 경험을 통해 무엇을 얻었는지라고 생각하게 되었습니다. When I first came to Korea, I often asked myself, “Can I really do this well? Am I capable enough?” I also worried too much about what others might think of me. But with the encouragement from my professors and friends, I gradually realized that it doesn’t have to be perfect — I don’t need to match other people’s expectations. What matters most is how I felt during the process, how I grew, and what I learned from the experience. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? 저에게 강원대학교는 “꿈을 실현하게 해 준 곳”입니다. 여러 교수님들의 전문적이고 세심한 지도를 받으면서, 중국과 한국의 고대 회화에 대한 연구를 깊이 있게 진행할 수 있었고, 예술학·철학·역사학·커뮤니케이션학 등 여러 학문을 넘나들며 끊임없이 도전할 수 있었습니다. 또한 중·한 문화 교류 속에서 서로를 이어 주는 다리 같은 역할을 하고 있다는 것도 느끼게 되었어요. 그런 의미에서 강원대학교는 지금의 저를 만들어 준 장소이자, 앞으로의 진로를 열어 준 아주 중요한 전환점이라고 생각합니다. For me, Kangwon National University is the place that helped me realize my dreams. Under the expert and attentive guidance of many professors, I was able to carry out in-depth research on ancient Chinese and Korean painting, and even venture across disciplines — from arts to philosophy, history, and communication studies — constantly challenging myself. I also felt that KNU served as a bridge connecting Chinese and Korean cultures. In that sense, KNU is not only a place that shaped who I am today, but also a major turning point that opened up my future path. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? 저는 크게 두 가지 방향의 목표가 있습니다. 첫째, 제 본업인 연구에 더 집중해서 박사 논문 주제를 한 단계 더 발전시키고 싶습니다. 양적으로만이 아니라, 내용적으로도 깊이 있고 의미 있는 논문을 더 많이 발표하면서 제 학문적인 역량을 꾸준히 다져 나가고 싶어요. 둘째, 공부와 연구뿐만 아니라, 한국의 여러 도시를 여행해 보고 싶습니다. 지역마다 다른 분위기를 느끼고, 다양한 음식을 맛보면서 그 속에 담긴 문화를 직접 체험해 보고 싶어요. I have two major goals this year. First, I want to focus more on my primary work — research — and further develop the topic of my doctoral thesis. I hope to continue strengthening my academic capabilities by publishing not just quantitatively, but also in terms of meaningful and deeply researched papers. Second, beyond study and research, I wish to travel around various cities in Korea. I want to experience each region’s unique atmosphere, taste different foods, and immerse myself in the culture embedded in each place. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? 한국 유학을 고민하고 있다면, 저는 이렇게 말해 주고 싶어요. “당신은 유학 생활 속에서 펼쳐질 좋은 경험들을 누릴 자격이 충분히 있고, 이미 자기 삶을 위해 큰 결정을 내릴 용기를 가진 사람”이라고요. 유학을 하다 보면 외롭기도 하고, 불안하거나 스스로를 의심하는 순간도 분명히 있을 거예요. 하지만 결국 나를 정의할 수 있는 사람은 나 자신뿐입니다. 성적, 학교 이름, 주변 사람들의 인정만으로 나를 평가하려고 하지 않았으면 좋겠어요. 그보다 더 중요한 건, 그 과정 속에서 내가 얼마나 더 독립적으로 생각하게 되었는지, 스스로를 돌볼 줄 아는지, 나의 감정과 꿈을 얼마나 소중히 여기게 되었는지라고 생각합니다. 또, 처음에는 한국어가 어렵게 느껴질 수도 있고, 문화 차이나 타인의 시선이 부담스럽게 느껴질 수도 있어요. 그렇지만 그런 것들 때문에 너무 일찍 포기하지 않았으면 합니다. 유학의 목표는 “누군가가 기대하는 모습이 되는 것”이 아니라, “나는 어떤 사람이 되고 싶은가?”를 스스로에게 묻고 답을 찾아가는 과정이라고 생각해요. 이미 한국 유학을 한 번이라도 진지하게 고민해 본 적이 있다면, 저는 그 자체가 큰 용기라고 생각합니다. 한 걸음만 더 내딛어 보면, 생각보다 세상은 더 넓고, 그 안에서의 나 역시 더 강하고 단단한 존재라는 걸 발견하게 될 거예요. If you’re considering studying in Korea, I’d like to tell you this: you absolutely deserve to enjoy all the wonderful experiences that await you, and you already have the courage to make a big decision for your life. Yes, there will be loneliness, anxiety, and moments of self-doubt. But in the end, only you can define yourself. I hope you won’t let grades, the name of the school, or other people’s recognition be the measures of your worth. Instead, what matters more is how much more independently you can think, whether you learn to take care of yourself, and how deeply you value your own feelings and dreams. At first, Korean might feel difficult, cultural differences or others’ judgments may feel burdensome — but I hope you won’t quit too soon because of those things. I think the goal of studying abroad should not be “becoming what someone else expects you to be,” but “asking yourself who you want to become,” and finding your own answer. If you have ever seriously considered studying in Korea, that itself is already a huge act of courage. Just take one more step — you will soon realize the world is broader than you imagined, and that yourself can become stronger and more resilient than you ever thought. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? 한국에서 지내면서 예전에는 거의 없었던 새로운 습관이 몇 가지 생겼어요. 우선 헬스장에 가는 게 일상처럼 되었습니다. 제 주변 한국 남자 친구들이 꾸준히 헬스장에 다니는 걸 보면서 처음엔 그냥 따라만 갔는데, 운동을 하다 보니 몸도 마음도 훨씬 가벼워지고, 에너지가 생기는 걸 느꼈어요. 외적인 모습도 조금 더 멋있어지는 것 같고요. 이제는 운동이 논문을 쓰고 연구를 하면서 쌓이는 스트레스를 푸는 중요한 시간 중 하나가 되었습니다. 그리고 또 하나 큰 변화는… 제가 아이스 아메리카노를 정말 좋아하게 되었다는 거예요. 예전에는 커피를 거의 마시지 않았는데, 한국은 어디를 가도 카페가 많고, 사람들이 손에 커피를 들고 다니는 모습이 자연스럽잖아요. 그러다 보니 저도 점점 영향을 받게 되더라고요. 아침에 연구실로 갈 때나 논문을 쓰다가 머리가 복잡해질 때, 아이스 아메리카노 한 잔을 들고 있으면 마치 “전원 버튼”을 눌러 켠 것처럼 금방 집중력이 올라가고, 하루를 다시 시작하는 기분이 들어요. 그래서 지금 저를 대표하는 한국 생활의 작은 행복을 꼽으라면, 헬스와 아이스 아메리카노라고 말할 수 있을 것 같습니다. Living in Korea, I’ve developed a few new habits I almost never had before. First, going to the gym has become part of my routine. At first, I just followed along because many of my Korean male friends went regularly, but after exercising I realized how much lighter my body and mind felt, and I gained energy. I feel that my appearance has improved a little, too. Now, working out is one of the most important ways for me to relieve the stress accumulated from writing papers and doing research. And another big change was… I really came to love iced americano. I rarely drank coffee before, but in Korea cafés are everywhere and it’s common to see people carrying a cup with them. Gradually I got influenced, too. When I’m heading to the lab in the morning or when I’m stuck writing a paper and feel mentally cluttered, having an iced americano feels like pressing a “power button” — it immediately boosts my focus and makes me feel ready to start the day again. If I had to choose small joys that represent my life in Korea, I’d say working out and iced americano. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and China? 한국에서 살면서 정말 사소한 일상 속 작은 차이들에서 문화의 차이를 많이 느꼈고, 그 과정에서 재미있는 경험도 많이 했어요. 예를 들어, 중국에서는 따뜻한 물이나 뜨거운 물을 마시는 것이 매우 자연스럽고, 특히 겨울에는 얼음물이나 차가운 음료를 거의 마시지 않아요. 그런데 한국에서는 계절과 상관없이 얼음물을 많이 마시잖아요. 한국에 처음 왔을 때 한겨울에 추운 날씨 속에서 식당에 들어갔는데, 따뜻한 차 대신 얼음 동동 뜬 물이 나와서 정말 깜짝 놀랐던 기억이 있습니다. 생활 습관에서도 차이가 많아요. 중국에서는 집 안에서 슬리퍼를 신는 경우가 많은데, 한국에서는 맨발로 생활하는 분들도 꽤 많더라고요. 또 하나 인상 깊었던 건 양치 습관이에요. 중국에서는 보통 아침·저녁 위주로 양치하는 경우가 많은데, 한국에서는 식사 후에 거의 “당연히” 양치하는 분위기잖아요. 처음에 학교 식당에서 점심을 먹고 나서 친구들이 줄줄이 화장실로 가서 양치하는 모습을 보고 “왜 이렇게 다 같이 가는 거지?” 하고 신기해했던 적도 있어요. 나중에 알고 보니 한국에서는 아주 자연스러운 일상이더라고요. 이런 작은 차이들이 처음에는 낯설고 어색하게 느껴졌지만, 지금은 저도 두 문화를 자유롭게 오가게 된 것 같아요. 가방에는 늘 보온병을 챙기지만, 밥을 먹고 나면 한국 친구들처럼 양치를 하기도 하고요. 이렇게 일상 속 사소한 습관들의 차이를 몸으로 느끼다 보니, 중·한 문화의 공통점과 차이점을 더 깊이 생각하게 되었고, 덕분에 제 유학생활도 훨씬 더 생생하고 재미있어졌습니다. Living in Korea, I noticed many subtle cultural differences in everyday life, and those small differences often turned into fun experiences. For example, in China it’s very natural — especially in winter — to drink warm or hot water, and it’s rare to drink cold beverages. But in Korea, people drink iced water regardless of the season. I remember when I first came to Korea: even in the middle of winter, I went into a restaurant and was surprised to be served a glass of ice water instead of warm tea. There are also many differences in everyday habits. In China, it’s common to wear slippers inside the house, but in Korea many people go barefoot inside. One thing that left a strong impression on me was the tooth-brushing habit. In China, people usually brush their teeth in the morning and evening, but in Korea I noticed that after meals, almost everyone brushes their teeth “as a matter of course.” One time after lunch at the school cafeteria, I saw my friends heading to the restroom in a line to brush their teeth and wondered, “Why is everyone going together like this?” Later I realized that in Korea it’s just a normal part of daily life. At first, those small differences felt strange or awkward, but now I feel like I have become someone who is comfortable moving between both cultures. I always carry a thermos bottle, but after meals I also brush my teeth like my Korean friends. Experiencing those little everyday differences firsthand made me reflect more deeply on the similarities and differences between Chinese and Korean cultures. Thanks to that, my study abroad life became much more vivid and enjoyable.
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- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2026.01.07
- 조회수84
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(November 2025) Chelcea Mae Lagmay Darang (Department of Science Education)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? My biggest challenge was adjusting to the language barrier and fast-paced communication. Daily tasks like visiting offices or understanding announcements were difficult at first. However, I learned to adapt by studying Korean and asking for help from friends and professors. Over time, these experiences helped me become more independent and confident. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? KNU is very special to me because it was where I truly grew as a student and researcher. It gave me the opportunity to learn from inspiring professors and meet students from different countries. My experiences there built my confidence to pursue research and teaching. KNU will always be a place that reminds me of growth, resilience, and friendship. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? This year, I hope to continue working on research projects and publishing more papers with my professors from KNU, SNU and from other universities. I also want to gain more teaching experiences on how to improve science approaches. Another goal is to strengthen my academic network and collaborate internationally. These will help me prepare for my future PhD journey. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? Be open-minded and ready to step out of your comfort zone. Studying in Korea is not just about academics but also about learning new ways of thinking and living. It’s important to embrace cultural differences and build good relationships with people around you. These experiences will make your journey more meaningful and memorable. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? While staying in Korea, I developed the habit of journaling and spending quiet time in cafes to reflect and plan my work. I also enjoy visiting new places and trying local foods, which helps me understand Korean culture better. These small routines have helped me balance my academic life and personal well-being. They also allow me to stay motivated and grateful for my experiences here. Also, I was able to showcase my hobby in dancing through performing with other international students in some events. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Philippines? Yes, one meaningful experience was seeing how much Koreans value teamwork and punctuality in both school and daily life. It’s quite different from what I was used to in the Philippines, where communication tends to be more relaxed. Learning this helped me become more organized and respectful of others’ time. It also made me reflect on the strengths of both cultures.
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- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.12.08
- 조회수219
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(October 2025) Nguyen Hoang Diep (Department of Media and Communication)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? To be honest, the hardest time for me was going through a breakup while studying abroad. Being in a long-distance relationship was difficult, and when it ended, I felt very lonely and cried a lot. Luckily, I was not alone—my friends at KNU stayed by my side, and even my professor kindly encouraged me to stay strong and keep going. Thanks to their support, I was able to overcome that difficult period and focus on my studies and personal growth. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? For me, KNU is the place where my dream of studying in Korea came true. It is not only where I learned about media and communication, but also where I met amazing professors and friends who supported me in difficult times. It feels like a home full of warm memories. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? I just graduated, so this year my goal is to slowly find my path—whether it’s work or further studies. I don’t know everything yet, but I hope to keep learning and stay healthy while taking things step by step. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? My advice is: if studying in Korea is your dream, just go for it, because it is truly worth it. Korea is a beautiful country with high-quality education, and studying here will help you broaden your mindset, become more independent, and grow as a person. There are also many extracurricular activities and scholarships that support students, so you can learn a lot both inside and outside the classroom. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? While staying in Korea, I developed a hobby of traveling a lot, sometimes even by myself. Korea is very safe and has convenient transportation, so it was easy for me to explore different places. Traveling allowed me to discover the beauty of the country, learn more about the culture, and create unforgettable memories along the way. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Vietnam? Yes, one fun cultural difference is about cilantro. In Vietnam, cilantro is everywhere—in pho, noodles, and many dishes. But in Korea, it’s not common, and many of my Korean friends really cannot eat it. When they visited Vietnam, they even had to ask the restaurant to remove cilantro from their food. For me it was funny, because as a Vietnamese I’m so used to it, but it also showed how taste can be such an interesting cultural difference.
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- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.11.12
- 조회수688
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(September 2025) Gofurova Shakhzoda (Department of Psychology)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? The biggest challenges for me have been the longing for my family and dietary restrictions due to my religion. Although I expected these challenges before coming to Korea, living apart from my family for three years has made me feel this longing even more deeply. To cope with this, I make sure to stay in contact with my family every day, no matter how busy I am. This daily connection helps me maintain a healthy balance in my life. As a Muslim, it is also important for me to eat halal food. In the beginning, it was difficult to adjust, but over time I learned to cook for myself and found ways to adapt. Thanks to this, daily life in Korea has become much more comfortable, and I no longer see this as a major obstacle. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? To me, Kangwon National University represents both a significant investment in my future and a truly special place. This university has given me valuable knowledge, opportunities, and experiences. I even consider it my second family in Korea, as I have spent the past three years here with a strong sense of belonging. When the time comes for me to graduate, I know I will feel very sad to leave. Nevertheless, when I achieve success in the future, I will proudly share that Kangwon National University played an important role in my journey. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? As graduation approaches, my goal this year is to prepare more systematically for the future. I am currently able to communicate in almost five languages, and this year I plan to further strengthen these skills. I also intend to retake the TOPIK exam to renew my score and achieve my desired result in IELTS in the near future. Beyond academics, maintaining a healthy lifestyle through consistent exercise is also one of my priorities. No matter how busy I am, I believe that balancing my health with my studies will allow me to achieve both my academic and personal goals. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? The first and most important advice I would give is to learn the language of the country before studying abroad. Of course, English is a global language and can be helpful, but knowing the local language provides much greater advantages. Second, I would recommend learning about the culture of the host country. Adapting to a new environment becomes much easier when you are familiar with its traditions and daily life. Finally, for those planning to study in Korea, it is important to learn in advance about the teaching and evaluation systems at Korean universities. Personally, this was something I found challenging in the beginning, and I believe that future students who prepare for it will adapt much more smoothly. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? At first, living away from my family made it difficult to adjust, and I often felt stressed. Over time, however, I discovered a new hobby—sports. Currently, I regularly go to the gym and swimming pool at the Baekryeong Sports Center on campus. Exercise has become an essential part of my life, reducing fatigue and giving me more energy to focus on my studies and interests. I am truly grateful that our university provides such excellent facilities and opportunities for students, as they have had a very positive impact on my life. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Uzbekistan? Yes, one of the most interesting differences I experienced was the concept of time. In Uzbekistan, being a little late to a gathering is often acceptable. However, in Korea, I noticed that everyone arrives exactly on time, which surprised me at first. Since then, I have also become more punctual and now value time commitments much more strictly.
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- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.10.13
- 조회수620
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(August 2025) Laryea Lydia (Department of Accounting)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? I would say it’s the winter season here in Korea. As a student from a sub-Saharan country where I wasn’t familiar with winter, the cold season here has been quite a struggle. Looking forward to winter was never something I did. So, I was really glad to learn about KNU’s Winter Coat Distribution Day. Thanks to the winter coats KNU provides, it has been helping me adjust to the cold little by little. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? To me, KNU represents growth. It’s not just a place to get a great academic experience but also a place to grow and build yourself up. With many extracurricular activities like language exchange classes, Taekwondo, Sports Day, tutoring programs, and more, KNU offers students plenty of opportunities to explore new interests. Through these activities, I’ve been able to develop new passions and build confidence, which has greatly contributed to my self improvement. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? Through the connections I’ve been making here at KNU and meeting people from all around the world , I’ve developed an interest in learning a new language. My goal is to pick up any new language this year, and with the variety of foreign language programs KNU offers its students, I’m hopeful I’ll achieve that by the end of the year. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? Studying in Korea as an international student initially seem boring and stressful to me until I decided to make it fun and engaging. Korean universities offer many opportunities for international students to explore the Korean culture through clubs and various cultural experiences. So Take every chance to enjoy international life here, participate in activities, meet new people, and make good friends. I promise you’ll enjoy your student life in Korea.” Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? I took the opportunity to participate in an ice skating class organized by KNU. Again coming from a sub-Saharan country I didn’t expect to enjoy it much since I wasn’t used to winter sports. however the experience actually came out to be very positive. The teachers were super patient , helpful, and supportive which made it easier to learn the basics.and to my surprise I ended up really enjoying ice skating, and now it’s become a new hobby of mine Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Ghana? Definitely! One thing that really stood out to me was how well most Koreans can handle spicy food. Back home in Ghana, I wasn’t particularly a fan of very spicy dishes, but in Korea, I quickly noticed that spicy flavors are a big part of the cuisine, and many people enjoy eating very spicy meals regularly. It was both surprising and impressive to see how much spice Koreans can enjoy without much hesitation.Overall, observing and experiencing these cultural differences between Korea and Ghana has helped me grow to appreciate the richness of both cultures.
- 29
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.09.22
- 조회수448
28
(July 2025) Kateboonlue Nichkamol (Department of Applied Plant Science)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? I think the biggest challenge has been learning how to live on my own. It was quite different from living with my family, so I spent a lot of time figuring out how to take care of myself in this new environment. It was my first time living alone, so although I was clumsy at first, it was also exciting. As I gradually filled my room with things, I also started to learn how to let go of what I don’t need. I realized that doing things on your own isn’t necessarily hard—it just takes the courage to begin. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? My first step toward independence began when I moved into the dormitory, where I lived for about a year. One day, I took what I thought was a shortcut to campus and ended up following the forest path that surrounds the school. The atmosphere of the woods, the red brick buildings, and the short autumn afternoon made it feel like a scene from a movie. I don’t have as much time now to walk around and enjoy the campus as I used to, but I still think KNU is a very beautiful place. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? This year, I hope to become an undergraduate research assistant. Although the opportunity was available last year, I didn’t apply because I didn’t fully understand its value. Now, I feel more motivated and hope that through this experience, I can deepen my understanding of my major. So I plan to apply this year. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? If I could give one piece of advice, it would be to take time to think about your vision and how you plan to achieve it—step by step. In my case, I once read news about cultured meat, and I began to wonder, “What if plants could also be cultured and eaten?” That led me to develop an interest in verifying such cultured plants, and that’s why I chose to study at KNU, which has a strong history in agricultural sciences. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? Because Korea has four distinct seasons, I developed the habit of using hand cream and lotion during the colder months. In Thailand, the warm weather keeps your skin naturally hydrated, so I didn’t really use them there. Also, running has become a hobby for me. Back in Thailand, I used to swim often, but in Korea, I started running regularly at Gongji Stream and the university stadium. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Thailand? In the early days of my stay in Korea, I had a habit of observing whether or not subways had overhead racks. In Thailand, which is a Buddhist country, the head is considered sacred, so even placing things above someone’s head is avoided. That’s why Thai subways don’t have overhead racks. On the other hand, Korean subways do, and I find them really convenient!
- 27
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.08.29
- 조회수415
26
(June 2025) Laurine Vite (Department of English Language and Literature)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? I think feeling homesick and missing all my loved ones is my biggest struggle here. A flight to France takes around twelve hours or more, so I cannot go back to see my family and friends very often, nor can they. Even though I really enjoy my time in Korea, it gets hard sometimes. It sounds silly, but I also miss eating French food a lot (especially bread, oh how I miss baguettes!) even though I love Korean food. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? To me, KNU represents the start of my independence. I left my country and came here alone, started from everything from scratch again, made friends, found a place to live, a part-time job, and managed to pursue my studies. It is a place where I grew out of my shell, discovered new aspects of myself and of the world. I will forever think of this university with fondness, as I was able to start my adult life there and made precious memories I’ll always carry with me along the way. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? This year, I really hope to be able to complete my thesis successfully. It’s one of my biggest challenges and worry these days, so I really hope I can write a thesis that I am proud of by the end of this year. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? If you’re interested in studying in Korea, it’s very important to thoroughly research all the needed information beforehand, especially when it comes to administrative matters. Visas require lots of time and documents, so it’s imperative to make sure you know which documents you need to have, or you will lose a lot of time and possibly money. Don’t hesitate to contact your country’s Korean Embassy if you’re having doubts— the same goes for your university’s administration. Learning some Korean is a plus, as you will feel a bit more confident when you arrive and I think Korean people will really appreciate you speaking their language, even if it’s just a little. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? After leaving in Korea for three years, I’ve developed lots of habits I previously didn’t have. I eat a lot of kimchi now, even though I couldn’t eat it at all back in France because I found it too spicy. I go to karaokes with my friends when we have some free time or feel stressed— it’s very effective to relax! I also often like to go to new cute cafés I’ve seen online or while walking around the city; Korean cafés really know how to set up a nice atmosphere for customers. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and France? One of the biggest cultural differences between Korea and France that struck me the first time I saw it is related to food. The first time I was in a restaurant that had garlic bread on their menu, I was excited because it had been a while since I ate some. I ordered it and when I took a bite of that garlic bread, I was so shocked: it was sweet and sugary! In France, our garlic bread tastes radically different! Over time, I realized that Korean people tend to eat more sweet food than French people do, which really surprised me. All my other French friends living in Korea were also shocked by this cultural difference regarding food.
- 25
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.08.04
- 조회수378
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(May 2025) Tsuboi Yusuke (Department of Cultural Anthropology)

Q1. What has been the biggest challenge while living in Korea? I have found living in Korea to be quite comfortable, often even more so than in Japan. For example, I appreciate how easy it is to order food delivery anytime, study or work in cozy cafés, and conduct most transactions cashlessly. The main challenge, however, has been communicating in Korean. After living here for two years, I’ve become more accustomed to it, but having daily conversations in Korean still isn’t easy. There are always new words or expressions to learn—language study really never ends. With that in mind, I plan to continue studying diligently. Q2. What does Kangwon National University (KNU) mean to you? To me, KNU has been a precious place where I could experience a college-age life that I didn’t truly enjoy in Japan. At my Japanese university, I commuted from home, worked part-time, and missed out on club activities. Then came the pandemic, and I spent the final two years of my undergraduate studies taking online classes from home, leaving me with a sense of regret for not having a typical student life. At KNU, I've spent my youth studying in the library and cafés with friends, sharing meals, playing board games, and playing football—it finally felt like a real student life. During graduate school, I also had meaningful experiences thanks to supportive professors and fellow students. I’ve built many lasting connections here. KNU has become a second home to me in Korea, and even after graduation, it will remain one of my most treasured places. Q3. What are your goals or plans for this year? My primary goal this year is to complete my master's thesis. I’m researching how historical memory of forced labor during the Japanese colonial period is carried forward, with a focus on civic movements in Korea and Japan. I plan to conduct fieldwork and library research both in Japan and Korea this summer, aiming to complete the thesis next semester. My second goal is to read more Korean literature. Due to time constraints, I haven’t had many chances to read Korean novels in Korean. While authors like Han Kang have gained international attention, I want to deepen my understanding of Korea through a broader range of literature. Additionally, I hope to visit Korean cities I haven’t been to yet. Each city has its own unique character, history, and culture—I have yet to visit places like Suncheon or Mokpo in Jeolla Province, and I intend to visit them this year. Finally, I want to improve my Chinese. I’ve met many Chinese friends here at KNU and enjoy spending time with them. This year, I hope to develop at least a basic conversational ability in Chinese. Q4. What advice would you give students hoping to study in Korea? First, I believe maintaining consistent Korean study is essential. Studying in Korea requires Korean in nearly every situation. Korean has complex grammar and various expressions, and even for me, as a Japanese speaker with some linguistic similarities, it remains challenging. Yet it is also an undeniably beautiful and rich language. Most Koreans are patient and kind when understanding even imperfect Korean, so I recommend studying confidently and continuously. Second, I recommend immersing yourself in various aspects of Korean culture. While K-pop is globally popular, Korea has diverse cultural offerings—film, television dramas, novels, and cuisine. Among international students who are thriving here, many show genuine interest in Korean culture. Exploring Korean culture from multiple perspectives is a key to a successful study abroad experience. Q5. Have you developed any new habits or hobbies since living in Korea? One new habit I’ve adopted is discovering different cafés and restaurants. In Japan, many eateries are part of chains, so the same shops appear in every city. In Korea, along with chains, there are many unique, independently run cafés and restaurants—with each having its own charm. I use Naver Map to keep a list of places I’ve visited, and this has truly become a habit. Q6. Have you experienced any special or fun cultural differences between Korea and Japan? One of the most interesting cultural differences I noticed is related to meals. In Japan, it's quite common to eat alone, and I used to do so most of the time as well. In contrast, Korea has a strong culture of sharing meals with others. Dishes are often served in larger portions and meant to be enjoyed together, which is quite different from what I was used to in Japan. At first, I thought eating alone was simply more comfortable, but after coming to Korea, I realized how sharing meals can bring people closer. Now, eating with friends has become something I genuinely enjoy. Another thing I found meaningful was how often people offer to treat others to meals. These moments made me feel the warmth and care of Korean people, and I came to understand the uniquely Korean concept of jeong (情), a deep emotional bond and sense of connection that goes beyond simple kindness. Even the variety of side dishes served at each meal seems to reflect this spirit—showing how much thought and affection Koreans put into the act of sharing food.
- 23
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.07.04
- 조회수495
22
(April 2025) Tiow Yun Yi (Department of Molecular Bioscience)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? One of the biggest challenges I faced while living in Korea was adapting to the language barrier. Additionally, adjusting to cultural differences, such as the use of honorific terms, was challenging. In Korea, it is essential to use the appropriate speech levels when addressing seniors, professors, or even older classmates, which is quite different from the more casual way of speaking in Malaysia. Understanding and applying these cultural norms took time, but it ultimately helped me integrate better into Korean society and build respectful relationships. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? Kangwon National University is more than just a place of study for me—it represents the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Even before coming to Korea, I aspired to study at KNU because of its excellent facilities, supportive academic environment, and strong research opportunities in Molecular Bioscience. The university’s beautiful campus, advanced laboratories, and well-structured programs provided the perfect setting for both academic and personal growth. Additionally, KNU offers great connections through its diverse international community and various networking opportunities, which have helped me expand my perspectives and build valuable relationships. Studying here has been a truly rewarding experience, and I feel grateful to have achieved my dream of being part of such a prestigious institution. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? As I approach graduation, my main goal this year is to successfully complete my studies while gaining valuable research experience in Molecular Bioscience. I hope to apply the knowledge and skills I have acquired at KNU to contribute to meaningful scientific research, whether through internships, projects, or further academic pursuits. On a personal level, I want to make the most of my remaining time in Korea by participating in cultural activities and creating lasting memories with my friends. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? For students planning to study in Korea, I recommend learning Korean well, as it will help in academics and daily life. Stepping out of your comfort zone and joining activities or cultural events will make your experience more fulfilling. Don’t be shy to reach out and build friendships with both local and international students, as they can provide support and valuable insights. University life in Korea can be challenging, so good time management and adaptability are essential. With an open mind and proactive attitude, studying in Korea can be a truly rewarding experience. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? While staying in Korea, I developed the habit of listening to the news regularly, which has helped me stay informed about both local and international events. I also started exercising while enjoying Korea’s beautiful scenery, often hiking or walking around parks and mountains, which has been both refreshing and motivating. Additionally, I made it a point to travel around Korea, exploring different cities and experiencing the rich culture, food, and history.
- 21
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.06.16
- 조회수501
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(March 2025) Regina Martha Lumongsod (Department of Geology)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? Like most international students, I think the biggest challenge for me was moving into a new country alone, where people don’t know me and I don’t know much about the language. I think moving to a new country is already a big hurdle, and if you combine that with struggling to understand even the most mundane things like proper waste disposal or topping up your transportation card, it’s easy to feel lost and confused. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? KNU has quite literally become my second home, as I spend most of my time on campus, as well as meet up with friends or go to and from other places through bus stops within and outside the campus. Since I am already familiar with KNU, it helps me feel more comfortable and at ease when I stroll around the university, which is very picturesque during all four seasons of the year. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? I would like to concentrate on doing more research that will eventually pave the way for the completion of my Ph.D. degree in Geology, which includes going on fieldworks, doing experiments, and writing papers. I would also like to get a higher TOPIK score within the year. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? It’s very exciting, challenging, and fulfilling, all at the same time, to study in Korea. If you can, prepare yourself as much as possible, like familiarizing yourself with the language and the culture. Most importantly, keep an open mind and be ready for the new experiences that you will face once you arrive. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? I have learned that self-care is very important if you want to be more productive in any activity or to achieve any goal you want to achieve. While it is important to always give your best in everything you do, it is also equally important to listen to your body and to your mind, and be aware of what works and doesn’t work for you. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Philippines? Definitely! I think one of the more interesting “culture shocks” I have experienced is that they don’t really eat fried chicken with rice here in Korea, but in the Philippines, fried chicken with rice is actually a very common meal. Also, we don’t really have public/common baths in the Philippines, so imagine my shock when I actually visited one for the first time!
- 19
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.05.14
- 조회수460
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(February 2025) Doan Thi Kim Loc (Department of Korean Language and Literature)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? The cost of living in Korea is higher compared to my home country, which makes it financially challenging. Rent is quite expensive, and daily living costs continue to rise, so managing my expenses has been difficult. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? For me, Kangwon National University represents a "new beginning." It is a place where I can gain new knowledge, meet new friends, have new experiences, and ultimately transform myself into a better version of who I am. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? My goal for this year is to complete my master's thesis and graduate, while also obtaining a Korean language teaching certificate. These two goals are crucial for my academic growth and my future career as an educator. To achieve them, I have carefully planned my studies and am working hard to accomplish them. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? Just preparing and coming this far to study in Korea is already a great achievement. There are many opportunities and possibilities waiting for you. Whenever you face difficulties, I encourage you to remember your initial dream and never give up until the end. I wish you all the best on your journey! Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? Since moving to Korea, I have started exercising regularly. Despite my busy academic schedule, I realized the importance of exercising to relieve stress and maintain my health. Fortunately, Kangwon National University’s Baekryeong Sports Center offers various sports facilities and activities, making it convenient for me to stay active. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Philippines? The festival culture in Korea is quite different from what I experienced in Vietnam. In particular, Korean regional festivals showcase each region’s unique traditions and culture, leaving a strong impression on participants. I once attended the Chuncheon Dakgalbi Festival, where I had the opportunity to experience various food-related activities centered around dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken). Tasting dakgalbi prepared in the traditional Chuncheon style allowed me to appreciate the local culture, which made the experience truly special.
- 17
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.04.08
- 조회수518
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(January 2025) Chen Zhongyang (Department of Global Convergence)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? Applying for a dormitory has been a bit difficult so far. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? Kangwon National University is a very special place for me. It's where I can gain knowledge and work on self-improvement. The university has excellent educational resources and a team of professional professors who help me dive deeper into my studies and build my skills. It’s also a fantastic social platform where I can meet friends and classmates from different regions. Plus, the variety of club activities on campus is meaningful and helps me better understand Korean culture. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? I want to improve my Korean skills so I can communicate more smoothly with locals. At the same time, I aim to complete my thesis successfully and graduate without any issues. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? Focus on learning the language well and make sure to respect the local culture and customs. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? I’ve started to enjoy playing soccer with people here. After playing, we often eat together or hang out, and I really like that. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Colombia? One thing I’ve noticed is how polite people are in Korea. For example, juniors bow to their seniors as a formal way of showing respect, which feels very meaningful. Another thing is how much emphasis Koreans place on Chuseok. It feels similar to how we celebrate the Lunar New Year in China, with many restaurants and businesses closing so people can go home and spend time with their families.
- 15
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.03.17
- 조회수563

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