국제교류처

KANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

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.