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Student of the Month 이달의 유학생

31
(May 2025) Tsuboi Yusuke (Department of Cultural Anthropology) 신규게시글

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.
- 30
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.07.04
- 조회수26
29
(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.
- 28
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.06.16
- 조회수179
27
(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!
- 26
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.05.14
- 조회수171
25
(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.
- 24
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.04.08
- 조회수248
23
(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.
- 22
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.03.17
- 조회수307
21
(Decemer 2024) Carlos Mario Melendez Medina (Department of International Trade)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? One of my biggest challenges while living in Korea has been learning the Korean language. My master’s program is conducted in English, so I don’t need Korean for academic purposes. However, it quickly became clear that Korean is essential for daily life, whether it’s communicating with locals, navigating public services, or simply engaging with the culture on a deeper level. It was particularly challenging to understand and adapt to situations where people didn’t speak English, such as at local markets, restaurants, or even in transportation. These moments made me realize how much easier and more fulfilling life in Korea would be if I could communicate in the language. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? Kangwon National University honestly feels like my second home. From the moment I arrived, it’s been a place where I’ve felt welcomed and supported. I’ve made so many amazing friends here, and those friendships have really helped me adjust to life in Korea and feel like I belong. What I love about KNU is how much it has to offer outside of academics. There are so many programs, clubs, and festivals that make student life exciting and fun. I’ve had the chance to experience things I never would have back home—like attending festivals full of music, food, and performances, or joining activities that let me connect with students from all over the world. These moments have created incredible memories that I’ll carry with me forever. KNU isn’t just a university to me; it’s where I’ve grown as a person, explored new opportunities, and found a place that truly feels like a second family. It’s played such a big role in shaping my time in Korea, and I’m so grateful for everything it’s given me. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? The countdown has definitely started, I'm in my third semester now, which means I only have one left! My main goal is to graduate successfully and finish my program strong. At the same time, I want to focus on improving my Korean language skills. Even though my classes are in English, being better at Korean would make everyday life so much easier and help me connect more with people and the culture. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? If you’re thinking about studying in Korea, here’s my advice! First, try to learn a little Korean before coming, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but knowing some basics like greetings or how to order food can make a big difference. Once you’re here, join a university club or group. It’s a great way to make friends, meet new people, and really immerse yourself in campus life. Also, if possible, connect with a foreign student who’s already living in Korea before you arrive. They can give you tips, share their experiences, and help you understand what to expect. Adjusting to a new culture can feel overwhelming at first, but having someone guide you through the basics, like transportation or navigating the university system, can make things much easier. Most importantly, stay open-minded and enjoy the experience—it’s a unique opportunity to learn and grow! Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? One new habit I’ve developed while staying in Korea is taking off my shoes or slippers before going inside a house. This is such a normal part of life here, but it was a big change for me because, in Colombia, we don’t have this habit. At first, I would sometimes forget, but now it’s become second nature, and I actually really like it. It makes the house feel cleaner and cozier. It’s one of those little cultural differences that has stuck with me and changed how I think about my daily routines. Q6. Did you have any meaningful or fun experiences observing the cultural differences between Korea and Colombia? Yes, I had a meaningful experience observing cultural differences during a camp I attended with Korean people for four days. When we arrived, I noticed that the bathroom was a large open room with many showers. Curious, I asked if everyone showered together there, and they said yes. This was a big surprise to me because in my country, Colombia, it’s not common to have shared shower spaces like this. At first, I was a little embarrassed but later I got used to it.
- 20
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2025.02.10
- 조회수330
19
(Novemer 2024) Farhana Binti Haslan Farouk (Department of Computer Science and Engineering)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? Living in Korea has definitely taught me to be self-reliant, even with little things, like struggling to open a stubborn jar of tomato sauce, haha! Although I came prepared to live far from family and friends, the reality of making new friends and finding my place here has been a journey. I really miss Malaysian food, even though I enjoy Korean dishes. And of course, there’s the language challenge, since most of my classes are in Korean, I’m always working to keep my skills sharp. It’s been a mix of new experiences and small challenges, but each one has made this journey feel worthwhile. And honestly, I still can’t get used to the Korean winters! It’s so cold and gloomy, with hardly any sunshine. Even with all the layers, the chill still feels new every time. But I guess that’s all part of the experience, learning to adjust not just to a new culture and language, but even to a whole different climate! Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? KNU means so much to me! It’s a big part of my youth and my 20s that I’ll always remember. Coming here was my first experience living away from home, and it’s where I’ve started to figure out what it means to be independent. KNU is not just a place for studying, but it’s where I’m making memories, learning from amazing professors, and enjoying the little things that make KNU so special to me. It is my youth. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? I feel like I’m already checking off a lot of things on my 2024 goal list! This year, I really hope to build more confidence in myself and get a clearer idea of what’s next after graduation. I want to finish my junior year well, too. But I also know that focusing on the present is just as important as planning for the future, so I’m excited to keep growing and just enjoy the journey along the way! Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? I bet a lot of people have tons of worries when thinking about studying in Korea, especially with the language being so different from what you're used to. But honestly, that's the exciting part! It might be tough at first, but it's definitely not impossible. Korea has such a unique culture that’s deeply rooted in its history, and there’s so much to learn from the people here, especially their hardworking mindset and the respect they have for one another. What stands out to me is how much people here value education and the effort universities put into providing quality learning experiences, something I've felt at KNU, where I’ve been able to grow both academically and personally. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? Since moving to Korea, I’ve developed a bit of a habit! I’m always on the search for events and activities to join. Whether it's online or through word of mouth, I love keeping myself busy and trying new things! I also got really into volunteering events because it’s such a meaningful way to connect with the local people here. The best part? In Korea, it's so easy to get around to go to events, thanks to the amazing transport system, which is something I can't quite get in Malaysia! As a result, my schedule is basically packed from the moment I wake up! Sometimes it feels like I’ve overbooked myself, but honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. It’s all part of the fun and adventure of living in Korea!
- 18
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2024.12.23
- 조회수774
17
(October 2024) Gani Bezalel Yunana (Department of Mechatronics Engineering)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? Language at first was my biggest challenge and is still a challenge. However, as a student without scholarship another big challenge for me is finances. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? KNU is home to me. It is place where I feel comfortable but also a place where I’ve seen growth in many aspects of my life. So, to me KNU is a place I will dread leaving. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? This is my third year in school and before I know it, I would be graduating in a minute. So, my goal is to figure out my next step from here. I want to be able to prepare for my final year project and exams and even for the journey ahead of that. But I also want to enjoy every moment of my school days. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? Most especially for undergraduate students Korean is a must. If you want to go places in Korea, learn Korean. Do this and thank me later. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? I began taking pictures after I came to Korea. I never knew I would enjoy traveling too until I tasted the freedom to do so here.
- 16
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2024.11.18
- 조회수249
15
(Sepember 2024) Reski Hanesty Izi (Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? The biggest challenges while living in Korea has been adapting to new culture environment. Surviving to find halal food and place for worship in public places is so difficult that it overwhelmed me. Differences in language of course also made me feel challenged because I had to understand the lectures in high educational Korean vocabularies as well as managing academic responsibilities. With high motivation and eagerness to improve language skill and study hard with patient, the experiences have greatly gave me huge impact to develop my personal growth and perspective to find solution Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? For me, KNU is a place where I grew up and a place where I learned, full of joys and sorrows with unforgettable memories. KNU and the people in it are witnesses as well as support systems and second parents who accompany me in my process to achieve my dreams. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? I hope this year I could upgrade my language skill, complete my third-year credit very well, and get more advantage of new experiences a head. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? To students who are interested in studying in Korea, it is better to start looking for information about what majors you are interested in, learn Korean culture and its language. Although our campus has available course in English, I think it is good to have smooth communication while living in Korea. Learn Korean environment, observe and try to go to someplace to adapt with Korean culture and Korean people. Because learning a language is learning a culture, in other word, when you close to the culture you have opportunity to use Korean language appropriately, and improve your Korean language skill. Be mindful of environment that you want to live in including living expenses, transportation, daily necessities. And finally, it is important to be proactive to have good relationship with local and other international friends too. It helps you to build good network, communication skill or even to share your concern and get new prospective Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? While staying in Korea, I developed my new life habits to become accustomed to walking everywhere, improved my cooking skills because I love cooking for myself, had the opportunity to travel around Korea. Sometimes I made short videos for my lasting memories in my leisure time. And then, I also love to join extracurricular activities at the Indonesian embassy to practice Indonesian traditional dances, to balance my academic and non-academic life.
- 14
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2024.10.18
- 조회수350
13
(August 2024) Mehdi Syed Ejaz Hussain (Department of Biological Environment)

Q1. What do you consider your biggest challenges while living in Korea? The biggest challenge I faced is the language or the communication problem. I encourage aspiring students to learn a little bit of the Korean language before coming here it would help them a lot. Q2. Could you tell us what kind of place or meaning KNU holds in your life? KNU holds a very special place in my life as it brought back my learning energy, developed my new skills that will help me throughout my life, and especially KNU brought back my peace of mind as I explored a lot of places, met many amazing people and experienced this beautiful culture in a very short period. Q3. What is your goal, or what would you like to achieve this year, hopefully? Ummm being a research student, my primary goal is to be recognized as a distinguished researcher in my field this year. I aspire to publish some innovative research that can truly make a difference in the lives of many people around the world. I believe that through my work, I can address significant challenges and provide valuable insights that can help others. My commitment to this goal drives me to work diligently, ensuring that my findings contribute positively to society. Q4. What advice would you give to students who are interested in studying in Korea? I would like to appreciate the students who have planned to study in Korea as they have chosen the amazing place to pursue their higher studies which will help them to find the best of themselves. My advice to those students is to learn some basic Korean language as it will help them to learn to adapt quickly and experience the amazing time here in Korea. Q5. What new habits or hobbies have you developed while staying in Korea? While staying in Korea, I have developed new habits and hobbies that have greatly enriched my experience. The stunning landscapes and breathtaking scenic views have inspired me to explore various locations more frequently, fostering a sense of tranquility and relaxation. I have taken up hiking, which not only allows me to connect with nature but also emphasizes the importance of physical fitness and mental well-being. This focus on outdoor activities has significantly contributed to my overall health, providing a fulfilling balance between exploration and self-care.
- 12
- 작성자국제교류처
- 작성일2024.09.23
- 조회수276

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