Discovering Korea with CNU

A Summer Travelogue

By Mia Montes

Time and time again, you hear the marvels of traveling while you’re young. As a 20-year-old American who had seldom left California, my experiences abroad this year have proven these claims true. Initially, I assumed international travels were unattainable until studies were through. However, being a student, I discovered that it offers not only comfort, but incredible opportunities. I was fortunate to find a program where it was possible to study and find oneself in a different country. This summer, I attended the 2024 International Summer Session at Chonnam National University (CNU). Experiencing Korean culture firsthand was built into the program’s month-long schedule with many tours and activities.

Gau-do Day Trip

Our cultural excursions began with a day trip to Gau Island (가우도), where we trekked the trails, and visited the Goryeo Celadon Museum in Gangjin. The morning was serene, but the excitement peaked on the monorail up to the zip-line. My nerves had escalated while I anticipated the initial drop; we were strapped in two by two before being released, but admittedly, despite my fear of heights, it was thrilling. Then the afternoon shifted to a calming activity: We saw an educational movie and exhibition on the region’s national treasures. A communal experience followed that led us to practice the traditional craftsmanship of engraving finished pieces of pottery. The day concluded with a team dinner, leaving us to talk about the excitement of our next adventure.

Yeosu Evening Adventure

One of my standout experiences had to be the trip to Yeosu. The art museum there held an immersive media art exhibition that I found captivating. At the interactive drawing station, we colored in sea creatures before watching them “swim” across the underwater-themed screen. The essence of romantic thunder, a whale dancing in the ocean, and the beauty of a queen’s chamber flowers were captured precisely in each space. In the evening, we strolled along the waterfront listening to a public performance of trot, as I savored buttery, salted bread. The evening’s highlight was our cruise departure, where we caught the sunset and city lights. Mingling amongst our friends, we eventually halted in the dark before fireworks filled the sky. I seized the moment for a photo shoot on the boat’s balcony and captured the end of the night perfectly.

Deeper Exploration Around Gwangju

Transitioning from the lively experience in Yeosu, we explored a somber topic on the next tour. Beginning the day, we viewed A Taxi Driver, a film about the democratization of the May 18 Uprising in Gwangju from the perspective of a taxi driver and a German reporter. Following the movie, we visited the National Cemetery for the victims of the uprising where we learned about backstories of the fallen and took part in a ceremony to honor them. With a switch in activities to day-camping, our camping trip involved group barbecues, outdoor games, and sharing stories with new friends. The change of scene still reflects the day’s first aspect of how an international relationship, like the German reporter, was able to support university students fighting for democracy. 

A Weekend in Seoul

To conclude two weeks of program activities, we went on a weekend trip to Seoul. Our first tours explored the Blue House and Gyeongbok Palace, where I admired the stunning architecture and gardens. Since it was hot, I took a break at a café and indulged in melon ice cream. For dinner, my team visited the Lotte World Tower, which offered a view of the city. Then, we spent time walking along the Han River where we had a group picture taken. At the hotel, a group of us stayed up most of the night sharing snacks and learning new games often played in Korea. 

Though I was tired from the previous night’s activities, our second day took us to the National Museum of Korea. Initially tempted to rest in the café, I was persuaded to view and explore the exhibits. In the afternoon, we moved to IPark Mall in Yongsan, where my team had a plant-forward lunch. My friend later joked that I convinced my group to “find vegetables,” referencing my obsession with eating salads in a country known for its meat and noodle dishes. We concluded the trip with a stop at the War Memorial of Korea, where I reflected on family and history, and shared thoughts as we wandered around inside. After packing away in the buses, I slept the four-hour drive back. 

In the first two weeks of the program, the journey had been incredible, and my experiences have solidified the value of traveling while young. The opportunities for growth, learning, and connection were key aspects of the CNU International Summer Session. Further reviewing my experiences, I can clearly see I enjoyed more than just my summer course and deepened my understanding of Korean culture through the tours and activities.