Inside the Gwangju News: Café Connoisseur – Writer Dhivyaa S. P.

Gwangju News (GN): Hello, Dhivyaa. Thank you for agreeing to do this interview, though I know you have many other things on your plate. To start things off, would you tell us a little about yourself before coming to Korea.

Dhivyaa: I’ve been in Korea for three years now, and when I look back to who I was before, I sometimes laugh at how different life felt. I was definitely more of an extrovert back then, always traveling, hopping across 4–5 South Indian provinces, and living a fast-paced lifestyle. From pub hopping to late-night go-karting at 4 a.m., I was always chasing fun. Honestly, I wasn’t the most responsible person at that time, but I was full of energy and curiosity about life.

GN: Out of all the countries of the world, what was it that brought you to Korea.

Dhivyaa: Before Korea, I was working for an IT company in India, living the typical 9-to- 5 routine. I would enjoy myself after work, but when COVID hit, quarantine made me realize how monotonous life had become: wake up, eat, work, sleep – repeat. That’s when I felt strongly that I needed a change. Almost as if the universe was listening, I came across the GKS scholarship [Global Korea Scholarship] for a master’s program in Korea. I spent nearly 10 months preparing documents and applying while still working full-time. In the end, it was this scholarship opportunity that opened the door for me to come to Korea.

GN: Has Korea lived up to your expectations?

Dhivyaa: To be honest, I came with no expectations. I knew that moving abroad comes with both pros and cons, so I wanted to just take things as they came. When I first landed, my only thought was, “I need sleep!” [Laughs.] Back home, I used to be impulsive, but once in Korea, I learned to live with the mindset “If it’s meant for me, it will find its way. Just go with the flow.” I tried to be like water – adaptable and resilient. Whenever things got tough, I reminded myself, “This too shall pass.” And somehow, with that attitude, I’ve found my way.

GN: I believe you just graduated from your master’s program at Chonnam National University. What is next for you?

Dhivyaa: Yes, I’ve recently graduated, and now I’ve stepped into my doctoral program with the same professor I did my master’s research under. The deeper I dive into research, the more I realize how little I know and how much more there is to learn. That curiosity keeps me motivated to continue this journey.

GN: How, and why, did you get involved in writing for the Gwangju News? And what is it that keeps you writing for the magazine so prolifically?

Dhivyaa: I actually stumbled across an Instagram post about writer recruitment at GIC and thought, “Why not give it a try?” To my delight, I was selected. The real reason I applied, though, was because I love helping people. Before my master’s, when I was studying Korean for a year, I had plenty of time for volunteer work through the 1365 site. But once I got busy with research, I couldn’t volunteer as much. Writing for the Gwangju News felt like another way to give back, sharing useful information with fellow expats, from travel tips to tech developments. That’s why my very first article was “Ready to Make a Difference? Explore Volunteering Opportunities!”

GN: You have recently begun writing D’s Café Column. Do you really enjoy coffee as much as your writing seems to indicate? When did you get started on your “coffee kick”?

Dhivyaa: [Laughs.] Oh, yes – the coffee kick! Honestly, it started after I came to Korea. The caffeine here is so strong compared to India. At first, my heart was going boom-boom, and I couldn’t sleep at night. But eventually, I adapted. I began to love exploring local cafés, each one with its own unique vibe and design. That’s what inspired me to start D’s Café Column, to share these little discoveries with others. Personally, I used to love matcha lattes, but recently, I’ve been hooked on vanilla lattes. The only thing I can’t do is an americano, too bitter for my taste buds! [Laughs.] I guess I still have a childlike palate – no bitter coffee, no super-sour kimchi!

GN: In addition to cafés, what topics are you considering for future articles?

Dhivyaa: Most of my writing comes directly from my own experiences, so I imagine my future articles will continue to revolve around travel, daily life hacks, and stories that resonate with expats. And for readers who might not have noticed, I love leaving a little hint about my next article in the author’s bio section of the current issue. It’s become my little signature touch!

GN: Now, for a few rapid-fire, short-answer questions: What is your favorite music genre?

Dhivyaa: Music is mood for me! In the mornings, I need upbeat hip-hop to energize me. When studying or researching, jazz is my go-to. And when I’m traveling, blues sets the perfect vibe. Lately, I have been hooked on “Safety Zone” by BTS J-Hope.