From Exotic Foods to Fluffy Friends

South Korea trip offers taste of culture and history

By Sesaleigh Whitaker, an Honors Transfer Fellow majoring in Art

Studying abroad is one of the best things college students can do; it changes one’s worldview, provides experience with diverse cultures, and gives insight into how other people in the world live.

Since 1948, South Korea has established deep cultural roots in the areas of fashion, art, architecture, and cuisine. While visiting the country this spring, I had an opportunity to wear a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, which was from the Goguryeo dynasty. I wore the dress, which symbolizes age, class, and formality, at the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, the main royal palace built during Korea’s Joseon dynasty.

I had an opportunity to wear a hanbok, a traditional Korean dress, which was from the Goguryeo dynasty.

Sesaleigh Whitaker in hanbok

The detail and beauty of the palace was breathtaking. The architecture was unlike anything I have ever seen. It extended from the landscape with a mountainous backdrop that appeared to be miles away. I felt small and unnoticeable as we toured the site.

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul

One of my favorite things about South Korea is the food. When I first went to South Korea in 2019, I enjoyed many great dishes such as bibimbap, a rice and vegetable dish with a spicy red paste sauce, and kimchi jjigae. I was excited to return to Korea this year and eat kimchi jjigae again. This dish consists of tofu, beef, and bean sprouts, with rice as a side dish.

Kimchi jjigae

To celebrate my birthday on the second day of my trip in May, I went to a popular food store called Paris Baguette, where I purchased my birthday cake—a sponge cake with a delicious blueberry yogurt flavor and whipped icing. This type of cake is very common in Korea. I went out with friends that night for chicken and beer (also known as “chimaek” in Korean) and shared the cake with my friends.

Whitaker's birthday cake from Paris Baguette

On our fourth day, we toured the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) site. Designed like a rollercoaster, the tour took us through an underground tunnel known as the “Third Tunnel.” The underground tunnel was discovered in the 1970s and is located under North and South Korea’s common border. Outside of the tunnel is a large DMZ sign, the perfect location for a photo op.

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) site

The DMZ site was part of the educational portion of my trip. I appreciated learning about the history of Korea and how the country separated into North and South. The DMZ is guarded continuously on each side of the border, but both countries respectfully avoid entering the DMZ as a means of keeping peace.

Each day in South Korea included exciting activities and visits to various sites, but I enjoyed going to the Samoyed dog cafe in Hongdae the most. We were able to interact with several beautiful, fluffy Samoyed dogs, which excitedly accepted treats and gave kisses. One dog insisted on eating all the treats I had and prevented me from sharing with the other dogs.

Sesaleigh Whitaker with Samoyeds

South Korea, known for its fast culture, has many things to do and see, and people are always in a rush. Their “bali bali” culture takes a while to get used to, but I eventually got the hang of it. When it comes to the Korean language, which I have been learning for six years, I consider myself a basic level learner, so I took every opportunity I could to converse in Korean, though it was a little overwhelming at times.

South Korea taught me how to adapt to a fast-paced environment and how to appreciate a culture far different than my own. I will fondly remember my visit to South Korea for years to come, and I look forward to an opportunity to return in the future. I now feel more comfortable traveling abroad and maneuvering independently in large cities like Seoul.