In August 2011, I first stepped foot on a totally foreign land that I knew nothing about apart from all the half-truths portrayed in Korean dramas. The locals speak in a language that I neither speak nor understand. Likewise, the languages that have served me well in Malaysia could have very easily been alien speech to the Koreans. The place looked different, felt different, smelt different and sounded different from anywhere else that I've ever been to.
My companions - Victoria, Nathan and Rebecca are my new friends from UTAR yet I knew close to nothing about them. Despite all these and ironically it is because of all these that I was beyond ecstatic to be there in Korea!
From left: Me, Nathan, Andy (from Taiwan), Victoria and Rebecca
I experienced so many things unique to Korea thanks to our very gracious host, Mokpo National University who welcomed UTAR students with wide open arms. Along with other participants from different parts of the world, I got the chance to wear traditional Korean costumes (han bok한복), learn Korean traditional etiquette (more specifically the Formal Bow keunjeol큰절and the Common Bow pyeongjeol 병절) , make Korean pottery, make Korean food, play the Korean traditional musical instrument (samulnori 사물놀이) and so much more.
The typical Korean food - Bibimbap
Learning to bow the Korean way – the Formal Bow keunjeol큰절
A Samulnori demonstration
Personally, the most memorable activity is no doubt the temple stay program at Baek Yang Sa (Temple of the white sheep 白羊寺) located just north of Gwangju. During the stay, we got to experience the way of life of a monk. For starters, we had to wake up at 3 a.m., when everyone else was still asleep to perform the morning prayer ceremony and meditate.
The whole troupe of visiting foreign students at Baek Yang Sa
After that the monks led us through the Naejangsan National Park and up to Naejang Mountain. It was a fairly steep and challenging climb but when we reached the top, we were in awe of the stillness and tranquility of the surroundings that you can never feel when you're living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Baek Yang Sa and Naejang Mountain
Before we left the temple, Sooan sunim and Haewon sunim (sunim is the Korean title to refer to a monk) served lotus tea which is actually green tea leaves wrapped in white lotus. Sooan sunim told us simple stories with very profound philosophies as a final parting memento.
Sooan sunim brewing lotus tea
One aspect of the Koreans that I found interesting is their penchant for soju and anything alcoholic, in fact the higher the alcoholic content the better. Koreans have a very deep rooted drinking culture and in fact business deals are often successfully closed during such drinking sessions.
Generally, the impression that I get from Koreans is that they are very determined and hardworking. It is their tenacity in pursuing excellence and perseverance in doing things that drove Korea to be one of the main economies of the world. I learnt many things from Mokpo National University students as well as the local community.
During the 11 days I was in Korea, I've met so many remarkable people that I would never have met if UTAR hadn't given me the opportunity to go on this wonderful journey. Try imagining yourself being in a family consisting of people from different countries…countries like Japan, Germany, Taiwan, China, Hong Kong and Korea. It felt like I was in a mini United Nations!
With representatives from so many different countries, it can be tricky to communicate with one another due to the language barrier at times. However, it was all worth it! This experience in Mokpo National University showed me that you don't need a common language to build lasting relationships. All you need is sincerity and openness!
A group picture at tidal flat sediments in Muan area.
I am the 1st person from the left standing at 2nd row with a red backpack.
To other UTARIANs who are interested in participating in the Korean Culture and Language Programme, I'll say go for it! This is a once in a lifetime experience that you can never hope to attain in the lecture hall. It is enlightening and life-changing. To immerse yourself in another culture is enough reason for you to drop everything and just go. Be courageous and take the leap. Don't procrastinate and let wonderful opportunities pass you by.
Before I end this short highlight of my travels in Korea let me share with you a quote by Mark Twain.
The Bosung Daehan Dawon Green tea field