When I first arrived in Korea, everything felt new, exciting, and a little overwhelming. As a student at Tongmyong University, I was eager to explore this beautiful country, but I also had many questions—how would I connect with people here? Would I understand their culture? Would they understand mine?
Just a few days after arriving, our university arranged a tour to Haeundae Blueline Park – Mipo Station, and I remember how excited I was. That morning, we gathered at 9 a.m. in front of the main university office. I still remember the buzz of students from many countries—some shy, some chatting nervously. We had never been to this place before. For most of us, it was the first real tour in Korea.
We boarded the bus after collecting our ID cards. The ride took around 45 minutes, and when we arrived, the view was beyond imagination—sea on one side, green hills on the other, and the beautiful sound of waves crashing nearby. We received our train tickets and got on the seaside train. It was not just a ride; it was a memory in the making.
I sat with my friends Emdad and Mamun, and to our surprise, our Computer Design professor, Professor Lee, joined us. That moment changed something inside me. He didn't just sit silently. He started explaining everything we saw—the history, the culture, even how Japan begins after the last stretch of the sea. His passion, patience, and kindness made me realize how warm Korean professors can be. He made us feel like we belonged there.
We laughed, we took pictures, and we tried to capture every moment. The Korean staff and professors with us didn’t just guide us—they cared for us. They asked if we were doing okay, offered help with taking photos, and treated us not just as foreign students but as guests, almost like family. I had never expected this level of attention and hospitality.
Around 5 p.m., we returned to the university, tired but filled with joy. The university staff gave each of us a ₩10,000 Mom’s Touch coupon—a small gift, but it meant a lot. It wasn’t just money; it was a gesture, a welcome. I learned that not every university in Busan does this. Tongmyong University made us feel seen.
Later that evening, I used the coupon and enjoyed my favorite Chili Shrimp Burger from Mom’s Touch. As I sat there, eating and thinking, I realized how different this place was from what I had imagined. Yes, the language is tough, and sometimes cultural differences are real. But at the core, people here—especially the Koreans I’ve met—are kind, respectful, and deeply thoughtful.
That one tour taught me more than sightseeing. It taught me that while I came here as a foreigner, I didn’t have to feel like one all the time. In the eyes of a foreigner, Koreans feel like a warm breeze in a cold new place—welcoming, helpful, and always trying to make you feel at home.
When I first arrived in Korea, everything felt new, exciting, and a little overwhelming. As a student at Tongmyong University, I was eager to explore this beautiful country, but I also had many questions—how would I connect with people here? Would I understand their culture? Would they understand mine?
Just a few days after arriving, our university arranged a tour to Haeundae Blueline Park – Mipo Station, and I remember how excited I was. That morning, we gathered at 9 a.m. in front of the main university office. I still remember the buzz of students from many countries—some shy, some chatting nervously. We had never been to this place before. For most of us, it was the first real tour in Korea.
We boarded the bus after collecting our ID cards. The ride took around 45 minutes, and when we arrived, the view was beyond imagination—sea on one side, green hills on the other, and the beautiful sound of waves crashing nearby. We received our train tickets and got on the seaside train. It was not just a ride; it was a memory in the making.
I sat with my friends Emdad and Mamun, and to our surprise, our Computer Design professor, Professor Lee, joined us. That moment changed something inside me. He didn't just sit silently. He started explaining everything we saw—the history, the culture, even how Japan begins after the last stretch of the sea. His passion, patience, and kindness made me realize how warm Korean professors can be. He made us feel like we belonged there.
We laughed, we took pictures, and we tried to capture every moment. The Korean staff and professors with us didn’t just guide us—they cared for us. They asked if we were doing okay, offered help with taking photos, and treated us not just as foreign students but as guests, almost like family. I had never expected this level of attention and hospitality.
Around 5 p.m., we returned to the university, tired but filled with joy. The university staff gave each of us a ₩10,000 Mom’s Touch coupon—a small gift, but it meant a lot. It wasn’t just money; it was a gesture, a welcome. I learned that not every university in Busan does this. Tongmyong University made us feel seen.
Later that evening, I used the coupon and enjoyed my favorite Chili Shrimp Burger from Mom’s Touch. As I sat there, eating and thinking, I realized how different this place was from what I had imagined. Yes, the language is tough, and sometimes cultural differences are real. But at the core, people here—especially the Koreans I’ve met—are kind, respectful, and deeply thoughtful.
That one tour taught me more than sightseeing. It taught me that while I came here as a foreigner, I didn’t have to feel like one all the time. In the eyes of a foreigner, Koreans feel like a warm breeze in a cold new place—welcoming, helpful, and always trying to make you feel at home.