From Jecheon to the World: A Journey of Cultural Exchange
Writer: Sunyoun Park
A Journey of Cultural Exchange in Jecheon
Last weekend, I had one of the most memorable experiences of my university life: a trip to Jecheon for an MT (Membership Training) with my department and international students. The event was more than just a simple trip; it was a vibrant exchange of cultures, values, and traditions. Surrounded by friends from different parts of the world, I found myself learning about their cultures while sharing my own. It was a truly eye-opening experience that deepened my appreciation for diversity and strengthened my desire to explore the world beyond Korea.
Meeting My Dutch Partner
The most significant part of the trip began with my designated partner, a student from the Netherlands. From the moment we got on the bus to Jecheon, we connected through English conversations, sharing stories about our lives, hobbies, and each other’s majors. Despite our cultural differences, we quickly found common ground through curiosity and laughter.
She had just begun learning the Korean alphabet, Hangul, and was deeply fascinated by it. During our ride, she pulled out a smartphone and started typing the names of me and my friends in Hangul, asking me for advice and corrections. It was heartwarming to see her excitement whenever she wrote a character correctly. Her enthusiasm reminded me of how special our language is, something I often take for granted as a native speaker. She also asked me many intriguing questions about Korea, such as why so many Koreans share the same last names, whether it ever causes confusion or inconvenience when people have identical full names, why there are so few trash cans on the streets, and why there seem to be fewer homeless people visible compared to other countries. Some of her questions were things I had never really thought about before, and while I couldn’t answer all of them, I deeply appreciated her genuine curiosity about my culture. Her questions gave me a fresh perspective and encouraged me to reflect on aspects of Korean society that I had taken for granted.
Our conversation soon expanded to include Korean food, movies, and pop culture. She was particularly curious about Korean cuisine, so I told her about my favorite dishes like bulgogi and kimbop, explaining their flavors and the cultural significance behind shared meals in Korea. I also recommended the movie Decision to Leave, knowing that, as a psychology major, she would likely find its complex characters and psychological themes especially interesting. Through this talk, I realized how sharing food and entertainment can act as a bridge between cultures. By the time we arrived in Jecheon, I felt like we had already built a meaningful connection.
Experiencing Uruguayan Culture Through Mate Tea
Another highlight of the trip was meeting my partner’s boyfriend, who is from Uruguay. He introduced us to a key element of his culture: mate tea, a traditional South American beverage. In Uruguay, mate is more than just a drink. They told me that they always enjoy warm mate tea, whether the weather is hot or cold. In other words, it is considered their national drink. He brought a thermos, a special gourd, and a metal straw called a bombilla, carefully explaining the preparation process to us.
When it was my turn to take a sip, I was both excited and nervous because I had never tasted anything like it before. The first sip was slightly bitter, but the warmth and earthy flavor grew on me quickly. What fascinated me even more was the way the tea was shared. The gourd was passed around in a circle, and everyone drank from the same straw, symbolizing trust and togetherness. This simple act of sharing created a sense of unity among us, despite our different backgrounds.
As I drank the mate tea, I reflected on how deeply traditions are tied to cultural identity. For me, it was a rare opportunity to experience Uruguay’s culture firsthand, and it made me realize how diverse and beautiful the world is. It also inspired me to think about the unique traditions in Korea, such as the communal aspect of eating samgyeopsal or sharing makgeolli after hiking. These parallels reminded me that while our customs may differ, the underlying values of connection and community are universal.
Her Fearless Energy and Adventurous Spirit
During the MT trip to Jecheon, my partner’s boundless energy truly amazed me. From the very beginning, she stood out as someone who was full of life and eager to embrace every experience to the fullest. At the Cheongpung Cultural Complex, there was a massive ride called the “Big Swing.” I couldn’t even bring myself to try it because it looked terrifying, and just watching it made my stomach drop. However, at one point, I suddenly realized that she was already up there, fearlessly riding it with the biggest smile on her face. It was shocking and impressive at the same time. She didn’t hesitate for even a second, and the moment she came back down, she was laughing and shouting about how thrilling it was. Her bravery made me admire her adventurous spirit, and I couldn’t help but think about how differently we approach challenges.
Next, we went hiking at Woraksan and visited Deokjusa Temple. Because of the heavy rain the night before, the mountain streams were overflowing, and the paths were almost impossible to cross without getting completely soaked. When I saw the strong currents and imagined my clothes and shoes getting wet, I immediately decided to stay behind with a few other friends, waiting safely at the lower part of the trail. To me, it seemed too dangerous and uncomfortable to continue. But my partner was completely undeterred. Without hesitation, she stepped into the cold water, letting it soak her clothes as she made her way up the trail with determination. Before I knew it, she had crossed the overflowing stream and was heading toward the summit. I watched her disappear into the distance, feeling both amazed and slightly envious of her fearless determination. When she finally returned, tired but glowing with excitement, she told us how incredible the view was from the top.
Her high energy didn’t stop there. She was incredibly extroverted, and it seemed that all of her friends were just as lively and adventurous as she was. Whenever I observed them together, laughing loudly, joking, and always moving around, it was like watching a burst of positive energy. Even though I didn’t join in on every activity, I truly enjoyed simply watching them. Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it brought so much fun to the whole trip. Seeing her live so boldly and passionately inspired me to step outside of my own comfort zone, and it reminded me how refreshing it is to be surrounded by people who fully embrace life.
A Night of Games and Cultural Sharing
The evening of the MT was filled with laughter and energy as we gathered for a party. This was where cultural exchange truly came to life through games and music. I took the lead in introducing a popular Korean drinking game called “I Am Ground”. At first, the foreign students were a bit confused by the fast-paced rhythm and the clapping pattern, but after a few rounds, they were laughing and shouting along with everyone else. It felt rewarding to share a piece of Korean party culture with them.
In return, the international students taught us some of their favorite drinking games. One of the most exciting games was flip cup, where players drink beer and then flip the cup upside down using only one hand. The team wins when all of its members successfully flip their cups, and the losing team has to drink more beer. Another game involved knocking down bottles while drinking quickly, though I couldn’t quite remember the exact name. These games were much more physically active than most Korean drinking games, and they brought a lively, competitive atmosphere to the party.
What struck me the most was the difference in how people engaged with the party. The foreign students tended to stand, dance, and move around, while most Korean students remained seated, chatting quietly and enjoying their drinks. This small cultural difference fascinated me. In Korea, parties are often centered around conversation and group harmony, while in many Western cultures, they emphasize individual expression and active participation. Observing these contrasts made me more aware of how culture shapes our behavior in social settings.
By the end of the night, the room was filled with music, laughter, and a mixture of languages. Despite our different customs, we were united by the universal desire to have fun and connect with others. It was a beautiful reminder that joy transcends cultural boundaries.
Reflections on Cultural Exchange
The Jecheon MT was more than just a fun trip; it was a transformative experience that broadened my perspective. Through conversations, shared meals, and playful games, I gained a deeper understanding of what cultural exchange truly means. It is not simply about learning facts about another country; it is about building relationships, sharing experiences, and challenging our assumptions.
One of the most important lessons I learned is that cultural exchange is a two-way street. While I gained knowledge about other cultures, I also had the responsibility to represent my own. Teaching my friends about Korean games, food, and customs gave me a sense of pride in my heritage. It also made me reflect on how Korean culture is perceived by others and how I can contribute to a more accurate and positive image of my country.
The Power of Shared Experiences
What made this trip so impactful was the power of shared experiences. Language differences and cultural gaps might have made communication challenging at times, but laughter, kindness, and mutual curiosity bridged those gaps. Whether it was writing names in Hangul, sipping mate tea, or dancing at the party, these moments created bonds that went beyond words.
I also realized that cultural exchange is not just about the exciting differences we encounter. It is equally about recognizing similarities. For example, when my Dutch partner talked about her favorite food, HBAF nuts, I was surprised because I also like it. Even though we grew up on opposite sides of the world, we both experienced the same emotions of joy, nostalgia, and growth. This reminded me that at our core, humans share more commonalities than differences.
Looking Toward the Future
This experience has sparked a strong desire in me to explore the world beyond Korea. Meeting friends from the Netherlands, Uruguay, and other countries showed me how much there is to learn from different cultures. It made me realize that my perspective is limited when I stay in one place. Traveling, studying abroad, or even participating in international programs can open doors to new ideas and opportunities.
I now dream of one day going on an exchange program or traveling to countries like the Netherlands or Uruguay to visit the friends I met during this trip. Experiencing their cultures firsthand would deepen our connection and allow me to grow as a global citizen. Moreover, I hope to continue improving my English skills so that I can communicate more effectively and confidently with people from around the world.
Conclusion: A Journey of Growth
The Jecheon MT was a journey of growth, not only in terms of cultural knowledge but also personal development. It taught me to step out of my comfort zone, embrace diversity, and approach others with an open mind. Cultural exchange is not just about learning—it is about sharing, connecting, and transforming.
As I reflect on the memories I made, I am filled with gratitude. I am thankful for the laughter we shared, the lessons we learned, and the friendships we built. Most of all, I am grateful for the realization that the world is vast and full of possibilities. This trip was just the beginning of my journey to become a more open-minded, empathetic, and globally aware individual.
In the future, I hope to participate in more cultural exchange events, travel to new countries, and continue building bridges between people of different backgrounds. The Jecheon MT showed me that while cultures may differ, the desire to connect and understand one another is universal. With this belief, I am excited to explore the world and contribute to a more connected and harmonious global community.
If you’ve ever dreamed of connecting with people from around the world, sharing your culture, and discovering new perspectives, experiences like this are waiting for you too. Come join STAY Korea, and start your own unforgettable journey of cultural exchange, friendship, and growth!