Korean Everyday Life Through the Eyes of an Erasmus Student at Soongsil University in Seoul

8. 4. 2025 Author: Sofia Sliacka My Erasmus stay in South Korea and my first impressions so far have been among the most intense and enriching experiences I've had during this period. Every day here, I discover something new – from history to high-tech daily life – and I’m constantly fascinated by how organized and thoughtfully planned everything is. For example, the ability to rent a power bank in the subway using a QR code and return it at a completely different location. Everything is fast, efficient, and it’s clear how much Koreans value systematic progress.

One of the most beautiful moments was when I wore a traditional hanbok and walked through the grounds of the royal palace – it felt like stepping into the past for a while. During this trip, the weather showed us all its moods, but even so, it was a wonderful moment. The same goes for a light hike to N Seoul Tower, where you get a breathtaking view of Seoul laid out before you.

Seoul itself is an absolutely fascinating city – full of contrasts between modern neighborhoods and older alleyways that captivate with their diversity. At night, the city literally comes alive and takes on new colors thanks to the lights, neon signs, and the energy of the streets. As you wander around in the evening, you’re met with joyful shouts and laughter coming from small street stalls with folding chairs. In front of them are carts full of fish cakes and Korean classics like tteokbokki, rice cakes in traditional spicy gochujang sauce. An evening stroll through the city feels like stepping into an entirely different universe where everything is constantly moving.

The university environment is very inspiring – I’m studying courses focused on international relations from an Asian perspective, which is greatly broadening my horizons. There’s a strong emphasis on teamwork and critical thinking. Professors encourage discussion and truly appreciate when we share insights from our home universities.

Soongsil University has a beautiful campus, and the area around the school is full of cafés. On every corner, you’ll find convenience stores open 24/7. At the same time, I’ve gained the feeling that this stay is teaching me greater independence, flexibility, and giving me a whole new perspective on the world. It’s an incredible opportunity to be part of a community of people from different corners of the globe.

Every day here brings something new – and even though I sometimes get lost in the subway or in the language, it’s precisely in those moments that I realize it’s all worth it. This opportunity to get to know a new culture brings me joy and inspiration for the future.

Other items from the/this section

Financial Reporting Through Risk Lenses Financial Reporting Through Risk Lenses 5. 12. 2025 Author: Eva Kostikov On Wednesday, December 3, Metropolitan University Prague experienced an interesting afternoon. The Financial Management and Digital Economy programmes welcomed a guest with first-hand experience from the world of corporate finance – Jaroslav Volmut, Risk Manager at Ernst & Young. His guest lecture “Financial Reporting Through Risk Lenses” offered a behind-the-scenes look at how companies operate in an environment where the accuracy of financial statements is measured not only in numbers, but also in accountability, reputation, and sometimes even the personal risk borne by senior management. MUP and FSV UK Successful in the Czech Science Foundation Grant Competition MUP and FSV UK Successful in the Czech Science Foundation Grant Competition 4. 12. 2025 Author: editors How do populist leaders and their followers think about time? Do populists possess long-term visions, or are they truly driven only by short-term pragmatic gain, as much of the populism literature suggests? A new three-year research project led by Prof. Ondřej Císař (FSV UK) and Assoc. Prof. Michal Kolmaš (MUP) will seek answers to these questions. Global Flavors & Beats: MUP’s International Lunch Global Flavors & Beats: MUP’s International Lunch 03. 12. 2025 Author: Berkcan Tokyay On Friday, November 28, Metropolitan University Prague (MUP) hosted an International Lunch, bringing together 40 students to celebrate our diverse community. The event was a true cultural journey, with tables overflowing with homemade dishes representing countries from India, Japan, and Taiwan to Ukraine, France, Italy, and beyond. It was a unique opportunity to taste the world right here on campus.
přejít do rubriky

Calendar

10/12 2025 Day of Open Doors Metropolitan University Prague invites prospective applicants to participate in the Day of Open Doors. 10/12 2025 Privatization of Security: Towards a Redefined Role of Private Actors in Public Legal Matters Center for Security Studies at MUP cordially invites you to attend a public lecture by Marie Skłodowska-Curie Doctoral Fellow at the International Center for Counter-Terrorism, The Hague, Isabella Pirlogea on Privatization of Security: Towards a Redefined Role of Private Actors in Public Legal Matters. 12/12 2025 Erasmus Day International Office invites MUP students to participate in the ERASMUS DAY which will be held on Friday, 12 December 2025 from 10 a. m. in MUP Prague-Strašnice building, room no. 003. 14/01 2026 Day of Open Doors Metropolitan University Prague invites prospective applicants to participate in the Day of Open Doors.
Go to Calendar