Studying abroad in Seoul brings new growth and challenges. Homesickness was a steady feeling, but it deepened my appreciation of home and self. This semester taught me to value small comforts and close relationships. Returning home, I carry fresh perspectives and gratitude for all the moments—both joyful and tough—that shaped me. If you feel homesick abroad, remember it means you have something special waiting for you back home.

Studying abroad in Seoul is filled with excitement and challenges, but it’s the small things—coffee rituals, late-night snack runs, wandering with no plan, and short calls home—that bring real comfort. These everyday joys quietly stitch new routines and help the city feel more like home. What small comforts have helped you settle in a new place?

Volunteering to teach English to Korean senior citizens became my most rewarding study abroad experience in Seoul. Despite beginner Korean skills and initial nerves, I found connection, culture, and friendship in our weekly classes. These moments showed me that studying abroad is about unexpected bonds and learning beyond the classroom. If you’re hesitant to volunteer abroad, this is your sign to dive in and embrace the joy of showing up.

This research explores the Korean philosophy of inyeon, which describes fate and interconnectedness shaping relationships across lifetimes. Rooted in Buddhist teachings, inyeon influences communication, social behavior, and relationship views in Korea today. The study blends historical and cultural analysis, highlighting inyeon’s enduring relevance and its role in connecting heritage with globalization, as depicted in media like the film “Past Lives.”

This paper compares HYBE’s Weverse and SM Entertainment’s Bubble, two leading K-pop fan platforms that monetize parasocial relationships differently. Weverse offers a large community-based experience with free and paid content, while Bubble provides exclusive, pay-per-artist messaging. Both exploit fans’ emotional investment to generate revenue but raise ethical concerns over privacy, commodification, and accessibility in digital fandom.

Netflix’s marketing of Korean dramas balances local adaptation through subtitles, dubbing, and regional partnerships with global campaigns and algorithmic suggestions. While expanding K-media’s reach, the platform risks cultural commodification by simplifying Korea’s identity for broader audiences. This dynamic shapes perceptions and raises questions about cultural authenticity and influence.