Svinsaas, Camilla – Norway / Korea and East Asia Studies

1. Please introduce yourself (background, interests, your MBTI, and so on)

Hello! My name is Camilla. I’m in my third semester majoring in Korea and East Asia -minoring in International Trade-, and I am closing in on 6 years of living in Korea.

As an INFJ I love planning and making schedules, even to the point that I made a powerpoint presentation and excel time agenda when my friends came to visit Korea once.

I recently moved to Chuncheon in Gangwon-do for a different Korea experience outside the bustling Seoul, and therefore have to commute to school for around two hours. I still haven’t gotten used to waking up at 6am in the morning, so don’t be surprised if you see me taking a nap in-between classes!

2. Can you tell us the reason why you chose to study at Sogang GSIS?

After finishing my Bachelor’s Degree in Convention Management at Kyung Hee University, I wanted to expand my expertise in Korea and East Asia Studies to increase my value and chances of getting a job. Choosing Sogang University was a no-brainer for me, as it is the only university with a graduate program on Korea & East Asia Studies in English, as well as options for a minor and interesting elective classes.

3. How do you usually spend your spare time in Korea?

I spend my free time either outside in the nature or park, hunting for good restaurants or cafés with friends, or at home with my computer games.

4. Can you recommend your favorite place/spot in Seoul?

Please visit Jongmyo shrine right by Jongno 3-ga station in Seoul. This hidden gem is a great place for healing your soul from the busy and noisy Seoul life. The shrine of the Joseon Royals’ spirit and park is especially beautiful during the cherry blossom season and during Autumn when the leaves have turned. My recommended day trip is to start for an early lunch at Gwangjang Food Market just 5 minutes away from the shrine, then take a walk around Jongmyo to enjoy the nature, and then follow-up with some rest at a nice café in the popular Ikseon-dong area just 10 minutes away from the shrine!

5. Any recommendations or know-how on life in Korea?

One thing I can never get used to in Seoul is being packed like a can of sardines in the subway or traffic, or waiting in line to get into a restaurant. Luckily, as a student our time schedule is usually more flexible and outside of the regular schedule of the majority of people, and I recommend to take full advantage of this traveling during odd-hours to save a ton of energy, patience and time!

6. Can you share your most memorable experience at Sogang GSIS with us?

My most memorable experience has been the major dinners hosted every semester, where all students and professors of each major program meet for an evening socializing and getting to know each other better. I especially appreciate the connection students gain with the professors and their openness to discuss interesting topics and issues at an equal level.

7. Do you have any advice for the prospective students at Sogang GSIS?

If you are not writing a thesis, I highly recommend doing a minor to broaden your expertise. Our program is set up so that students can easily do this without taking any extra credits. Just don’t forget the deadline at the end of your 2nd semester as you only get one chance!

8. Do you have anything to say to Sogang GSIS?

It would be great to have a wider selection of elective classes to suit our GSIS students’ diverse curriculum goals.