Kurnia, Theresia Rida Yus – Indonesia / Korea & East Asia Studies

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

Hi!! I’m Theresia, a Korea & East Asia Studies student from Indonesia. I graduated from Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta with a degree in Political Science and majoring in International Relations. I enjoy doing sports like badminton, along with going to museums and exploring neighborhoods! I don’t really know my current MBTI (haha) as I don’t really adhere to the concept, but I took the test like 4 years ago and the result apparently I am a ENFP-T!

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

Studying in Korea has always been my dream. Back in undergraduate I focused my studies to learn about IR in East Asia. Therefore, it is natural for me to look for an East Asian related major for my masters. I found the Sogang GSIS program fits what I want to learn and develop as a scholar. As one of the best campuses in Korea, I believe Sogang University (and Sogang GSIS) will provide students with the best learning experience. Located in a very strategic neighborhood also helps me to study and explore Korea better!

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

Aside from going to concerts and fan meetings (yes I am a K-popers!), most of the weekend I spend my time with my friends visiting museums and exploring neighborhoods in Seoul! The Mapo area has the best areas to explore and it is very relaxing at the same time! I love taking a short or long walk in the Gyeongui-Jungang Park, putting my earphones on and just enjoying the scenery around! My favorite neighborhood to hang out has to be the Daehak-ro area where there are a lot of theatrical performances as well as the interactive neighborhood for youths. When I am bored I also like to visit areas around Gwanghwamun and Eunpyeong Hanok Village, just to get some me-time and relax after a long busy day.

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

Oh God, it’s so many but I have to say: Sinchon, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, Gwanghwamun, and Inwang-san! Sinchon to hang-out with friends. Eunpyeong Hanok Village to take good pictures and be mesmerized with the amazing view of the mountain range. Gwanghwamun to take a break and sit around to find calmness in mid city and observe the busy day of Seoul. And Inwang-san for hiking!

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

This might sound weird but I guess you have to be used to being alone while trying to avoid loneliness at the same time! For people who enjoy being alone, this might be an easy adaptation, but it might be hard for others. For me it was hard at first since I was afraid to get lost, but I slowly enjoyed it very much! Maybe too much at some time haha. Korea is a very convenient place to live, but it does take some effort to research and learn. Therefore, one should actively find their own way to survive. It’s not hard but it takes time to understand everything, and even by the end of the day you might not understand everything but that's okay, because the next day you will get the chance to learn again!

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

Hmm there’s a lot!! HAHA I would say the picnic and major dinner are the most memorable ones (and to some extent exam week haha). Picnic arranged by the Student Council helped me to know and connect with more fellow GSIS students along with enjoying the beauty of Hangang river. Moreover, the major dinner helped me break the ice with the professors (who actually are very nice people!!!). And exam week is when I found everyone looking like zombies but still ace their exam which always amazes me! On top of that, being part of the Student Council has been a memorable experience for me, I am able to know a lot of people, have more fun during my studies, and extend my network!