Title: Dear Beloved Seoul
Please introduce yourself (background, interests, your MBTI, and so on)
Greeeeeetings, This is Tae, Pranchon PHONBUMROONGWATCHARA. I am currently a 4th semester student at the Sogang GSIS, majoring in International Trade with a minor in International Relations. This semester, I am also working as a vice-president of the Sogang GSIS current student council. I am from Bangkok, Thailand where I also completed my bachelor’s of law from Chulalongkorn University. My MBTI is INFP-T! Although I have been an I person every time I have taken the test, I do enjoy participating in interactive activities that allow me to get to know new people, especially at the GSIS.
Can you tell us the reason why you chose to study at Sogang GSIS?
I have always loved coming to Korea ever since my first visit in my early teen years and Seoul is definitely one of the loveliest cities I have ever been to. When there was the time that I had to make a decision about my next step, and I came across a personal blog about the GSIS program at Sogang University which interested me to get to know the GSIS program at Sogang and decided to apply, three semester later, I am on my last semester!. I am very glad to be able to share my experiences at Sogang GSIS too. Shifting majors is one of the biggest changes in my life so i decided to add moving to another country into this big decision which turns out to be an amazing one.
How do you usually spend your spare time in Korea?
After living in Seoul, Korea for more than 1 year now, it is safe to say that there are endless lists of things you can do in Korea. The things I enjoy doing when I have some spare time are hanging out with my friends, grabbing drinks or good food and I am still in love with going to see new places around Seoul. My favorite thing to do in my freetime is wandering around. The scenery of Seoul holds the lovely mix between the traditional Korean and modern architecture that nicely blend across Seoul and Korea, plus walking is helping with self-reflexing and I like to sometimes sit and watch people watching to observe and appreciate the circumstances around me.
Can you recommend your favorite place/spot in Seoul?
Wandering around Seoul and getting to see Seoul’s charming atmosphere is wonderful on its own. It is indeed hard for me to name a place that I can say is my absolute favorite, if I have to pick, I would say Seongsu area. Seongsu is a relatively trendy and newly renovated area which used to be a manufacturing area. Parts of Seongsu had been turned into cafes and shops while there are still shops and small factories running in the area which attracted many locals and tourists. I personally think Seongsu is a charming area since there are basically endless possibilities, especially now that there are always cool pop-up stores with special activities around the area. Besides all the cool places, Seongsu is a walkable distance to Seoul Forest which I also love visiting.
Any recommendations or know-how on life in Korea?
Knowing Korean is probably the most useful thing to do and the best possible thing to be prepared for before coming to live in Korea. I personally only know basic Korean but I know how to read Hangul pretty well and that sometimes can be a lifesaver. Since many things, especially restaurant menus, are in Korean-English karaoke, knowing just how to read Hangul a lot of the time means understanding the menus! Speaking Korean, even just the basic level is a way more beneficial still.
Can you share your most memorable experience at Sogang GSIS with us?
During my time studying at the Sogang GSIS, I have had countless memorable moments together with great friendship built along the way which by the way is still counting. As I have been a part of the student council, I have participated in multiple activities. If I have to name the most memorable experience of mine, I would say the end of the semester’s party where students get together, and catch up after the finals. It is the best way to end a semester.
Do you have any advice for the prospective students at Sogang GSIS?
The most important thing I have learned is to balance between personal life and academic life. Academically, it is important to plan the crouses accordingly to align with all the different requirements since the GSIS offers many academic paths. I personally think that as a student, personal life, to live in the moment is if not more is as important as academic life. Especially, as an international student, to get to experience lifelong experiences and make memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Do you have anything to say to Sogang GSIS?
Coming to pursue my master’s degree at the Sogang GSIS is by far the decision I can confidently say is the right one. Sogang GSIS offers a variety of classes which cover areas of international studies with interesting insightful contents. I have gained confidence in stepping out of my comfort zone and met long lasting friends at the Sogang GSIS.
