Life between cultures in Seoul / Vu Van Khanh
1. Please introduce yourself (background, interests, your MBTI, and so on)
Hello! My name is Vu Van Khanh. I come from Vietnam. I have just finished my first sememster at GSIS with my major in International Relations. Before studying at GSIS, I graduated from Foreign Trade University in Hanoi, Vietnam. My recent result about MBTI was ISTJ and I am also a Virgo girl. About my hobbies and interests, I love traveling, watching movies and hanging out with my friends. Also, I enjoy doing aerial yoga in my free time as it is such an aesthetic sport.
2. Can you tell us the reason why you chose to study at Sogang GSIS?
When I was finding my destination to study in Korea, my mentor suggested me Sogang University. Then I did some research and Sogang GSIS just met all my expectations: located in Seoul and offered practical, enhance programs. Then my admission journey was well-deserved. I can feel a warm welcome from Sogang GSIS as an international student and part of GSIS family.
Also, GSIS has small size classes that encourages me to participate effectively in every courses. Our Professors are nice and care about students, whenever I write emails to my Professors, I receive valuable feedbacks. Until now, I think that my decision was right. My experience at GSIS is wonderful.
3. How do you usually spend your spare time in Korea?
When I have no classes, I often enjoy coffee dates with my friends. We explore hidden gems around Seoul, enjoy delicious dishes, and taking pictures together. I also enjoy solo trips and spend time for myself by visiting local places or joining language exchange programs. Seoul has many beautiful spots so I often go around by bus or just by walk. I also tried many interesting activities such as watching football, baseball in the stadium. In Korea, I like how I can spend my spare time doing what I want while still learning about Korean culture and meet new people.
4. Can you recommend your favorite place/spot in Seoul?
My favorite spot in Seoul is the Seongsu area – an attractive spot for shopping and eating. Seongsu is famous for many beautiful stores and unique pop-up events. When walking around the streets in Seongsu, the smell of the salt bread will attract you. I also suggest “꾸잉 QUYNH” and “Cong Cafe” located near the Itaewon station subway line 6 which serve delicious Vietnamese dishes like Pho, Bun rieu, Nem, and the famous coconut coffee. I rate the restaurant's dishes as having quite standard flavors compared to those in Vietnam.
5. Any recommendations or know-how on life in Korea?
For me, I think life in Korea become easier when you know Korean. So prepare yourself a good enough Korean ability to communicate in daily life and have more chances for jobs. Another recommendation is to use some apps like Navermap, Papago, Coupang,… I cannot live in Korea without the help from those apps.
6. Can you share your most memorable experience at Sogang GSIS with us?
I would say the GSIS parties are my memorable experience. At GSIS, we usually had parties for each major and parties for all at the end of the semester. On my major IR party, Professors also joined with us so I found it interesting to see my professors in a different image outside the class. Also, it is a great chance for me to talk to other students and build closer friendships.
7. Do you have any advice for the prospective students at Sogang GSIS?
Just do your best – my advice is simple. But really, this is a long journey so be productive, be effective. Go out and attend the school events, the student council activities. Also, I would say that making new friends will be important cause they will help and support you a lot.
8. Do you have anything to say to Sogang GSIS?
I want to say how thankful I am to Sogang GSIS for giving me the chance to study, to explore, and to grow. The professors, staff, and classmates have all contributed to an unforgettable journey. I believe that GSIS will be much more stronger in the future with more courses and more students from all over the world.