Eat Play Learn Seoul
Seoul is a city filled with many rich experiences if you know where to look. Prior to this trip, the closest experience I had to the city was reading about it in the book Pachinko by Min Jin Lee. The book portrays the unwavering resilience and unrelenting work ethic of Koreans, even in the face of discrimination and adversity. Ever since I read it, I knew that I wanted to visit the city and immerse myself in the culture, the people, and the lifestyle which I can never get from just reading.
Through the sharing from Mr Hyunwoo Thomas Kim (Founder of Kross Pictures), I learnt invaluable insights into the film industry like how the risk in investments into making movies can be minimised with a good story, director, and actor as this creates a package which will attract investors to invest in your film instead of having to pay for the costs of filming upfront.
More importantly, his message of gaining more experience to increase confidence in one’s abilities by taking on bigger challenges really resonated with me as someone who is about to embark on his career.
South Korea’s Cultural Narrative
Over the past 13 days, I saw firsthand the impact of Hallyu (Korean Wave) and Seoul as a cradle of tradition and a hive of innovation. The cultural narrative of Korea is a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and modern influences. The Hallyu phenomenon has brought Korean music, dramas, and entertainment to the world stage, showcasing the country’s vibrant and dynamic pop culture.
At the same time, Korea’s rich cultural heritage is evident in its historic landmarks, temples, and museums, which reflect the country’s long and complex history. Seoul, as the capital city, embodies this duality of old and new, with its bustling modern districts coexisting alongside ancient palaces and temples. The city’s innovative spirit is also reflected in its cutting-edge technology, fashion, and design industries. Overall, Korea’s cultural narrative is one of resilience, creativity, and adaptability, rooted in a deep respect for tradition and a willingness to embrace new ideas and trends.
During a particularly memorable visit to the War Memorial of Korea, I was confronted with the remnants of the Korean War. The memorial stands as a sombre testament to the sacrifices made and the resilience displayed by the Korean people. It serves as a reminder of the atrocities endured, the lives lost, and the indomitable spirit that emerged from the ashes of conflict. The war not only inflicted physical destruction but also inflicted emotional wounds that would take years to heal.
Yet, amidst the devastation, South Korea’s cultural heritage endured, acting as a beacon of hope and a source of pride. The war became a catalyst for preserving and revitalising traditions, as the nation sought solace and identity in its rich history. It is in this context that the Korean people’s commitment to their cultural heritage takes on a profound significance, serving as a testament to their resilience, determination, and enduring spirit. The Korean War, while devastating, played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural narrative of South Korea, showing me that out of darkness, a nation can find strength and rebuild its identity.
Eat
Before visiting Seoul, the only Korean food that I knew of was KBBQ, Kimchi and Saba fish. After spending 13 days here, I am proud to say I have tried live octopus (tastes more pleasant than expected), Korean Ginseng Black Chicken Soup (Samgyetang), Solsot and even Cow Intestine Okonomiyaki. Of course, no trip to Seoul is complete without trying the best KBBQ I ever had at Haha & Kim Jong Kook’s 401 Restaurant where I indulged in Samgyeopsal (grilled sliced pork belly wrapped in lettuce with rice and kimchi).
In the enchanting realm of Korean cuisine, I immersed myself in the vibrant tapestry of local culture with each meal I had. As I sat down at a bustling Bossam restaurant in Anguk, savouring the intricate flavours of pork belly with kimchi, perilla leaves and gochujang sauce, my taste buds became the conduit through which I experienced the soul of Korea. Each bite was a gateway to understanding the artistry and pride that goes into preparing these dishes. From the sweetness of the gochujang sauce to the delicate balance of fermented flavours in kimchi, every ingredient told a story of tradition and heritage.
It is in these moments of culinary exploration that I discovered a universal truth — that by indulging in the culinary delights of a land, we open our hearts to its people, their stories, and their way of life. With each bite, I felt a newfound appreciation for the beauty of a culture so lovingly embedded in its gastronomic offerings.
If I was tasked with showing a first time visitor my favourite local food in Seoul, I would bring them to Gwangjang Market. There are a number of incredible places serving up warm bowls of traditional Korean noodles and a wonderfully high number of Mung bean pancake and Mandu stalls (dumplings of deliciousness). Trying the dumpling noodles at Gwangjang market is like taking a bite out of history and culture, and it’s a reminder of how food can be so much more than just sustenance.
For comfort food I would recommend trying bunsik (inexpensive korean dishes) at Dosan Bunsik where I had raw beef and fried blood sausages (it actually tastes much better than it sounds). I even ate at Chang Hwa Dang the dumpling restaurant made famous by the K-Drama Hotel Del Luna where IU ate at in the first episode.
Play
As I reflect on my journey through Seoul, I realise that the greatest takeaway from this adventure lies not in the iconic landmarks or delicious meals, but in the friendships that were forged along the way. Traveling together has a magical way of bringing people closer, and Seoul became the backdrop for countless moments of connection, laughter, and growth.
From the rugged trails of Mount Bukhansan to a leisurely stroll in Seoul Forest, I discovered that nature has a way of uniting souls. Acquaintances became friends as we conquered the steep slopes and celebrated the breathtaking views together. Amidst the tranquil ambience of Seoul Forest, conversations flowed freely, and connections deepened. We shared stories, dreams, and aspirations, discovering the common threads that wove us together. I know this shared experience will become a memory we will always reminisce over whenever we catch up.
These moments of connection and growth reminded me of the transformative power of travel. Through shared experiences and heartfelt conversations, we discovered the beauty of Seoul and also the beauty within ourselves and each other. Life becomes richer and more meaningful when we open ourselves to the possibility of forming deep connections, both with new friends and those who have been by our side all along. In Seoul, the world became smaller, and the tapestry of friendship grew more vibrant, leaving me forever grateful for the friendships that travel brings.
Learn
During the candid sharing session, with Lim Jae Won (Jay), the founder of GoPizza, I learnt the importance of hard work to achieve my dreams. I was captivated by his story of transforming GoPizza from a food truck to the global brand that it is today. It was clear the hard work and passion he had for the long journey ahead for GoPizza, beyond just coming up with an idea.
Surprisingly, I also learnt how the application of AI (computer vision) is used to ensure that the correct amount, sequence and position of ingredients is used to make a consistent pizza every time. We even got to try the new Baaasak (crispy) pizza crust which I immediately made a point of trying again once they launch it in Singapore in May, 2023. Taken separately, the ingredients alone don’t taste much differently from the other pizzas I have had. But, in this precise combination every bite immediately transports me back to Seoul. How wonderful right?
During the visit to Kooky, I learnt from the CEO Hami Kim about how Kooky helps build a community of K-Pop fans around the world through exclusive content and events. We even got to dance with Jin Lee where I saw a glimpse of the hard work that goes into producing each dance video. My most memorable takeaway was how Hami explained how Kooky balances the needs of users and creators in a two-sided market. Nobody would be on Kooky unless there are creators; but creators don’t want to work for Kooky unless they have users. This is a hard problem. To solve this, they partnered with creators to understand their pain points and listened to their users to create a sustainable business model.
These visits helped me to empathise with cultural differences, such as the mindset, and commonalities, such as the challenge of giving up a stable income to pursue their passions between Seoul and Singapore.
Thank you
A very special thanks to Prof Mark and SMU-X for making this trip possible and for all the work that goes on behind the scenes. Thank you Alvinna, Priscilla, Jezerene and Sarah for the memorable and wonderful experiences together. Thank you Nicolas and Dylan for being so reliable and such good friends. Last but not least, to my fellow classmates, thank you for the great conversations and making me look forward to every lessons Tuesday.
