Airidas - K- Design in South Korea

My mobility experience at the Korean Architecture School in Seoul was a transformative journey that expanded my design perspective, built my personal resilience, and allowed me to create lifelong friendships while immersed in a vibrant, contrasting culture.

Memorable Moments

Walking through narrow alleys of the Hanok village was a memorable experience. It allowed me to witness how traditional Korean architectural philosophy is preserved. Taking the time to document these spaces gave me an appreciation for the community's connection to their heritage.

Studying in the Hongdae district meant that the urban transformation of Seoul was my daily scenery. A highlight was stepping out of the classroom at Hongik University and immediately being immersed in the vibrant, youth-driven street culture of modern design that defines the area.

Relying on Seoul's subway and bus networks to navigate the city turned into a highlight. It forced me to engage directly with the rhythm of the metropolis, observing the urban flow and daily life of residents from a ground-level perspective rather than rushing by.

Collaborating with my cohort and the team from Challenges Abroad was rewarding. Discussing our different perspectives on the Seoul skyline and sharing our reflections created a strong sense of shared purpose and professional growth.

Deep Dive: Culture

The biggest differences were how people navigate public spaces and social hierarchy when comparing the culture in South Korea to my experience in Northern Ireland.

Despite Seoul being a populated megacity, public transport like the subway is quiet. People keep their phone calls discreet, and it is customary to refrain from talking loudly. This was a noticeable shift from the often livelier atmosphere on public transit back in Northern Ireland.

Another difference was the strong emphasis on hierarchy and respect for elders, which is deeply ingrained in Korean culture. There is a constant awareness of status and age. This contrasts with Northern Ireland, which generally leans toward more egalitarian social and professional relationships.

However, I noticed similarities in how both cultures value third spaces for community. Just as local cafes and pubs are important in Northern Ireland, cafe culture in South Korea is a massive part of daily life. In Seoul, cafes seamlessly blend socialisation with intense study and work culture, serving as spaces where people stay for hours on end.

Finally, both cultures share pride in their history and heritage. Just as we preserve historic architecture in Northern Ireland, South Koreans maintain areas like the Seochon Hanok Village. The difference is the immediate proximity to the future; in Seoul, you can step out of a traditional courtyard and instantly find yourself in the modern streets of Hongdae.

Overcoming Travel and Personal Challenges

One challenge was adapting to Seoul’s layout without the use of motorbikes or scooters, which are highly popular and convenient local transit options. Committing to a strict safety code meant I had to rely entirely on walking and public transit. I overcame this by quickly mapping out and mastering the Seoul subway and bus networks. This limitation actually turned into a major advantage-walking and taking the subway forced me to engage more deeply with the urban design, giving me a much better ground-level perspective of the city's architectural flow than I would have gotten otherwise.

A broader challenge was the personal journey to get to Seoul in the first place. After facing earlier setbacks in securing global opportunities, the preparation and application process initially felt daunting. I overcame this by seeking constructive feedback and using structured methods to clearly communicate my goals and professional growth. Building this resilience before the trip was important; it gave me the confidence to dive into a fast-paced, highly structured international programme, ensuring I maximised every single day of the architecture school without hesitation.

Building Lifelong Friendships

Making friends was the most rewarding part of this entire experience. Going into an intensive two-week programme in a completely new country can feel a bit daunting at first, but the shared experience of navigating a megacity like Seoul and going into the architecture school brought our cohort incredibly close. Because we were all out of our comfort zones, I found it very easy to connect with people who shared the same passion for design, travel, and cultural exploration.

In fact, I made best friends for life during this trip. I am incredibly grateful for the group we formed. Even now that the programme has ended and we are back home, we remain close friends and are already actively planning future meet-ups and birthday celebrations together. The bonds we built while exploring traditional Hanok villages, studying in Hongdae, and navigating the subway system have truly lasted far beyond the flight home!

Exploring Seoul’s Cultural Landscape

While the programme kept me busy around Hongik University, I made sure to maximise my free time by exploring.

Visiting Gyeongbokgung Palace allowed me to study traditional Korean royal architecture and its expansive spatial planning. I also spent time at the National Museum of Korea, which offered incredible insights into the country's rich historical timeline and artistic evolution.

Experiencing the iconic Namsan Seoul Tower provided an unmatched panoramic perspective of Seoul’s urban grid. Down at the ground level, spending time along the Han River revealed how the megacity integrates vital green and blue spaces for public recreation. Another major highlight was the Starfield Library-from a design perspective, its towering illuminated bookshelves and open-plan layout are a spectacular modern interior public space.

Traveling to the border was a serious experience. I visited the Joint Security Area (JSA) and the Dora Observatory looking out across the DMZ. This excursion provided an essential geopolitical perspective, highlighting the complex history and resilience of the peninsula.

Tips for You

If you are considering a mobility programme, my biggest piece of advice is to completely throw yourself into the experience and embrace the unknown.

The application and preparation process can sometimes feel daunting, and you might face initial setbacks. Do not let that discourage you. Building resilience early on will give you the confidence to fully engage once you arrive. The reward of living and studying in an entirely new culture is entirely worth the effort it takes to get there.

It is tempting to look for easy shortcuts when navigating a new country, but leaning into the local way of doing things is where the real learning happens. Relying entirely on public transit and walking instead of taking convenient shortcuts forced me to engage deeply with the city's rhythm. You will see so much more of the architecture, design, and daily life from the ground level.

Remember that you are a guest in someone else’s community. Take the time to learn the cultural etiquette and be mindful of your surroundings. Asking for permission and respecting local boundaries will lead to much more genuine and positive interactions.

Going to a foreign country with people you do not know is intimidating, but remember that everyone else is in the same boat. Be open, collaborate, and share your perspectives. The shared experience of navigating a new culture will help you form incredibly strong bonds, and you will likely come home with best friends for life.