My First Week in South Korea: A Journey of Emotions and Dreams

The day was finally here: February 11th, 2023. My flight from Delhi Airport was scheduled, marking the beginning of a life-changing journey. Leaving my home country, India, stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me. Excitement blended with melancholy as I said goodbye to my family. I was thrilled to step into a new chapter, but the weight of leaving behind my loved ones was undeniable.

Before this moment, I lived a humble life as a small home-tuition teacher. I shared my knowledge with young minds, who, in return, gave me immense love and respect. My life was surrounded by blessings, especially from the elders in my community. Their warmth and prayers gave me the strength to embark on this new adventure. Driven by dreams and the ambition to work in a high-reputed, world-class laboratory, I decided to move to South Korea, a country known for its cutting-edge research and innovation.

As the plane took off, I gazed out of the window with dreamy eyes, envisioning my future. The long hours of the flight gave me ample time to reflect on my aspirations and prepare myself for the challenges ahead. Upon landing at Incheon International Airport, I was greeted by the chilly February air and an overwhelming mix of nervousness and anticipation.

The first few days in South Korea were a whirlwind. Navigating through the unfamiliar streets, understanding the local customs, and adjusting to the language barrier was challenging yet exhilarating. My university had arranged a warm welcome, which helped ease my initial anxieties. I was introduced to my new peers during my orientation days, many of whom were from diverse cultural backgrounds. It was comforting to know that I wasn’t alone in this journey of adaptation.

I had arrived with around 30 kg of luggage, which seemed like a heavy burden to carry, but I soon realized how fortunate I was. Every step of the way, I encountered people in Korea who were kind, humble, and incredibly helpful. Despite the language barrier and their reserved nature, they would carry my bag without even asking, simply seeing the struggle on my face. Their silent kindness made me feel welcomed and less alone in this unfamiliar land.

As I made my way from Seoul-Incheon Airport to Pohang, the snow-covered landscape added an extra layer of surreal beauty to the journey. The six-hour flight had left me exhausted, and the cold weather only amplified the fatigue, but I pressed on. I called my parents to tell them I had arrived safely, reassuring them that I was ready to take on the challenges ahead. To my relief, one of my colleagues from my new lab had come to receive me, helping me find my way to my accommodation.

During my orientation days, I connected with two Singaporean exchange students, and we quickly became friends. It was comforting to share this experience with others who were also adjusting to a new environment. Together, we explored the local currency, the best routes for commuting, and even ventured into the grocery stores to figure out how to navigate daily life in South Korea. My main priority, though, was taking care of myself in the cold weather, making sure I bundled up properly.

My accommodation was a cozy dormitory room equipped with all the essentials. Settling in took some time, but soon enough, I started feeling at home. My first meal in South Korea was a comforting bowl of tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) at a local Korean restaurant, followed by a plate of kimbap (Korean sushi rolls) along with a hot bowl of Ramen. The flavors were bold and unfamiliar but full of warmth, symbolizing the start of an exciting culinary adventure. The meal became a memorable experience, marking the beginning of my love for Korean food.

Each day brought new experiences—exploring the campus, attending orientation sessions, and acquainting myself with the advanced laboratory facilities that I had always dreamt of working in. I was amazed by the technological sophistication and resources at my disposal. The state-of-the-art equipment and the collaborative atmosphere reaffirmed my decision to move here.

Evenings were spent video-calling my family and sharing stories of my new life. Though I missed them terribly, their encouragement kept me motivated. My students from back home sent heartfelt messages, reminding me of the purpose that fueled my journey.

By the end of the week, I felt a mix of exhaustion and accomplishment. It was a week of firsts—firsts that would lay the foundation for an incredible journey ahead. Looking back, I realize that my dreams, though ambitious, are within reach. My first week in South Korea taught me the importance of resilience, curiosity, and the power of stepping out of one’s comfort zone.

The path ahead is long, but with dreamy eyes and an unwavering spirit, I am ready to embrace everything this journey has to offer.