Today, we woke up bright and early to drive to the Seongdong-gu area in order to visit Hanyang University. Hanyang, founded in 1939, is Korea’s first engineering university; therefore, it is predominantly known for its massive engineering alumni network. Due to this feat, the school is known as the “Engine of Korea.” Many of their alumni have gone on to do great things in various fields, ranging from acting to the automotive industry. Although one would imagine that an engineer would be the first to see the value in an science and engineering based education, Hanyang was actually founded by a musician. Dr. Kim Lyun-joon founded Dong-A Engineering Institute (now called Hanyang Engineering College) and was a successful composer. His influence shaped the comprehensive, well-rounded education that Hanyang students experience every day. We were lucky to meet four Hanyang students, who served as our tour guides throughout their campus. We visited their library, which on the ends of the first floor had study lounges; i mention the study lounges because we were amazed at the fact that they included individual theaters, where students can rent a film and watch them.

The campus itself was very beautiful, as it was surrounded by greenery on top of the Seoul hills. In the main area of the campus stands an amphitheater, which according to the students, is where they have hosted many famous K-Pop artists like BLACKPINK. We made our way up to their dining hall, where I was able to indulge in my favorite Korean dish, tonkatsu. Having the dish in Korea with Plus3 and Hanyang students definitely bolstered the experience.

After visiting the university, we took the subway down to Hongdae, an area characterized by its youth presence due to a nearby university called Hongik University. The subway in Korea differs dramatically from what I have experienced traveling in New York City. The subways are extremely easy to navigate, run smoothly, and are very clean! Each of us invested in a T-card, the Korean counterpart of a Metrocard, in order to further facilitate our traveling journey.

In Hongdae, we wandered through the shops and street markets. Furthermore, I could not resist the temptation to try bubble tea in Korea and enjoyed a green tea lemonade with tapioca. Later on, we congregated at a restaurant in Hongdae to try more authentic Korean cuisine. This time it was in the form of pan fried octopus and cow intestines. Although it sounds unappetizing, it was the opposite! Side dishes and all, Korean food has not disappointed and I am excited to continue to try more meals I am not familiar with.