Today was a very packed day. We met up earlier, at 8:30 AM, and basically hit the ground running. I skipped breakfast, which was good because we went straight to eat lunch. The place was pretty far and also the time between our company visits was tight so we ate at 11. The beef was really good, as always. After food, I stopped by a 7/11 to pick up some chocolate milk and tried a chocolate moon cake.

We piled into the bus and went to Asan to visit Hyundai’s assembly line. Everything here was very hyper automated and most of the robots had some kind of sensing system. Our guide walked us through and we saw what essentially is the creation of a car. We also saw them take a break and the entire line paused. I never really thought about how assembly line works take breaks/swap shifts before and it was nice to see.

As soon as that tour was done, we hopped onto the bus again and made our way to TK Elevators. They introduced their company by showing a Willy Wonka clip. Specifically the one of him talking about his wondrous left and right elevator. Turns out, TK has made it a reality! They also talked to us about their twin elevator system and how they are pushing to implement it to reduce energy consumption and make really tall elevators more efficient.

We got a tour of the company and saw how it was more than just elevators. TK made an effort to encourage good health and spirits with their employees by providing recreational spaces and a mini gym. The whole building also featured energy conservative modifications, like escalators that dont move unless someone is standing on them.

After the group activities, we were allowed to freely go out and buy dinner. I decided to give the nearby McDonald’s a try and I saw a burger completely different than states burgers. Not only did it taste much different, but look at that adorable branding!

-Therese

P. S. Today I learned that I made the Dean’s List!