Hey y’all! We arrived at Incheon International Airport around 4 a.m. after nearly 20 hours of travel from Pittsburgh to Atlanta, then across the world to Seoul. Despite the exhaustion, I was immediately struck by how organized and efficient everything felt. Incheon Airport was quiet but fully functional, with clear signage, polite staff, and a calm atmosphere – a sharp contrast to the often chaotic feel of large U.S. airports. Customs took 30 seconds which was such a shock to me.

To stay awake and fight the jet lag, we started our day with a traditional Korean breakfast. I tried baby squid bibimbap. It was super flavorful, fresh, and surprisingly comforting. It was my first real exposure to Korean food culture beyond what I’ve experienced in the U.S.

Next, we visited Gyeongbokgung Palace to watch the changing of the guards ceremony. Compared to most historic sites in the U.S., which often feel distant or static, the palace was alive—with performances, colors, and traditions still actively celebrated. Our guide, Jinny, was incredibly knowledgeable and shared stories that gave cultural context to what we were seeing. I realized how deeply connected Koreans are to their history. There’s a pride and reverence that shows up in everything from architecture to public rituals.

We also visited the Blue House and then explored Tongin Market, where I had tempura and spicy tteokbokki. It was crowded, loud, and full of energy which felt similar to American street fairs, but with a unique rhythm and etiquette that made it feel distinctly Korean.

One of the most eye-opening parts of the day was our group challenge: find our way back to the hotel using public transportation. My team navigated using a train and a bus, and we somehow arrived 10 minutes before everyone else. This challenge helped me realize how advanced and intuitive Korea’s public transit system is. It’s so much more efficient and integrated than many U.S. cities.

Professionally, today helped me reflect on the importance of cultural awareness and adaptability in global contexts. Even something as simple as ordering food or navigating transportation can become an opportunity to understand another culture’s values, such as efficiency, respect, community. I’m excited to learn more in the days ahead.