Hey y’all! Today was nonstop in the best way. We kicked things off with a visit to Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site just outside of Seoul. The scale of the fortress was incredible, and walking the ancient walls gave me a deep appreciation for Korea’s architectural legacy and military history. We were also able to take part in an archery lesson within the fortress grounds. It was a fun, hands-on way to connect with Korean tradition and see how precision, patience, and practice are deeply embedded in the culture.
Afterward, we explored the surrounding area’s architecture and were generously treated to lunch by Chris and Dr. Yun for our win in yesterday’s challenge. The meal was made up of everyday traditional Korean dishes giving us a taste of what daily life looks like beyond the tourist bubble.
In the afternoon, we had a private tour of the Samsung Innovation Museum, where we got a close-up look at Korea’s influence on global technology. It was a strong reminder of how innovation and history go hand-in-hand here as Samsung has shaped not only Korea’s economy but also its modern identity.
We then headed to Myeongdong for shopping. I stopped by Red Eye, a trendy accessory store with aisles and aisles of earrings. Later, we had our welcome dinner at a beautiful halal restaurant, joined by some local alumni, which gave the evening a warm, communal feel. We also got to try on traditional hanboks for designed for royalty.
Our final challenge of the night was a scavenger hunt to find a dessert place from a photo. My team came in last, but it was worth it for the incredible snow ice. We explored even more by hitting a pellet gun range, combing through all 12 floors of Daiso, and discovered some cool underground stores.
Professionally, today helped me realize how Korea’s culture balances heritage and high-tech progress seamlessly. From fortresses to futuristic museums, there’s a consistent thread of intentionality and innovation. Understanding this duality deepens my global perspective—especially as someone studying business and marketing in a digital age.
