The day started off well, as I felt well-rested after a good night’s sleep. We had breakfast at the hotel and then headed to the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress. The fortress has a 6 km perimeter and encloses the city of Suwon within its walls. As we walked around the fortress, Jinny explained how archers would defend it from various points and pointed out spots where boiling water or oil would be poured on intruders. After enjoying several scenic views, we had lunch, during which Dr. Yun rewarded my group for finishing in second place in the previous day’s challenge.

After lunch, we made our way to Samsung, where we toured the Samsung Innovation Museum. There, we learned how products such as washing machines and cell phones have evolved over time. For instance, one of the original cell phones could only make calls for 30 minutes and required 8 hours to fully charge. Since this trip focuses on smart systems, we also explored how Samsung is incorporating AI into its everyday devices. The museum featured a mock living space showcasing the latest technology. Using Samsung’s virtual assistant, Bixby, the guide demonstrated how to close the curtains and change the lighting color with voice commands. We then saw a high-tech kitchen featuring Samsung’s latest refrigerator, which includes a touchscreen and interior cameras. The fridge uses AI to detect what items are added or removed and keeps an up-to-date inventory. This feature makes it easy to create grocery lists and even suggests meals based on the ingredients you have.

After the Samsung tour, we visited Myeongdong, where we had time to explore and shop. In the evening, we attended our formal welcome dinner and had the chance to speak with three Pitt alumni. After dinner, we rushed to a nearby spot to enjoy a popular Korean dessert called bingsu.

It was a thrilling day, and we ended it by returning to the hotel and enjoying the Korean nightlife.