Over the course of 14 days in Seoul, South Korea, I had the incredible opportunity to immerse myself in a city that stands as a beacon of technological innovation, cultural richness, and forward-thinking infrastructure. As a Business Analytics and Global Management major, this trip allowed me not only to witness Smart Systems in action but also to reflect on my own growth.
What made this journey even more meaningful were the friendships I formed along the way. From the moment we landed at Incheon Airport, I found myself surrounded by peers who were just as eager to learn and explore as I was. The connections we built became an essential part of the experience. These people weren’t just classmates—they became teammates, friends, and a support system that made every challenge easier and every accomplishment sweeter.
One of the most thought-provoking aspects of the trip came during our visit to the Hyundai Asan Factory. Watching a car roll off the line every 52 seconds was awe-inspiring, but it also raised questions about automation and its ethical implications. As we marveled at robotic arms and streamlined assembly lines, I found myself thinking deeply about the balance between efficiency and employment. In my future role as a business analyst, I’ll need to grapple with these dilemmas. How can I advocate for innovation while also promoting equity and job sustainability? How do I ensure that data-driven solutions do not unintentionally reinforce social inequalities or lead to unintended consequences?
This theme resurfaced at the DMZ, where we learned about North Korea’s surveillance-heavy regime and the tunnels secretly built to invade South Korea post-armistice. These examples illustrated how technology can be used not only for progress but also for control. It reinforced the importance of ethical stewardship in analytics—ensuring that data is used transparently, responsibly, and in service of public good. Ethics in analytics is not just a topic to be discussed in theory but a responsibility to uphold in practice.
Our visit to Seoul City Hall also prompted questions about sustainability and responsible development. I learned how the building integrates green technologies and energy-saving designs, but it also made me think about the trade-offs in urban planning—balancing modernization with preserving history and addressing the needs of diverse communities. This reminded me that ethical considerations are at the heart of every system we build, and as a future professional, I must stay vigilant about the broader impacts of the tools and models I construct or contribute to.
I encountered a remarkable blend of history, politics, architecture, and technology. At City Hall, I learned how Seoul transformed a colonial-era structure into a smart, eco-friendly facility—an embodiment of Korea’s progress. The juxtaposition of old and new emphasized how an understanding of cultural, historical, and social contexts is vital for developing well-rounded business solutions. It became clear that to be an effective in the business world, I need more than technical knowledge—I need cultural literacy, historical awareness, and a global perspective.
My visit to the Samsung Innovation Museum further highlighted how education beyond one’s major enriches professional insight. Samsung doesn’t just make phones; they’re innovating in healthcare, home automation, and AI. That breadth of focus inspired me to think expansively about my own career path. The same curiosity that drives Samsung’s innovation is something I want to foster in my own life—by exploring subjects outside my comfort zone and learning how different industries intersect. As a business major, I may focus on data, but I need to remain engaged with engineering, design, and social sciences to remain versatile and valuable.
This trip broadened my perspective on the role of business in society. Whether I was learning about ancient palace traditions or observing modern research on Alzheimer’s at Yonsei, I realized how interconnected knowledge is. Even learning about how elevators are tested for safety at TK Elevator, or how yogurt distribution works at Fredit, taught me that no industry operates in isolation. The problems we face in business—whether they’re about logistics, sustainability, or accessibility—require a wide lens. I now see educational breadth as not just a supplement to my studies, but as a core part of my professional growth.
One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was realizing how critical it is to be a lifelong learner. In case it was learning how elevators are safety tested at TK Elevator, watching research into Alzheimer’s disease at Yonsei, or navigating Korea’s efficient subway system, I was constantly absorbing new information. Professionals at every stop—from factory technicians to university researchers—stressed the importance of staying current. I saw how Korea’s rapid technological growth demands continuous learning, as new systems, trends, and ethical challenges emerge every day.
Even everyday experiences reminded me that learning opportunities are everywhere. Trying banana milk for the first time, ordering food at a convenience store, or reading through signs in Korean all became mini-lessons in cultural fluency and adaptability. These moments showed me that the world is my classroom, and I should approach it with curiosity. As the business landscape becomes more global, being open to continuous learning won’t just be helpful— it will be necessary for long-term success.
It was also reminded me that learning is often collaborative. In group discussions, I gained insights from classmates with different majors and backgrounds— we talked about environmental impacts of smart waste systems or debating the privacy concerns around public surveillance. These exchanges weren’t just academic; they were conversations that built trust and strengthened the bonds within our group. I want to carry this collaborative mindset forward in my studies, seek out conversations and learn from others’ expertise to become a more effective analyst and teammate.
In Seoul, I noticed that professional culture is deeply intertwined with social connection. At Camp Casey, teamwork was essential. Soldiers working in chemical safety demonstrated how coordinated effort and mutual trust are crucial in high-stakes environments. At our Taekwondo class, encouragement and group energy made the experience both educational and enjoyable. The way people supported each other in everything from trying new things to navigating public transit highlighted the importance of community in professional life.
This social dimension extended into every meal, site visit, and group activity. Sitting at the front of the bus and soaking in the city view, laughing over mango shaved ice after a scavenger hunt, or trying tofu for lunch (even when though it wasn’t my favorite) all reminded me that relationships are the foundation of any professional environment. Building trust, showing empathy, and celebrating shared experiences are key to thriving in any organization. The collaborative atmosphere in Seoul, from research labs to street markets, reinforced that no achievement happens in isolation.
I also learned the value of teamwork in presenting ideas. Toward the end of the trip, my group and I worked together to develop a proposal for a new Smart System based on what we had learned. After days of inspiration, research, and brainstorming, we presented our concept: an automated garbage can system designed to improve waste management in public spaces. Each teammate brought unique insights—some focused on technical design, others on data collection, and I contributed my knowledge of analytics and user adoption. This project wasn’t just a grade—it was the culmination of our collective learning and a testament to how much we had grown together as a team.
From the smart waste systems discussed at City Hall to the innovation labs at Yonsei, I saw countless examples of teams made up of professionals from diverse backgrounds. These systems aren’t created in silos; they require collaboration between engineers, data scientists, designers, policy makers, and business analysts. At the Hyundai factory, for instance, efficient car production wasn’t just about mechanics—it was about logistics, software, analytics, and human-centered design.
This taught me that to be effective, I’ll need to communicate clearly across disciplines. I’ll need to ask questions when I don’t understand, explain my own ideas in ways others can grasp, and stay humble enough to learn from different perspectives. In group discussions, I noticed how different perspectives brought new dimensions to our understanding of Smart Systems. Either discussing data privacy, environmental sustainability, or user experience, everyone’s input added value. I’ll carry that mindset forward, striving to be both a leader and a listener in collaborative environments.
Even our day-to-day activities reflected the importance of teamwork. Coordinating scavenger hunt strategies to sharing observations during site visits, I saw how diverse insights enhanced every experience. Functioning on multi-disciplinary teams isn’t just a professional skill; it’s a mindset that values curiosity, respect, and the belief that no one has all the answers alone. Working on the Smart System project, I saw how my team’s varied perspectives made the idea stronger. The friendships I built made the work not only productive but fun— that learning and collaboration go hand in hand.
As I reflect on this journey, I’m struck by how far South Korea has come. From the historical trauma visible at Yonsei to the world-class infrastructure showcased across the city, Seoul is a powerful example of resilience, growth, and innovation. This trip didn’t just give me academic insight into Smart Systems; it gave me a lived understanding of what it means to be a thoughtful, ethical, and globally-minded professional. It showed me that Smart Systems are not just about technology, they are about the people they serve, the values they reflect, and the stories they tell.
Seoul showed me what is possible when history, technology, and humanity work together. It pushed me to think critically, act ethically, and never stop learning. And it reminded me that the best systems—smart or not—are the ones that bring people together. This trip wasn’t just a chapter in my academic journey; it was a launching point for the kind of professional I hope to become—curious, collaborative, and committed to making a positive impact on the world. I know that my path forward will include challenges, but with the lessons I’ve learned in Seoul, I feel ready to face them with an open mind, a strong ethical compass, and a commitment to continuous growth. I can’t wait to come back someday with all I’ve learned.
