The Korea Field Research and Study (KFRS) trip, a key educational event and highlight of the academic year for KDI School students, came to a successful close on May 3.

The three-day trip (May 1-3), spanning three cities (Gyeongju, Busan, and Gumi) exploring Korea’s cultural, innovative and industrial sites, proved to be a fruitful journey filled with exploration, learning, cultural immersion and forming stronger bonds for the 80 KDIS students who participated in the program.

Commencing from Gyeongju City, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, students explored Bulguksa Temple. A UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its architectural grandeur, the temple provided a captivating window into Korea’s rich cultural legacy. Dabotap, a stone pagoda from Korea's ancient Silla Kingdom located in the Bulguksa Temple arena, is featured on the 10-won Korean coin. Interestingly, Gyeongju boasts a popular street food called "10-won bread," shaped like a Korean 10-won coin.

"I was excited to know about the ‘10 won bread’. I found it interesting that they have a bread designed after a coin, a good marketing move -I must say, and a unique way to promote the heritage," a student shared. 

The itinerary offered a blend of historical immersion with contemporary insights. The second destination of the day was Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., LTD. Students received a docent tour, shedding light on Korea’s energy landscape. Students learnt about the company's significant role in ensuring a stable and efficient electricity supply to meet the growing demand in South Korea. Students also witnessed Korea’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions, with plans to expand operations and invest in cutting-edge technologies for a stable, safe, and sustainable energy future.

On the second day, students made their way to Busan, a vibrant coastal city renowned for its beaches and cultural landmarks. At the Busan Eco Delta Smart Village, students glimpsed into the future of urban living. They toured one of the smart homes within the demonstration complex, offering a preview of the cutting-edge technologies slated for implementation in the Busan Eco Delta Smart City. This experimental space enables citizens to immerse themselves in future urban technologies and offer valuable feedback.

The afternoon was divided between a tour of the Jagalchi Cruise and a visit to the Busan Port Authority, a crucial entity responsible for the management and operation of the Port of Busan, which is the largest port in South Korea and one of the busiest seaports in the world serving as a crucial gateway for Korea’s international trade. 

Dean Jong-Il You and Associate Dean Dong-Young Kim met with the students at a special evening banquet prepared at the hotel boosting the student morale and making the trip more significant with their presence. 

The final leg of the trip brought students to Gumi, where they started the day with an exclusive tour of the Samsung Smart City Gallery, a state-of-the-art facility that introduces the innovative and sustainable technologies implemented in the Samsung Smart City. 

Reflecting on the trip, Subrata Kumer from Bangladesh shared, "Seeing a collection of over 3,000 Samsung mobile phone models on the walls was an indescribable experience. I could feel the history and stories Samsung carries with its name."

Then the Saemaul Undong Theme Park marked the final destination of KFRS, where students were offered a glimpse into the Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) that was initiated in the 1970s and played a crucial role in Korea’s socio-economic development.

As students returned to Sejong, they carried with them not only memories of an unforgettable journey but also a deeper appreciation for Korea’s past, present, and future.