On the 6th of April, KDIS took students from the Korean Language and Culture and Korean Through Arts and Drama courses on an exciting cultural trip to three major sites:

- Namsan Seoul Tower

- Gyeongbokgung Palace

- A traditional Hanbok rental shop

I had the opportunity to attend the trip, and here is a report of the day's activities.

More than 30 students participated, departing from the KDIS dormitory at around 8:00 AM. It took about two hours to reach Seoul. The bus ride itself was scenic, with views of beautiful landscapes and blooming cherry blossoms—a perfect start to the day.

Namsan Seoul Tower

We arrived at Namsan Seoul Tower around 10:00 AM, took some group pictures, and then headed to Mokmyeok Sanbang restaurant for lunch. The meal was tasty and helped us recharge for the rest of the day's activities.

After lunch, we made our way to the cable car boarding area. For many students, it was their first time riding a cable car—exciting and a little scary but thankfully, the ride was smooth and offered stunning views of the city below.

At the top, we explored Namsan Seoul Tower. The elevator rides up this 236.7-meter-tall tower, which was also a first-time experience for many of us, was particularly fascinating. The ride included a short movie, and I was especially interested in learning about this impressive structure and all the treasures it held.

Namsan Seoul Tower, often referred to as a "romantic island in the heart of the city," is  located at the summit of Namsan Mountain (262 meters). Offering a breathtaking 360-degree panoramic view of Seoul from 480 meters above sea level, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. I wasn't surprised to see people from all over the world—I even met tourists from Australia and India!

The tower comprises two main sections: the Lower Seoul Tower Plaza and the Upper N Seoul Tower. My favorite was the Seoul Tower Plaza, which features attractions such as Gallery K, a cozy lounge, and a game plaza. There were also media art installations displayed on a large 55-inch OLED panel, which added to the immersive experience.

We concluded our visit with a martial arts performance, which was a thrilling highlight.

Hanbok Experience & Gyeongbokgung Palace

Our next stop was Gyeongbokgung Palace, but before heading there, we visited a nearby Hanbok rental shop. Hanbok is the traditional clothing of the Korean people and has been worn for centuries. While the basic structure remains the same, modern designs offer a variety of styles and colors.

At the rental shop, we got to choose our own Hanbok styles, along with matching handbags and decorative hairpieces. Feeling colorful and elegant, we made our way to Gyeongbokgung Palace, where we took beautiful photos and toured the historic site.

Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, established in 1395. It served as the main royal residence and remains one of the most iconic landmarks in Seoul. Walking through the palace grounds while dressed in traditional Hanbok gave us a true sense of Korea's rich cultural history.

Student Reflections

I interviewed a few students after the trip to hear their thoughts.

Miss Tabitha Gambatula, a 2025 MPM student from Malawi, rated the trip an 8 out of 10. She especially enjoyed the palace visit, saying,

“Visiting as a group made it more fun—going alone wouldn’t have been the same. I liked how we explored a historical site that captured Korea’s past. It wasn’t modern, and I didn’t expect to see cherry blossoms either!”

She also appreciated the timing of the trip:

“This was really needed. With exams coming up and the pressure building, it was a great opportunity to take a break, relax, and learn about Korean culture.”

Miss Lesego Wmonye, a 2025 MIPD student from Botswana, rated the activity 9 out of 10. Her highlight was the food! The experience was amazing overall, but the dessert was absolutely delicious. ‘I loved the food very much; I also loved wearing the Hanbok because it made me feel like a princess,’ she said.

Overall, the trip was not only fun but also a great bonding experience for the students. It gave us a chance to relax, learn, and connect with one another outside the classroom.

To international applicants considering KDIS, taking the Korean Language and Culture (KLC1) class in your first semester  is highly recommended. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore new places, experience Korean traditions firsthand, and make lasting memories while adjusting to life in Korea.