International students from KDI School recently embarked on an enriching field trip that perfectly blended Korea's technological advancement with its cultural heritage. On October 11, 2024, students visited K-water facilities in Geumsan and the renowned Geumsan World Insam (Ginseng) Festival, offering a unique glimpse into both modern infrastructure and traditional medicine.

The day began with a visit to K-water, where students listened to an engaging presentation about the organization's water management projects. Established in 1967, K-water has been at the forefront of South Korea's water resource development and management for over half a century.

An international student who attended the trip, Maria Belen Guerrero Pesantez (2023 MDP, Ecuador), shared her thoughts: "One of the things that surprised me the most was finding out that the system nowadays works with artificial intelligence". The facility tour showcased advanced membrane filtration systems and demonstrated how K-water produces drinking-quality water for its facilities and employees.

The highlight of the trip was the visit to the Geumsan World Insam Festival, where students had the opportunity to meet with the local Mayor Beom-in Park. In an interesting diplomatic anecdote, the Mayor shared how Korean ginseng recently served as a diplomatic gift from the Korean president to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, highlighting the cultural significance of this prized root.

Students sampled various ginseng-based products, with many developing a particular fondness for ginseng tea. The festival offered not only tastings but also entertaining activities, with translators on hand to help international students fully engage with the experience.

For many students, the trip served multiple educational purposes. "Visiting K-water offers insight into Korea's advanced water management and sustainable resource practices," noted Rashmi Gihesha Lakmali Lokuyaddehige (2023 MPP, Sri Lanka), emphasizing how the experience connected to her government work.

Marufa Sultana Khan Hiramony (2023 MDP, Bangladesh) appreciated seeing "their innovative approach to water sustainability and resource management," particularly noting how the integration of advanced technologies for water distribution and quality control demonstrated the complexities of large-scale water management.

The field trip concluded with a visit to the Yongdam Dam, also managed by K-water, where students captured photos of the impressive infrastructure against the scenic backdrop. This field trip, organized by KDI School, exemplified the institution's commitment to providing international students with hands-on learning experiences that combine technological innovation with cultural immersion.

"As a government officer, learning firsthand about infrastructural innovations could enhance our understanding of real-world applications," one participant reflected, highlighting the practical value of such field trips for international students studying in Korea.

The successful blend of technical education and cultural experience made this field trip particularly memorable for the participating students, offering them valuable insights into both Korea's technological advancement and its rich cultural heritage.