Inzhu Serikbayeva, a first year student from Kazakhstan, shares her experience from the recent excursion of the Spring 2025 semester to Seoul National Museum.

The 17th Student Council organized a trip to Seoul, and I figured, why not? We hit the road at 7 AM, half-asleep but buzzing with excitement. It was raining, which somehow made everything feel more cinematic. Seoul in the rain? Perfect vibe.

By 10 AM, we arrived at the National Museum of Korea. The territory is massive. The exhibits were both stunning and thought-provoking. We wandered through the halls, taking our time and soaking in the culture and history. The museum offered a powerful reminder of how cultural heritage and access to learning play a vital role in shaping informed, empathetic global citizens.

After a while, hunger hit hard. So, we made our way to I’Park Mall. Finding a place to eat there was an adventure in itself so many choices, so little time. After way too much back-and-forth, we somehow ended up at KFC. Not the most “cultural” choice, but honestly? It hit the spot.

Next up was the Han River. Luckily, the rain had stopped by then, and the air felt crisp and fresh. The river was calm and peaceful, a perfect contrast to the city buzz. We strolled along the waterfront, snapped some pics, and just enjoyed the moment. Seoul’s balance of modern life and natural beauty always hits different.

By 4 PM, we were back at the shuttle bus stop, and by 5, we were on the road home. We made it back by 8 PM, exhausted but happy.

Seoul delivered everything in one day: history, food, and unforgettable vibes.