This week, I had the chance to visit Lotte World, which is often described as the Korean version of Disney World, and I can see why! The park is divided into two main sections: about 75 percent of it is indoors, and the rest is outdoors. One of the best things about this setup was that most of the attractions and waiting areas were inside, which was a huge relief from the summer heat and bright sun. Being indoors made standing in lines much more comfortable and bearable, especially on a hot day. The air conditioning and shade made a huge difference, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience without getting exhausted or overheated while waiting.

Lotte World is thoughtfully designed to keep guests cool and entertained throughout the day. The indoor section includes thrilling rides, fun games, and even themed zones that appeal to all ages. Meanwhile, the outdoor part offers scenic views, classic amusement park rides, and some ice snacks to keep cool. Speaking of entertainment, the park had several lively parades running at different times, which added to the vibrant atmosphere and kept everyone excited and engaged. The colorful costumes, upbeat music, and dazzling performances created moments that felt surreal. Overall, it was a fantastic experience full of thrilling rides, colorful shows, and great food that I thoroughly enjoyed. It was a perfect blend of fun and culture, and a wonderful way to spend the day.

Now that I’m further into my internship here in Korea, I’m starting to notice more deeply how this experience has helped me grow, not only professionally but also personally. Before this internship, I would describe my leadership style as very proactive, hands-on, and somewhat directive. I’ve always been someone who naturally steps into the role of the leader when working on group projects or in team settings. I enjoy organizing tasks, setting deadlines, and making sure everyone knows what they need to do. I tend to be the person who takes charge, delegates work, and keeps track of the progress to ensure the project stays on schedule. I often found comfort and confidence in leading because it gave me a sense of control and direction. In many ways, I liked being the group leader because I felt responsible for the success of the team, and I took pride in making sure things were well-organized and executed properly.

However, this internship abroad has challenged my view of leadership in unexpected and important ways. Being in a different cultural and professional environment forced me to rethink how I approach leadership and to be more adaptable. One of the biggest differences I noticed early on was the role of supervisors and how leadership is practiced here. Unlike what I was used to, where the leader tends to be very hands-on and responsible for directing every step, I encountered supervisors who took a more collaborative and trust-based approach. They provided guidance and feedback but also empowered team members to take ownership of their tasks. This made me realize that leadership isn’t only about directing and controlling but also about trusting others and working together as a cohesive unit.

At first, this was a bit difficult for me because I was so used to being the one making sure everything was done “my way.” I had to learn how to relax and let go of the need to micromanage or always be in control. I began observing how my supervisors encouraged teamwork and communication, emphasizing cooperation rather than just individual accountability. This experience opened my eyes to the value of a leadership style that focuses on support, encouragement, and shared responsibility. I saw how this kind of leadership can create a positive work environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to contribute their best.

At the same time, I’ve also been able to apply my leadership style in many situations because my supervisors trust me to take charge when needed. This balance has helped me become more flexible as a leader. I’ve learned to read situations more carefully to decide when a more directive approach is necessary and when it’s better to step back.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of adapting leadership styles to fit the context and the team. Leadership is not one-size-fits-all; it depends on the people involved, the culture, the goals, and the challenges at hand. This internship has made me more aware of different leadership philosophies and helped me build a greater understanding of what it means to be a good leader. 

Before, I viewed leadership mainly as taking charge and organizing, but now I understand it as a dynamic process that requires flexibility, trust, and collaboration. I feel more confident in blending different styles and approaches depending on what the situation demands. This growth wouldn’t have been possible without stepping out of my comfort zone and immersing myself in a new environment.