This past week was one of the most memorable experiences of my internship in South Korea. I had the opportunity to lead a tour for a Turkish-American school visiting Seoul, and the experience provided a unique chance to apply what I had been learning about Korean culture and history, as well as what I had learned professionally. Over the course of two days, I guided these students through some of Seoul’s most iconic landmarks and culturally rich neighborhoods. But what I took away was much more than just a checklist of places visited; it was a deeper understanding of how cultures can shape leadership, learning, and professional growth.
We began our first day at Gyeongbokgung Palace, arguably one of the most historic sites in Korea. As we walked through the palace grounds, I explained the significance of the Joseon Dynasty, the architecture, and the traditions that shaped Korea’s royal history. It was rewarding to see the students engage with the content, ask thoughtful questions, and begin to connect with the country they were visiting. For many of them, this was their first time learning about Korean history in such depth, and it was meaningful for me to serve as a bridge between the content and their understanding.
Next, we headed to Bukchon Hanok Village for a hands-on team-building activity. This was an interactive orienteering challenge designed to help students explore the traditional hanok village while working collaboratively to complete missions. This activity blended culture with teamwork, allowing them to learn while strengthening group dynamics. Watching them strategize, communicate, and cheer each other on reminded me of the importance of experiential education, especially in cross-cultural settings.
Afterwards, we moved to Insadong, one of Seoul’s most famous traditional shopping districts. Here, students enjoyed a brief period of free time, during which they had lunch and explored the cultural shops. The first day concluded at Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP), a striking symbol of Seoul’s modernity and innovation. DDP offered a clear contrast to the historical sites we visited earlier and gave the students a glimpse into the contemporary fashion, design, and architecture scenes in Korea.
On day two, we began with a visit to the War Memorial of Korea. As a guide, I led the students through exhibits about the Korean War, what happened during it, and its ongoing impact. This stop was particularly emotional and powerful because many students learned about the depth of suffering endured by the Korean people and the international support that played a role in the country’s recovery. They also discovered that their country was a significant help to South Korea along the way, which made the experience feel deeply personal for them. It sparked meaningful conversations about the long-lasting effects of war and the importance of global solidarity.
Our next stop was Bugak Palgakjeong Pavilion, located at the top of Bugaksan Mountain. The panoramic views of Seoul from the pavilion were breathtaking, offering a peaceful moment of reflection. Surrounded by nature and cityscape, it felt like the perfect metaphor for Korea itself, which is a beautiful blend of past, present, and future.
We ended the trip by dropping the students off at Lotte World Mall for some free time. Saying goodbye wasn’t easy as I had grown attached to the group over those two days, but I left feeling fulfilled and proud of what we had shared.
This tour experience helped me develop in ways I hadn’t expected. I had never led a tour before, let alone such an extensive program, and doing so in a foreign country added an extra layer of challenge. But with every site we visited, I grew more confident in my public speaking, navigation, and ability to explain complex cultural topics in an accessible way. These are skills I know I’ll carry with me into any future career path.
Alongside this practical experience, I’ve also been reflecting deeply on what it means to be successful in a professional setting, especially in the context of South Korea. Unlike the more individualistic approach I’m familiar with in the United States, South Korea places a strong emphasis on dedication, seniority, and group harmony in the workplace. A successful employee here is someone consistent, loyal, respectful of hierarchy, and attuned to unspoken social cues. Success here comes about by showing commitment, being dependable, and knowing when to speak up and when to quietly support others.
At my internship, I’ve learned that success doesn’t necessarily mean being the loudest or most innovative person in the room. Instead, it often looks like showing up early, being meticulous, and contributing to the team in subtle but meaningful ways. I’ve had to shift my mindset from “How can I stand out?” to “How can I support the group?” Social participation, like joining team dinners or casual conversations, has also proven just as important as work-related performance in building trust.
This contrasts with the American professional culture I’m used to, where self-initiative, assertiveness, and fast results are often celebrated. In the U.S., questioning authority or proposing bold new ideas is usually seen as a strength. But in Korea, challenging the norm too openly can be viewed as disruptive rather than helpful. Here, success is built slowly over time through patience and consistency, not through loud declarations, but through quiet reliability.
Navigating these cultural differences has been one of the most valuable lessons of my internship. I’ve gained not only a better understanding of Korean professional norms but also a stronger sense of adaptability and global awareness. Whether I’m leading a group of students through a palace or collaborating with my Korean colleagues at the office, I’ve learned that success is defined differently across cultures and that learning how to listen, observe, and adjust is a form of success in itself.