I am honestly shocked to say that I have already been in Korea for one week! The time has flown by so quickly, and it feels almost surreal to think about how much I have experienced in such a short period. This first week has been filled with excitement, learning, and a fair share of adjustments. Living in a new country always comes with cultural differences, and while I anticipated some, there were others that caught me off guard. Thankfully, I’ve been able to adapt well and even enjoy the differences that make Korea unique.
One of the first cultural differences I noticed was the atmosphere on public transportation. Back home, buses and trains are often filled with chatter, phone calls, or even music leaking from headphones. In Korea, however, the environment is strikingly quiet. At first, I found it unusual and even a little uncomfortable. I wondered why no one spoke, laughed, or even whispered. Over time, I realized that public transportation here serves as a kind of sanctuary. Since people are constantly commuting, the subway or bus becomes a place of rest, reflection, and calmness in the middle of a busy workday. Once I understood this, I began to appreciate the silence. It creates a peaceful rhythm to the day and allows me to recharge during my own commutes.
Beyond cultural observations, my experience at my company has been equally rewarding. I am interning at HireDiversity, a company that provides administrative and lifestyle services for foreign residents and international students living in South Korea. While the company is technically part of the fintech industry, its scope is much broader, with multiple departments handling different aspects of support. As a marketing intern, my responsibilities vary from day to day, which keeps things interesting. During my first week, most of my tasks have been research-based, focusing on understanding the company’s products and services. I actually enjoy research, so this has been a great way to ease into the role. Before starting, I didn’t fully grasp the range of services HireDiversity offers, but diving into research helped me connect the dots and gain a clearer picture of the company’s mission.
The office culture has also been a pleasant surprise. I expected a more rigid or formal environment, but instead, the atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. For the most part, employees are focused on their own tasks, but there are moments of connection—especially before work begins or during lunch breaks. The office itself has an open-concept design, with groups of desks arranged together. I really like this setup because it allows me to feel surrounded by people even when I’m working independently. Every day I seem to notice someone new sitting in another part of the office, which keeps the environment dynamic and lively.
Reflecting on the skills needed for this industry, I would say confidence in independent work and the ability to stay focused for long periods of time are essential. Since I am the only intern at the company, most of my tasks are completed on my own. I spend hours at my desk working through assignments, and while I enjoy the independence, I know this type of work could be challenging for someone who prefers frequent task changes or struggles with attention span. Personally, I find satisfaction in knowing that the company trusts me to complete my work without constant oversight.
Another important strength in this industry is open-mindedness and the willingness to ask questions. Research inevitably brings up uncertainties, and it’s crucial to feel comfortable seeking clarification. I’ve learned that asking questions not only helps me understand better but also shows initiative and engagement. Similarly, being open-minded when given tasks that may not seem exciting at first is key. For example, when I was initially assigned research, I wasn’t thrilled. However, as I dug deeper, I discovered how much I could learn and even began to enjoy the process. By approaching the task with curiosity, I was able to turn it into a meaningful experience.
This first week has been a whirlwind, but it has also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned to appreciate cultural differences, gained valuable insights into my company’s operations, and developed skills that will serve me well in the future. I look forward to continuing this journey, embracing new challenges, and making the most of every opportunity. If the first week is any indication, my time in Korea will be filled with growth, discovery, and unforgettable experiences.
