Once upon a time, two universities, Kansas University and Kookmin University, began ex-changing emails. While the two universities had much in common, it was the professors from Department of Metal Craft that decided their students could benefit from each other. After much discussion and a few visits, the two Universities decided to start a student exchange program. During the summer of 2009, I received an email from my professor that said “Cameron, I’ve just returned from South Korea, I think I’ve got something for you. Contact me soon.” So I met with my professor and he explained the program. When he told me I had to go, I did not argue.

Several weeks later I received my visa, registered with the school, and I was ready to leave. The total travel time was about 23 hours and I was extremely exhausted. Two senior students from Department of Metal Craft were nice enough to pick me up at the airport and take me to Kookmin University. They helped me move into the dormitory, and helped me transition into my new life in South Korea. I immediately fell in love with the Art and Design Centers on campus. Both buildings are extremely well equipped with everything an artist or designer could ever ask for. I especially enjoyed the gallery shows in each building. Almost every week was a new show encompassing every medium. Before I knew it I was eating and drinking like a Korean, Samgyeopsal, Bibimbap, Malgeunguk, and of course Soju. At first I thought the food was a bit too spicy, but now I crave spicy food. The more red the better! There is no way I can describe everything, I have experienced in South Korea in this article, so I’ll try to talk about some of the most memorable.

First of all, the Cheongju International Craft Biennale 2009, was absolutely amazing. It was by far the largest show of craft artists I’ve ever seen. Soon after, several students from my class invited me to the Design Festa Vol. 30 in Tokyo, Japan. We stayed in Shinokubo for 4 days, attended the festival, and ran wild in Tokyo. Then tragedy struck. Due to all the walking and possibly the lack of shower sandals, my big toe became infected. I didn’t quite realize how bad it was until I got back to school and I could barely walk without extreme pain. After a few days of trying to let it heal on it’s own, I checked myself into a hospital on a Sunday morning. I sent a text message to my lovely professor Kang  Yeon-mi, and told her I might miss her class because I was in the hospital. I think I almost gave her a heart attack, she was so worried. She immediately rushed to the hospital with clothing, food, books, and personal hygiene supplies. I didn’t even bring a tooth brush with me to the hospital, but I also didn’t know I would be there receiving medicine through an IV for a whole week! Oh well just one more new experience to add to my time in Korea.

So now what? Well I’ve just finished my degree in design and I would like to take one year of rest before graduate school. After having a lot of thought, I’ve decided to stay in Korea for one more year. I really like here, and I think it’s the perfect place to continue my metal craft work as I prepare my portfolio for graduate school. I want to thank all the students and professors who helped make my stay in Korea so great, and hopefully I’ll be seeing you soon.

Source : THE KOOKMIN REVIEW No.215