A group of Grand View University students are currently in Seoul, South Korea, participating in a faculty-led study tour designed to immerse students in Korean culture, history, urban life, and global citizenship through hands-on intercultural experiences.
During the 12-day experience, students are exploring some of South Korea’s most significant cultural and historical sites, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, National Museum of Korea, Bongeunsa, and the Korean Demilitarized Zone.
In addition to visiting historic landmarks, students are engaging with contemporary Korean culture through cooking classes, visits to local markets and cafés, use of Seoul’s public transportation system, and independent exploration throughout the city. The experience encourages students to step outside their comfort zones while gaining a deeper understanding of everyday life in another country.
Faculty leaders Erin Kim-Cho and Heather Brady said the study tour is designed to help students become reflective learners as they navigate another culture independently.
“Through experiences such as exploring public spaces, using transportation systems, reflecting on historical memory at the DMZ, and adapting to unfamiliar environments, students are invited to think more deeply about identity, vocation, and their place within a global community,” Kim-Cho and Brady shared.
The study tour reflects Grand View University’s commitment to global learning opportunities that encourage cultural understanding, personal growth, and meaningful engagement with the wider world.