Surpassing Limits: Stories from the Ginseng Country

 Based on an interview with Obednego Mehi, a student from UKAW, who participated in an international seminar in South Korea.

   On November 24, 2024, Obednego Mehi, a student from Artha Wacana Christian University (AWCU), had the valuable opportunity to attend an international seminar in Seoul, South Korea. But his experience went far beyond the seminar itself — Obed also explored everyday life in Korea, discovering cultural differences that left a lasting impression.

  Through this journey, Obed gained unique insights into Korean culture, lifestyle, and social values in the vibrant land of ginseng.

(Source : Obednego Mehi)

  📍Gyeongbokgung Palace is the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty, in northern Seoul, South Korea.

 Every journey to a new country brings more than just new sights it brings new ways of thinking, behaving, and connecting with others. Before we follow Obed’s story in Korea, let’s take a moment to understand the heart of it all: cross-cultural understanding. This means being open to differences, learning to respect unfamiliar customs, and finding common ground in the middle of it all. In a world where cultures mix more than ever, this kind of understanding is not just useful it’s essential. Obed’s time in Korea wasn’t just about adapting to a new place, but about discovering how everyday moments like walking to work or sharing a meal can become powerful lessons in seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.

  

 Walking Culture & Punctuality

  The first thing that impressed Obed was the walking culture in Korea. Unlike in Indonesia, where people usually depend on motorcycles or cars for their daily activities, Koreans are used to walking long distances even when going to school, work, or running everyday errands.

“They prefer walking, and what surprised me is that they’re still punctual despite walking quite far,” Obed shared.
    He was amazed that walking is not just a necessity, but a natural part of daily life that people embrace. This habit reflects strong self-discipline and good time management, while also supporting a healthier lifestyle both physically and mentally.

Eating and Drinking Culture

(Source : Obednego Mehi)

     The eating culture in Korea is quite different from that in Indonesia. Obed noticed that Koreans usually eat in smaller portions compared to what he was used to back home. However, even though the portions are small, they still enjoy their meals with great appetite.

“They don’t eat much, but they truly enjoy their food. Interestingly, they often drink soda after eating it seems to be a common habit,” he explained.
    This habit of eating modestly and finishing meals with soda stood out to Obed as a unique aspect of Korean dining culture.

Politeness & Communication Style

     Respect is deeply valued in Korean culture, and this is clearly reflected in the way people greet one another. Depending on the situation, greetings often include a slight bow and the use of formal language as a sign of politeness and humility.

“People greet with a ‘hello’ and a slight bow, even to foreigners,” Obed noted.
    This simple gesture left a strong impression on him, as it demonstrated the genuine respect and courteous behavior that are deeply embedded in everyday Korean interactions.

Weather Challenges & Adaptation

(Source : Obednego Mehi) 

    One of the biggest challenges Obed faced was adapting to Korea’s cold weather. Coming from Indonesia a tropical country with a warm and humid climate all year round, he found snow and freezing air extremely difficult to adjust to. In contrast, Korea has four distinct seasons, with winters that can drop far below freezing.
“When it snowed for the first time, my face felt stiff! The cold air made my skin pale,” he recalled.

    This extreme change in weather forced him to adjust, including getting used to wearing a thick jacket. Although it felt uncomfortable at first, the experience taught him how to adapt to a completely different environment and stay positive through the challenges.

    Obednego Mehi, a student from UKAW, gained valuable insights during his participation in an international seminar in Seoul, South Korea. Beyond the seminar itself, he experienced Korean culture firsthand, discovering differences from Indonesia such as their disciplined walking habits combined with punctuality, their eating etiquette of enjoying small portions quietly, and their deep respect expressed through polite greetings like bows. He also faced the challenge of adapting to Korea’s cold weather, which was quite different from his tropical home. This experience highlights the importance of cross-cultural understanding—appreciating and adapting to different cultures to build meaningful connections in a globalized world.

    Through Obednego’s journey, we are reminded that stepping out of our comfort zones and embracing cultural diversity not only enriches our perspectives but also fosters empathy and global friendship. May his story inspire all of us to be more open-minded and curious about the world beyond our own borders.

   

    What are your thoughts on cross-cultural experiences? Have you ever faced a similar challenge or learned something new from another culture? Feel free to share your experiences or questions in the comments below, we’d love to hear from you!