HUNG Wai-ling Adele , CHU Wun-ling Wendy || BBA (Hons) International Shipping and Transport Logistics || Jungseok Research Institute of International Logistics and Trade (JRI), Inha University, South Korea

“Anyeong hase yo ( 안녕하세요 ) !” This is the Korean greeting Chu Wun-ling Wendy and Hung Wai-ling Adele learnt once they arrived South Korea this summer. The two girls had a valuable chance to catch a direct glimpse into Korean life during their two-month internship at Jungseok Research Institute of International Logistics and Trade (JRI) of Inha University, rather than just from watching a Korean TV drama series.

Before they went to Korea, they were very worried about the communication in this nation where most people only speak Korean. But thanks to the enthusiasm and hospitality of Koreans, the language barrier was not an obstacle at all. “Although they did not know any English, they would try their best to help us,” Wendy says.

The duo also appreciated the hospitality they received in JRI. One of the professors, who they affectionately called the “ Ice-cream Professor” because he always bought them mouth-watering ice-creams in the hot summer days, took them to watch a baseball match one day to experience the thrilling atmosphere of the game. They enjoyed the game so much that they sang and danced along with the local crowd during the match. On their last day, they were taken to the Incheon Global Festival in JRI, which provided them with a channel to learn more about the city and the Korean culture.

During their stint in South Korea, their one-day tour to Sin-do, Si-do and Mo-do, the islands located in the northern part of Incheon, was another unforgettable moment for them. “The island promotes bicycle touring. However, we didn’t know how to cycle and we could only walk. When we felt extremely tired walking, a car with four female Koreans suddenly stopped and offered us a ride,” says Wendy. “The locals drove us around the islands and even paid the entrance fees for us at some tourist spots. We were very touched by their kindness and hospitality.”

Be a lifelong learner

The diligent Koreans are also role models to Wendy and Adele. They joined a language exchange workshop catering to people who were interested to learn Korean or English. In the workshop, they met a middle-aged man who had only learnt English for two years, but already spoke fluently. “He reminded me to treasure every learning chance, especially in university life. He encouraged me to pick up my Korean lessons again when I returned to Hong Kong,” says Adele.

The two months gave Wendy and Adele the opportunity to experience the working environment, lifestyle and culture of Korea through cultural exchange and sightseeing. To them, it was one of the sweetest and most exceptional summers of their life.