MGT Students' Journey Through Seoul's Timeless Stories and Modern Marvels — South Korea Study Tour 2026
From January 5 to 9, 2026, both undergraduates and postgraduates from the Department of Management embarked on an enriching five-day study tour to Seoul, South Korea, under the guidance of Prof. Cheung and Prof. Shin. This carefully crafted programme wove together academic exchanges, hands-on industry visits, and deep cultural immersion—fostering meaningful interactions between undergrads and postgrads—allowing participants to experience firsthand how Seoul balances its profound historical roots with cutting-edge innovation.
The academic highlight came at Yonsei University, where students explored the campus architecture and learned about its enduring legacy, including landmark buildings still marked by bullet holes from past conflicts — a poignant reminder of resilience that left many deep in thought. Industry exposure proved equally eye-opening: at KBS TV Station, students who are fans of Korean entertainment buzzed with excitement, eagerly discussing recording processes and even witnessing classmates step up shyly for a live demo session. "It felt so unreal to see faces we knew from screens," one shared, capturing the thrill of bridging pop culture with professional reality. At Hyundai Motor's production facility, the 80% automation rate — complete with 20-hour car assembly cycles — amazed everyone, yet the indispensable role of human engineers in final inspections sparked lively conversations about the vital "human in the loop" in modern manufacturing.
Cultural experiences brought the group even closer to everyday Korean life. Iconic sites like Gyeongbokgung Palace surprised many with their grandeur — "larger than we imagined," students noted during the changing of the guard — while strolls through Bukchon Hanok Village revealed tidy, sunlit streets embodying a sense of peaceful order. Hands-on moments, such as donning Hanbok, crafting Kimbap at a kelp factory, and picking fresh strawberries on the final day, created joyful bonding opportunities. The strawberry fields, in particular, drew laughter and nostalgia, with one student joking about "long nails winning" at picking, while another felt a pang of homesickness for Hong Kong amid the sweet finale.
Reflecting on these layered encounters, students felt the weight of history alongside progress. One remarked, "History still exists on this land, while the times are moving forward," evoking the surreal views from Suwon Hwaseong Fortress towers overlooking modern streets. The trip's intensity was real — "exhausting, but I'd return," a peer admitted after bidding farewell to guide Johnny at the airport — yet it forged lasting memories. A WeChat post summed up the sentiment simply: "Seoul, my soul."
Through animated discussions at the Seoul Robotics & AI Museum with Prof. Eleanor, shy triumphs at KBS, and quiet revelations amid Incheon's Fairy Tale Village wartime relics, students didn't just visit Seoul — they connected with it. The Department extends heartfelt thanks to the tour leaders, local partners like guide Johnny, and all participants for transforming this winter journey into a profoundly meaningful chapter of growth, learning, and shared discovery.
