Freedom Speakers International
This was one of the more valuable experiences of this trip to me because I never realized how limited my knowledge of North Korea was until I heard the stories of the refugees. It is easy to be ignorant of something you do not hear much about. Since picking this trip as a class and securing my spot, my Dad was furious at me and I did not understand why. Every time I even mentioned the trip he would say "as long as you're not going to North Korea..." and I just assumed it was bad there because of the dictatorship. I had never taken the time to do a Google search on just HOW bad it is. After hearing from each of the refugees, how their families are in danger because of where they are now, how they have not heard from them, how they had to live through poverty, how they had to stay silent, and how they had to live like slaves, I finally understand. Naturally, I want to know more, and intend on reading some of the books the leader of the organization recommended: Dear Leader and Girl With Black Makeup; each of which look incredibly interesting. Overall, hearing about their stories made me realize how privileged I am despite growing up in a not-the-safest-household. I had it easy compared to them. I did not have to work for my family to eat, nor did I have to control what media I consume. Most of all, I did not have to be forced to live in ignorance forever.
Farewell Lunch
For our final shared meal together (since my dinner ended up being 7/11 ramyeon) we shared a dish of cheese rice cakes, chicken, cabbage, rice, and various other cultural foods. All of which were extremely tasty. Whatever seasoning they put on the food made it just the right amount of spicy for me. It was the perfect closing meal full of various things I hadn't tried yet enjoyed in the end.
This trip was incredible. The food was too but the trip as a whole leaves me speechless. Indulging in the culture, testing the food, trying out the customs, and just building onto my knowledge of the history were all valuable experiences that I'll cherish. I never thought I would get to travel here nor do all of the amazing things we did here, especially as someone who has been majorly influenced by the Korean wave since 2018. It was beyond anything I could've expected and I honestly wish I didn't have to leave. Though for now, when I get home I look forward to sharing with my Dad what I now know about Korea along with what I have seen here in South Korea.
Extra Pictures!
Here is a couple pictures from the beginning to the end of the trip of various things we did that were either not on the itinerary or were just too cute to not to add. Thank you professors for making this trip possible!
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