I don’t know why I thought living in Seoul would be like living in large U.S. metropolitan areas. I pictured gray skyscrapers, flat land, shops neatly placed next to each other, occasional trees, and an unreliable subway system. In my mind, I imagined Chicago. I have seen pictures of Seoul and have watched numerous walking tours of Korea. My mind just did not differentiate between the two. Even though the physical disparities between Chicago and Seoul surprised me, the most welcome surprise was the differences between the people.

One way to show these differences is by looking at two mottos, one from each city. One of Chicago’s mottos is “I Will.” Seoul’s and the broader Korean motto is “홍익인간” (Hongik Ingan): “to benefit the human world broadly.” It was not until I read about this phrase that I realized the difference between Chicago and Seoul’s people.

Chicago’s “I Will” motto fits the city and its inhabitants. People I have met in Chicago are the most formidable and successful people I know. Through grit and determination, they have built themselves into who they are today. The thought process is often, how can I accomplish this alone, what are the benefits for me, or what can I do to better myself and then help others. There is nothing wrong with this type of thinking; I have thoughts like this. But the focus is primarily on the I.

This type of thinking causes many first interactions with Chicagoans to feel cold or even rude. I remember my first time in Chicago. I was admiring the architecture of a building when a woman told me to get out of her way. When someone accidentally hits you, they do not look up from their cell phone or apologize. And because the city is often in constant motion, patience for a person who does not know their way around or the menu at the local restaurant can be lacking.

Before living in Seoul, I expected this same type of interaction: somewhat cold and impersonal. However, after living here for about a month, I have realized that I can see the principle of Hongik Ingan in my daily interactions. I admire it every time people stop to ask us how we are enjoying Korea and assist us if we ever need help. I encounter it when the lady who makes kimbap patiently waits and smiles at me as I practice my newly learned Korean expressions. I experienced it when a Korea University graduate saw me struggling to sign up for a gym membership and helped me translate the contract terms and communicate with the owner even when he was already late for work. I was grateful for it when a man silently handed us bug spray as mosquitoes were attacking us on Bukhansan Mountain or when people offered to take pictures of our hiking group. I saw it when an older woman invited me to sit down next to her, as it was the only seat available on the bus. I see it in Korea University Buddy Assistants (KUBA) as they are always so happy to help out and excited to meet up.

Hongik Ingan has made a difference in how I have lived so far in Seoul. At college in the U.S., I believed that I was a single, lone person working to better myself. Being here has taught me that this is not necessarily the case and has shown me how daily interactions can make a difference. Even with all the souvenirs I will inevitably bring home, the most valuable gift I will bring back is this new outlook on how I shape the world, one interaction at a time.

About the Author

Naomi is an exchange student from Drake University, United States (U.S.). She is a junior who majors in International Relations.