[KapanLagi Cerita Korea] Sharing My Experience as a Student in Korea and Fun Conversations About K-Pop

Kapanlagi.com - My name is Irfan, I am 22 years old. I have been living in Korea for 8 years. The first time I went to Korea was about 10 years ago, to participate in the International Mathematics Competition in Incheon. I was only there for a few days, and not much left an impression; I remember failing to win a medal, the heat of walking under the Seoul sun, and the strange sour and cold taste of kimchi. I thought that was the extent of my story with Korea.

Unexpectedly, a year later, I went to Korea again as a member of the Indonesian team in the 2011 World Creativity Festival in Daejeon. I spent almost two weeks there, I had the chance to taste bulgogi bibimbap, explore Myeong-dong and Insa-dong, and learn the dance of Wonder Girls from my Korean teammates. Furthermore, my partner and I managed to bring home the Silver Prize. This much more memorable visit convinced me that there is something between me and Korea. So when I got information about a science high school in Korea that offers full scholarships for international students, I dared to register and take the test, even though I had just entered 8th grade. Turns out I got accepted. I left to start my life in Korea.

Even though I've been there twice, there are still many things that surprise me in Korea. Starting from mandatory late-night study sessions that last until the cold winter wind penetrates my thick jacket. Not to mention the adjustment to new food and culture that is not easy. Me, who was only 13 years old, far from my family, and couldn't even read Hangeul letters, finally sought refuge in K-pop. At that time, the K-pop industry was booming, with artists like Bigbang and SNSD dominating the Asian music stage and Gangnam Style becoming a worldwide sensation, to the point where me and my school friends made a flashmob in front of Busan station. This, coupled with super-fast internet access, made YouTube my best friend.

Every night after school, I would open YouTube, watch SNSD running on RUNNING MAN, with a cup of ramyeon and triangle kimbap ready next to my laptop. Sometimes I would make playlists consisting of songs like EXO's Don't Go and 2NE1's Missing You to accompany me while doing homework. I also watched old clips of Star Golden Bell and Invincible Youth until I no longer needed subtitles. Then I would discuss funny moments from those shows with friends in my Kakaotalk group or at my favorite shaved ice cafe 'Seolbing'. Eight years passed by so quickly, until the day of my graduation from UNIST. I returned to Indonesia, and Korea felt far away.

I know I am very lucky. And I know many Korean enthusiasts in Indonesia who are curious about life in Korea. Every week, through the KapanLagi Cerita Korea segment, I will tell everything. About the KTX train and subway in Busan, the stress of high school students who study like crazy, and the Korean habit of ordering fried chicken in the middle of the night. I will also talk about topics in K-pop and K-showbiz that could be a heated discussion for us, for example, is vocal important for a K-pop group? Or which concept is better for a girl group, cute and sweet or girl crush? Friends who also have their own opinions or personal stories about Korea can directly share through comments or DM me.

In addition to being my cure for missing Korea, I hope Cerita Korea can bring Korea closer to friends. Who knows, it might be useful for those who will go to Korea later.

Written by: Irfan Rulianto (Instagram: @irfan_ruli)

(kpl/jje)