In September 2019, I received a very delightful news - that I'd been selected as the Global Facilitator for the Samsung Junior Engineering Academy, in Seoul in November 2019.

On 17 November 2019, I bid goodbye to my parents, cleared the immigration check, and boarded my flight to the Land of Morning Calm - Korea. Upon enquiring, a native told me that this name may have been derived from the ancient name of Korea - Chosun - which loosely translates to "Land of Morning Calm/Freshness". The title is indeed most suited to South Korea because of its spellbinding natural beauty of picturesque high mountains, clear waters, and its splendid tranquillity, particularly in the morning.

Fortunately, I had landed in Incheon pretty early in the morning, so, yes, I got the chance to "experience" the "serenity" of Korea. I was greeted at the Arrival Gate by the "ever-smiling" travel guides appointed by Samsung Engineering and I shook hands with the other Global Participants from Thailand, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Malaysia. Next we were made to board a super luxurious bus that drove us over an hour from Incheon to Seoul. The scene on both sides of the road was majestic - I spotted factories, tall glass buildings, long bridges, green fields, small rivers, and plenty of floral patches. The best thing about Koreans is the way they drive - comfortable and disciplined. Almost all vehicles, big and small, were lined up in traffic and people were very patient. No incessant horn blows, no pollution, and mostly no jams. Truly "environmental" this way ! Korean way to go !!

We were taken to Subway for our lunch. Samsung Engineering ensured that we're filled with delicious food every day and that's pretty rejoicing a deal for a foodie like me !

We were then taken to the hotel. It was pretty cold but we still managed to walk to a nearby Buddhist Temple which was beautiful beyond words. I was told that it is one of the biggest temples in all of Korea. We did go inside and got a sneak peak of Buddhist culture. After that we explored some local markets. As a matter of fact, our hotel was pretty close to Insadong and walkable distance from Myeongdong, the shopaholic's paradise.

We were taken to the National Museum of Korean Contemporary History. The Museum has collected artifacts and recorded the narrative of Korean history from the opening of ports in the late 1800s the trials and tribulations the Korean people endured in the 20th century in order to develop and achieve the great success on to later generations, bringing  together the pride and ambitions of all Koreans and expressing their collective hope for an even brighter future. The Museum Guide explained to us about how Korean culture gained its present form and how the Koreans braved war crimes to become the developed nation that they're today. We were then taken to the rooftop of the Museum, it was 3°C but the sight was worth freezing to death for ! I could see all of Seoul - its buildings, temples, houses, roads, cars, markets, people, gardens, from the top !! We were also introduced to the Gwanghwamun Gate. It was founded in 1395 by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace. Roughly meaning “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world,” the name symbolizes the resounding dedication that the people of the Joseon Dynasty had in creating a new dynasty. Constructed solely out of granite, its center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun Gate. Gwanghwamun Gate has its name written on a sign placed over the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate one can see a statue of haetae facing south. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was a fire around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes were put beside the gate.

The next day, it was close to 1°C and we, freezingly, entered the bus to go to the Samsung GEC Office. And my god, the office was grander than any of its adjoining buildings. We were welcomed by Eco-Generation and Ms. Erika Lim. Joon took us to the conference hall where the lectures and activities took place for the next 2 days. Many scientists and engineers from Samsung came to talk to us about Samsung's diverse work dimensions. We were also taken for site visit to the Engium and also taught about water treatment technology. We also had a fun hazard management session where we were given a first-hand experience of trying the safety tools and mechanisms of Samsung GEC. It was the best experience of my life ! 

This is also where the Eco City Project took place where both Global and Korean participants - organized into teams and distinguished by specific colors - were made to design their own Eco-City and then present it to a wide audience on the second day. Luckily, I was asked to speak to the participants about the preparatory assignment that was given to them before the Eco-City Project to prepare them well. We'd a very interactive session which was followed by project presentation by different groups. I was amazed at the kind of vision the participants tried to show through their "idea of a perfect Eco-City". It was -4°C by the evening that day. The next day I called in sick but the Samsung Engineering office took the best care of me throughout the day and made sure I recuperated soon from the cold that I'd contracted due to sudden change of weather.

On the final day, before my flight in the evening, we were taken to the Gyeongbokgung Palace was the first royal palace built by the Joseon Dynasty in 1395. Gyeongbokgung Palace was located at the heart of newly appointed capital of Seoul (then known as Hanyang) and represented the sovereignty of the Joseon Dynasty. The largest of the Five Grand Palaces (the others being Gyeonghuigung Palace, Deoksugung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace), Gyeongbokgung served as the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. 

The palace also houses the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea. Next we walked to the National Museum of Korea. It's a place where one can learn the important values of Korean history and culture and enjoy the experience. From simple hand axes from the Paleolithic Age to splendid gold crowns from the Three Kingdoms Period, celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty to paintings from the Joseon Dynasty, and modern photographs, it brings together our history, culture and arts. Six permanent exhibition halls, small and large exhibitions designed under various themes, various exhibition guide programs to help visitors understand, and exciting children's museums and various educational programs make it more comfortable and fun to experience the museum and enjoy more cultural opportunities. Various amenities and rest areas are always trying to maintain a pleasant environment, and the museum garden is a perfect place to walk calmly.

I've had a truly life-changing and refreshing experience in Korea and I couldn't have thanking the Eco-Generation team more for this. Thank you Samsung and Eco-Generation !

P. S. I know this is coming in a little late but if you follow the news, you must be aware of the political turmoil and internet shutdowns in India now. So, I've had pretty harrowing stories in the last few months. I hope you understand.