When I was 20 years old, I started learning Japanese because I wanted to start learning languages as a hobby. I learned the basics of Japanese for three months during summer and winter vacations. It was amazing to learn a new Japanese culture. The word order is similar to that of Korea. However, it is divided into hiragana and katakana just like uppercase and lowercase letters in English. Since then, I have been exposed to animation and Japanese movies frequently, and I have become more interested in Japanese. During university school classes, I took courses such as learning basic Japanese and Japanese festivals and culture, and after that, I started studying Japanese in earnest. As I continued my studies, I became curious about not only the language, but also the county “Japan”. I was curious about Japanese culture, society, and differences from Korea. There was a limit to only seeing animations, so I wanted to go and learn about life in Japan. This interest and curiosity got bigger and one day I thought that I would like to go to Japan to study abroad! there is a saying that ‘Seeing is believing’. I only saw about Japan through books and media, so I wanted to experience it in real life. So I interviewed an exchange student in Japan and came to study abroad.
The purpose of studying abroad is to improve Japanese language skills, which are still lacking, and to learn Japanese culture. Although we are from the same oriental country, living in Japan, I found many interesting things. When it comes to shopping, there are many things that are different from Korea, such as left-hand traffic and food culture etiquette. In this way, I want to learn Japanese culture one by one and improve my Japanese skills to the point where I have no difficulty in conversing with Japanese people. Another purpose is to learn a lot in terms of tourism in Japan because I am a student studying tourism in Korea. There are many exchanges between Korean and Japanese cultures. I want to become a person who can have a more positive influence on these exchanges. I would like to learn about the tourism industries of both countries and find ways to further develop the tourism industry.

It has already been half a year since I attended Kobe Gakuin University.I had a lot of experience and Japanese culture in half a year.At first, it became easier to ride trains that were difficult to ride, and there were more challenges to take on alone. At first, I was afraid to go out alone, and I always had Google Maps with me.

But, Now I want to go to newer places, I enjoy taking on challenges, and I ride the subway well.Since I am studying tourism in Korea, I have thought a lot about tourism in Japan since I came to Japan. Not only was the kindness of the people, but the consideration for the second- class citizen was very well done. The preservation of the tourist attraction is also amazing. Each region in Japan has its own characteristics and storytelling, so it was not boring throughout the trip.I realized that Korea tourism has a lot to learn from Japan. I thought it would be good if exchanges between the two countries in a positive direction.

The experience of Japanese food was also good. I also tried bukkake udon for the first time, and also tasted a lot of regional food such as ramen of Japan, okonomiyaki, Kobe beef, gyukatsu, Himeji oden, and monjayaki.It was a good time to live in Japan and experience Japanese culture.I want to learn and experience more in the remaining first semester.

Studying in Japan for a year has really helped me a lot. My biggest goal before going to study abroad was to improve my Japanese conversation and Japanese skills. I think I have achieved my biggest goal now that studying abroad is over.
I came to Japan for the first time last year to study abroad, so I didn't know anything about Japanese culture, and my Japanese language skills were really low. When I first came to Japan, I worried a lot about whether I would be able to live well for a year or if I would be able to meet many Japanese friends. Contrary to my worries, I learned the most in my life and it has been a happiest year.
At first, it was difficult to get on the train and I was afraid to buy things at convenience stores. Even when I went to a cafe or restaurant, I could not understand or speak, so I pointed with my finger and ordered. But now I'm used to the subway and I go to convenience stores comfortably. I couldn't read most of the kanji, but now that I can read kanji, ordering signs and menus has become easier.
I was really happy to be able to make many Japanese friends. I went to various places in Kobe and Osaka with Japanese friends, and I was able to learn a lot about Japanese culture while work haning out together. Japanese people in their 20’s are similar to Koreans in how they live, what hobbies they have, and what they hang out , but there are also a lot of differences.
Meeting new people and carrying on conversations was difficult at first, but now I really enjoy meeting new people. I met a lot of really nice people in Japan, so there were many times when I felt warm.
My Japanese skills have also improved, but I think that I have changed the most. During my 1 year living, Id felt the pleasure of experiencing a lot of new things and taking on challenges. There were many times when I had to put it off because I had a lot of worries, but now I try to find joy by trying new things first. Although they are from different countries, languages, and cultures, I was happy that exchanges were active and friendly relations were developing.

－future goals
While learning Japanese and living my life, I felt that I wanted to study Japanese more deeply.
My goal in the future is to first get n1 certification. I would like to further improve my Japanese conversation skills and find a job in Japan-related companies or tourism related to Japan.
First of all, while preparing for graduation, I will continue studying so as not to forget the Japanese I learned during the year.