In the process of choosing university entrance examination after the completion of the college entrance examination at the third grade of high school, I had experienced a trip with my mother to Japan. Until then, Japan was only a ‘neighbor country’ and not a big interest. But the first travel in Japan made many changes. Clean streets, friendly people and their culture gave me the feeling that I want to study more about Japan. Because of this influence, I went to Sookmyung Women’s University, Department of Japan, and since then I have been studying about Japan for two years. However, I was disappointed that I could not go to Japan for two years, but thanks to this Japanese culture experience, I was able to relieve the sadness. It was a great attraction that you can experience and feel their culture directly rather than going on a simple trip. Especially homestay was more attractive because it is not easy to experience. Also, I wanted to make Japanese friends from old times, but I felt sorry for not having good opportunities. I applied hoping to make a lot of good friends through this study abroad.

From January 24th to February 7th, my experience in Japan has become an unforgettable memory. Starting with a welcome reception, there were many programs such as homestay, many special lectures, Takarazuka viewing, Kyoto tour, farewell party. Among them, homestay, Kyoto tour, and viewing Takarazuka are the most memorable. I was worried about the unfamiliar environment before the homestay, but thanks to the friendly family, I was able to get many memories. On the first day, I ate Sukiyaki with my family at home and went to the hot springs to relax. On the second day, I went to Osaka to shop, visit Osaka Castle and Osaka Harukasu, and at night I climbed Mt. Rokko and watched the night view of Kobe, Osaka and Kyoto. On the last day, I went to Akashi, the main branch of Takoyaki, and I visited the market and ate takoyaki and experienced their culture. My favorite city in Japan, Kyoto tour has become a special memory with my Japanese assistant friends. We were able to experience Kyoto by sightseeing Kinkaku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu Temple together. Lastly, I did not fully appreciate the performance of the Takarazuka theater because of my Japanese ability, but I was not bored with the acting power of the actors and the splendor of the stage. Besides these three programs, all programs are precious experience for me.

I have learned a lot from studying two weeks, but the greatest value is the 'people'. I was able to meet many people who hosted this event, professors who gave nice lectures, A group friends, homestay families. I have gained and felt a lot in the relationship with these people. What I learned in my relationship with people has become a precious experience that I will never forget. Also, in Korea, I did not have a chance to practice Japanese even if I studied Japanese. It was good that I could stay in Japan for two weeks and improve my conversational ability by using Japanese.
My dream is to promote Korean culture abroad as a ‘cultural marketer’. In order to do so, the ability to understand the language and culture of other countries is essential. Therefore, because I need to improve my Japanese ability, I will first study Japanese hard in Korea and plan to study abroad in Japan in the long run if I have a chance. I would like to come back to Japan later and have a chance to study more deeply about culture as well as language.