Korea – Day one

 

After a challenging overnignt flight I touched down at Incheon Airport. A cruise through customs and then I met Philip, who was surprised when I shook his hand, (I think he was just a one off gaherer of wayward arrivals.) I waited for the shuttle to take me to the Hana Financial venue whilst I had the best flat white.

    

The shuttle came – a full bus for Atam (from Malaysia) and myself. I was almost asleep in the shuttle after the previous day and nights travels. Whilst skirting the city there was a culture shock of high rises and a plethora of new sights. The heat was present and a nice change from the frosty starts at home. (Although I would have loved to be rocking shorts and a T)

 

We had a briefing and I had the chance to catch a quick nap. Upon waking I headed out early for lunch and to see if I could connect with anyone. Met a few people but still a work on. I went off for another dose of vitamin sleep and the forums started at 2.30. Interesting hearing other countires perspectives and it left me wondering what was my purpose here.

 

The AI lecture was engaing and informative. The presenter, a maths professor, was clearly on point with his ideas and information. I took a few things from this and will share back to my home crew to see if we can use things moving forward.

 

Tea next and the buffet was another delight. Clearly a love of garlc permeates the cooking here which I am struglging with. Skipped the tofu and fish, thing, and came out. Got in to early to sit wit my conncetions and ended up nigelling it. Wasn’t alone as I analysed the room, still a work on as I am busing with these folk tomorrow.

 

Time for some K-Pop dancing which my tired legs are bemoaning, guess the Sydney Tiki tour is coming back to bite my proverbial.

Korea or bust

It started with a conversation. Justina, our Korean teacher, said to me in 2025 would you like to go to a conference in Korea. I said yes, funnily enough. The year passed and that was that. No further trip info or invites. 2026 - same convo. This time it came back though. April was a form. The trip dates changed and I sent it away (after a discussion with the principal). Week after week no response, so I thought no problem, no selection. Suddenly I had the congrats. 

Time to talk to find out how it would be managed throught the school. It was a very quick turnaround with less than a month until the trip. Many a re read and consideration of how to extend and how to include.

Turns out I was set for a 5 day conference, food, accomodation and education. Education was cultural and how AI was helping language teachers plan adn deliver the Korean language and culture around the world. Riding the Hallyu. 

 Today is day one and I am in the airport reflecting on the adventure so far. No whanau to meet, very little Korean to use. I am a Māori out the motu making memories. This education career has sent me a few places, some perks I guess. Stay tuned...

 

Where is your furtherest travel through work or school? Do you get to go regularly?