Chanyoung So '25 Presents: 'South Korea'

Chanyoung So '25, economics major and exchange student, says going to the "little streets" off the tourist path provides the most authentic Korean culture experience. During his upcoming Global Insights presentation "South Korea" he will offer a glimpse into his home country, which he describes as very different from Scranton.

So will be the featured speaker at the final Global Insights event of the fall semester on Nov. 16 beginning at 11:30 a.m. in the Kane Forum, Edward Leahy Hall, Room 235. Registration is required.

So served in the Korean Air Force for 21 months during which he trained and worked in many roles. His main assignments were in the supply and support squad. "As many of the men around my age, I made many good friends when I served in the Army."

So says South Korea is very different from Scranton.

"I am from the capital city, Seoul. It is very densely populated. Ten million people live there. Living there you can meet a lot of people compared to Scranton - too many people actually," he said in jest. "Seoul is very diverse. More diverse than what a lot of Americans may think of South Korea."

Jeju Island is a popular vacation spot in the summer and the Jongno district in Seoul, where the former presidential residence still stands, offer visitors traditional architecture, along with the stories behind it. However, So says going to the "little streets" off the tourist path provides the most authentic Korean culture experience.

"I recommend going to small streets, where there are a lot of small stores, restaurants and bars. There's no big attraction ... but you will meet actual Korean people there."

So said his favorite food is bossam, or boiled pork, and kimchi, which is spicy fermented cabbage, radish and vegetables.
"Bossam is not only a food, but also a culture, because when you make kimchi, you gather together with your family and make it, then pair it with the bossam (pork). We buy the vegetables and ingredients together and make it on a weekend."

Learn more about Chanyoung So and South Korea at the next Global Insights event on Thursday, Nov. 16.

This program is hosted by the Office of Global Education, the Cultural Centers, Residence Life and the Office of Equity and Diversity. For more information, please contact international@scranton.edu or 570-941-4841.