Gangnam Style was one of the first major viral phenomena since the advent of social media. Indeed, the South Korean artist Psy managed to reach one billion views on YouTube with his hit just months after its release, marking anunprecedented milestone. That was in 2012, and it continued to be the platform’s most-streamedsong until 2017. But beyond the figures, few people know that this song refers to the lifestyle in Gangnam, a district of Seoul known for luxury and nightlife. One of our students from the Faculty of Humanities Laia Anglada, can tell us about it as she has set foot in this neighbourhood on numerous occasions, although she has never done the famous ‘horse dance’. This Osona-born student arrived in South Korea at the beginning of September with other intentions: to complete her third year of the Bachelor’s Degree in Humanities and Cultural Studies at Seoul National University, the best in the country.

“I chose to go to Korea for my exchange because the branch of humanities that interests me most is history of art, and my Final Bachelor’s Degree Project focuses on the influence of oriental art in the West”, explained Anglada. She also wanted to go to the Asian country to enjoy the experience of travelling alone and learn both English and Korean. In fact, she is taking six subjects per semester –the rest of the European students take about half of that– which until now she combined with six hours of Korean language classes per week. And now, in an effort to learn the language as soon as possible, she has signed up for an intensive Korean course that will take up four hours a day, five days a week for the next three months. “I hadn't planned on it, I came with the idea of staying just one semester, but I'm enjoying the experience so much that I've decided to complete the whole academic year”, she added.

Art, the great attraction

One of the main reasons she decided to extend her stay in South Korea was its art. She has already been able to visit all the palaces and temples in Seoul and has even completed a three-day spiritual retreat with university lecturers at the Haeinsa Temple. “My personal favourite so far is Changdeokgung Temple, which I was able to visit dressed in a hanbok, a traditional Korean outfit”, she remembers. That same day, she was the centre of attention and was photographed by locals who wanted to capture the Catalan woman on camera due to her pale skin, blonde hair and blue eyes. “The beauty standards here are very different, as most people want their skin to be as white as possible”, she says.

When it comes to work, Anglada confirms that she enjoys all the subjects she is taking because they help her integrate into a culture that is very different from our Western one. It is also clear to her that the country's hard-work ethic is unforgiving and that standards and competitiveness are at their highest: “My advice is that if you are a student who doesn't like to work hard, don't go to South Korea”. Thanks to her commitment, the Osona-born student is developing new skills and making significant professional and personal growth.

A few challenges before returning home

Before returning to Catalonia, however, Anglada still has a lot of work to do: “I would like to get the 3/6 Korean language level and C2 English level, and travel around the South Korean peninsula visiting as many temples, palaces and museums as I can to enjoy the experience to the fullest”.

As for her long-term plans, Laia Anglada prefers to take it one day at a time without setting any major milestones that might condition her present. Although she clearly wishes to research the history of oriental or Buddhist art (and more specifically, Korean art), she concludes that “when you're young, having a positive attitude is more important than having a plan”, so she is leaving the door open to anything that might come her way. Only time will tell.