Peyton’s Journals
October 7, 2026
Defying Expectations
안녕하세요!
When arriving at Incheon Int. Airport, I expected to feel overwhelmed or have an immediate culture shock. But as I stepped off the plane, I felt a sense of relief. I was finally in Korea after a month’s delay.
That relief only grew as I met my host parents, who immediately treated me like their own child. My 아빠 even speaks some English, helping me translate and learn. On the three-hour car ride from Incheon to Janghang, we discussed my language comprehension. He even had me count all the way to 100 in the language, which would’ve been easy if it weren’t for the tongue twisters. As I arrived at my apartment complex, exhausted from the long car ride, I expected to feel out of place. Instead, I felt right at home. It was comfortable, the food was delicious, and it truly felt like this was my new home. My room was set up perfectly to be filled with items from my many adventures. It was fresh and made just for me, with brand-new stationery, as I had mentioned how much I loved writing down notes. It was all a breath of fresh air.
If anything, my main culture shock was how insanely friendly everyone was. How they had free umbrellas on the streets for people to take and then return. How the streets were insanely clean, and whenever a mess was made, the community would take care of it. How neighbors who may rarely talk still help with packages and groceries. How ordered items and packages sit in the hallway of the apartment but are never touched. How everyone wanted to practice their English with me and become my friends. It was something truly strange. It felt similar to what I was used to while also being completely unique to any experience I have had.
One thing I feel the need to mention is school. Because of my late arrival to the country, I started school over a month late, meaning I missed classes and getting to know the students. Yet the moment I arrived, I was met with literal balloons and a cake. Still, it didn’t end there, as everyone wanted to talk to me, invite me to hang out, and even mention plans for after midterm exams. The classes have been harder due to them being fully in Korean, as well as missing the beginning of the courses. In addition to that, it is hard to get to know the students from other classes well in a short time. But those who want to be my friends reach out and help me catch up. I’ve almost completed all my makeup notes, just in time for midterm examinations next week. I don’t expect to pass, but I’ve been putting in effort to show I did what I could to learn the language in a short time and get something correct.
In conclusion my rotary youth exchanges motto is that it defies expectations and brings a whole new world to light. One that I personally feel I belong in.
Here are two photos taken of me in a traditional Hanbok. A standout of historical culture in South Korea. These photos were taken at Jeonju festival. Which is a city in Korea that maintains its rich history and has amazing architecture
