Winter Break is usually a time for Netflix binges and cozy hangouts with family and friends, but I decided to do something a little different this year which is volunteering in Gyeongju, Korea’s ancient capital. Wow, it was an experience I’ll never forget. I got the chance to give back to the local community, all while surrounded by thousand-year-old history. Gyeongju isn’t just any city but it’s Korea’s 'open museum'. Instead of just being a tourist, I got to roll up my sleeves and get involved in something memorable.

What made this experience even more special? The combination of Gyeongju's historical charm and the meaningful program I was doing made this winter break feel like the most fulfilling one yet. It was an unforgettable weekend that turned out to be far more impactful than I ever imagined.

Behind the Scenes

As part of the program, we were placed in one of five amazing locations, Busan Gijang, Jeonnam Yeonggwang, Ulsan Ulju, Gyeongbuk Gyeongju, or Gyeongbuk Uljin. I chose Gyeongju, the heart of Korea’s rich history and culture.

There was a real sense of responsibility in supporting the whole program, and seeing how our contributions helped foster cross-cultural conversations was something incredibly rewarding. The NGO called 'Better World' took care of everything from round-trip transportation, comfortable Airbnb accommodations, and meals, to offering some allowance. I think it costed around 200,000 KRW. The support they provided made it easy to focus solely on the volunteer work and have no worries on the financial part.

As part of the experience, I also received a volunteer certificate that stands as a reminder of how far volunteering can take you, both personally and professionally. Later, it might be helpful when you have to look for future opportunities that align with your career or academic goals. Having a volunteer certificate on your resume shows employers or future collaborators that you’ve not only contributed to meaningful work but also that you’re adaptable, proactive, and invested in learning from diverse cultures and perspectives.

Day 1: Arrival and Briefing

On Friday, I embarked on my journey from Seoul to Gyeongju via KTX, the high-speed train that made the trip comfortable and quick, though the excitement of what awaited me made the time pass quickly. It took around 2 hours to reach Gyeongju which is located in the North Gyeongsang province.

However, as soon as I arrived at Gyeongju Station, the next part of the journey began. I still had to travel another 1.5 hours to reach the cozy pension Airbnb where we would be staying, hahaha. Even though I was traveling alone, the time passed quickly as I admired the landscape along the way. The air felt fresher, and the sense of calm slowly began to take over as I neared the sea. The pension itself was located near the Donghae sea.