OVERALL IMPRESSION

Since being back in the States I have been able to reflect on my whole trip to Korea. Being my first solo international trip, I am very content with the outcome. Living in Korea for a little over eight weeks allowed me to adapt to my surroundings and create a schedule for myself.  At one point I told another student “I don’t even remember not living in Seoul.” 

I missed aspects of the United States after residing in a different country for so long, but this was expected since everyone gets home sick. And I had such a spectacular time during this program that I will consider returning to Korea soon.

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH

This past summer I worked, alongside another undergraduate student, in the Urban Design Laboratory at Seoul National University. Our Summer began by meeting with our professor to discuss various available projects. He wanted our research to be on a topic that resonated with us individually.  

We began by choosing an area of our choice to create a digital twin model using Rhino and Grasshopper. I found some geographic information system (GIS) data and satellite images to upload into the Rhino software. Then I extruded buildings and began to sort objects into their respective categories such as streets, sidewalk, buildings, etc. This exercise was in preparation to design another digital twin for a designated area. 

Three areas in Seongsu-dong were proposed to us to replicate. And after taking a field trip, we observed the most popular area with interesting architecture. We then reported back to discuss with our graduate student mentors. After selecting our area, we started modeling the chosen commercial street. 

Various software was utilized to accomplish this project which included AutoCAD, photoshop, Rhino, Twinmotion, and Unreal Engine. Using satellite data, we created an AutoCAD 2D map for the commercial area. Then, utilizing Photoshop and Rhino, we each replicated five buildings and their facades in detail. After drawing lines, we extruded out the shapes and the 2D map. Finally, layers were sorted into their correct categories and the whole file was uploaded to Twinmotion. 

Using Twinmotion we could add even more detail to our street with items such as awnings, grates, plants, cars, etc. We used Naver map street view when placing objects to guarantee accuracy. Each building was also colored and textured according to the photos we had available. Then, using that file we uploaded the model to Unreal Engine where we were able to film videos walking through the area with both keyboard controls and a virtual reality headset

Lili walking through our digital twin model using a virtual reality set

Justin walking through our digital twin model using keyboard controls

This project was exciting to work on and I’m proud of the product I have accomplished this past summer. Modeling digital twin cities using Unreal Engine 5 is a new practice for urban planning, but I would recommend that the idea holds many advantages. 

In addition to the project, I enjoyed the work environment of the Urban Design Laboratory. The professor along with the grad students were welcoming as well as helpful. We enjoyed a sit-down lunch every day together from restaurants or the cafeteria. During these meals, we talked about various topics like the social differences of America VS. Korea and shared stories about our weekend adventures. The few dinners that we shared with the whole laboratory and our professor were fun too.

EXPLORING KOREA

By the third or fourth weekend in Korea I was exhausted from running around so much. We had seen a lot of the city and could slow down. Some of my favorite activities include rail biking, mountain climbing, ziplining into Nami Island, and palace/temple visits. Venturing outside of the city to Busan and Jeju Island was always a nice change too. 

I started to notice a lot of small cultural differences of everyday life which I really appreciated. Like how there is a social order in Korea that most follow. Lines are neatly formed, people stand on the correct side of escalators, and there is little to no crime. And most importantly, public transportation was so convenient. I was able to get anywhere I wanted through the subway, buses, or taxis. Overall, I was mostly a fan of the social and cultural differences that I encountered throughout my trip. 

Even the health care system in Korea was convenient. I fell ill quite a lot throughout my trip since my body did not adapt well to the environment but visiting a doctor and being prescribed medicine each week was so easy. Communicating with doctors was quite easy too despite speaking minimal Korean. 

 

PHOTO HIGHLIGHTS

Hunter, Maheono, Nicole, and I in traditional hanboks at Gyeongbokgung Palace

Haedong Yonggungsa

​​Gwanaksan Mountain climb

Seongsan Ilchulbong​​​​​

Paragliding