There were some unique characteristics of Japan that I personally could not understand. They were the use of cash and the existence of public telephones. I thought that cards were easier than cash and smartphones were easier than public telephones. At that time, I had never been to Japan, so I had always understood Japan from a Korean perspective. Then, after going to Japan for language training in January 2024, I realized that Korea is not a country where earthquakes occur frequently like Japan, so there are hardly any public telephones on the street and card use is active. Since I majored in Japanese studies, I thought I had a good grasp of Japanese culture and characteristics. However, even though I literally knew the culture and characteristics well, I felt that I did not make an effort to understand why it was like that. So I would like to understand Japan in three dimensions by studying abroad in Japan for a year. Furthermore, I would like to contribute to the development of Korea-Japan relations based on what I have seen and learned directly as a Japanese studies student.

Of all the things I learned in my international student classes since coming to Japan, the Koto experience class was the most memorable. It was an instrument with a beautiful sound that's hard to put into words. It was the same sound I sometimes hear as sound effects in anime and dramas. I'd like to learn it again if I have the opportunity.
In my Japanese language classes, I was able to learn Japanese words I didn't know before. Since I'm in Kansai, I was especially glad to learn the Kansai dialect. I learned that even within Kansai, the dialects vary slightly from region to region. Aside from language, I think it's good to be able to understand the differences in behavior and speech between Koreans and Japanese people.
Also, outside of the classes for international students, I found women's studies really interesting in the classes I took with Japanese students. There were some similarities with Korea, but there were also some differences. For example, in Japanese women's studies, there are discussions about marriage and child-rearing. By comparing these aspects, I think I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Japan and broaden my perspective on it.