Name: Mark Sim
Age: 24 (International) 26 (Korean)
ISI year: 2009
Hometown: Toronto, Canada
Current location: Seoul, ROK
Hello! Sorry for the delay and thank you for your patience. After searching for different platforms, I believe this site will work out best. I am still new to the blogging world, so please bare with me as I get myself acquainted. Your tips and suggestions will be helpful.
As the title of this post says, I will be interviewing alumni's who decided to continue their studies in Korea. This short series is intended to be of help and interest to the many others who are planning to do the same...so with that, let's find out a little bit more about Mark Sim.
PL: Hey Mark, what was the best memory of your SNU ISI stay in Korea?
MS: All my memories of ISI were the best. It's really hard to choose one since they all kind stand out for me! My fondest memory was the night of my birthday. I remember I was in another ISI student's room talking about something to do with the program when we decided to make our way back to my room. I was sharing a room with Tim Song and for some reason the halls were really empty and quiet. Usually there were always a few of us lounging around talking and getting to know one another. As we walked down the hall, the door to my room was open and it was dark inside. I didn't think anything of it and walked in. All of a sudden the lights were turned on and there were 15 other ISI students (all people I miss!) inside my room with a cake screaming happy birthday at the top of their lungs! I was really surprised and touched by the whole thing. There was even a cake and people took a lot of pictures too. This one student Janice then took a slice of cake and rubbed it over my face as kind of a happy birthday thing which was funny for everyone, including me! I had lots of fun during the ISI and miss everyone!
PL: It's definitely not a true birthday celebration unless you get caked! How about any interesting talents, weird habits, funny facts about yourself?
MS: I can play moonlight sonata on the piano with my eyes closed.
PL: So this current Spotlight series is on ISI Alumni who decided to stay in Korea for whatever reason. What are you in Korea for?
MS: Right now I am a graduate student at SNU in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Department of Regional Information, Sustainable Development and Applied Economics Lab. My thesis topic is so far revolving around affordable housing development and how growth management policy plays a role in its creation.
PL: Why'd you choose to continue your studies in Korea?
MS: I was fortunate enough to have been chosen for graduate studies in Korea and decided to take advantage of my opportunity to study here. SNU is considered the top academic institution in Korea so being able to study in Korea at SNU is a once in a life time opportunity. Also, being a foreign born Korea, I've always wanted to get the full on Korean experience so I can better understand my culture and learn the language.
PL: You are truly making the most of your opportunities. Now let's get to know you a little better. What is the best and worst thing about living in Korea? Any favorite places to go? Any tips or words of wisdom to fellow ISI'ers who are considering or will stay in Korea for an extended stay like you?
MS:
Best: The people here are really nice. Korean food in general is dirt cheap compared to the prices back home. The costs of living here is fairly low if you consider things like the costs of food, drink and entertainment. Rent can be cheap too.
Worst: I really miss the little things like deli meats, really good bread and pizza from back home the most. Mostly I just miss certain types of food. Also prepare for lots of culture shock.
Favourite Places: Pizzeria UNO (COEX) deep dish Chicago style pizza! 대학로 near 혜화 station on the blue line (4). Tons of places to go eat, drink and catch a movie or play.
Words of wisdom: Never forget where you were born (America, Canada, Singapore etc) because it helps you to keep grounded when you are facing all the culture shock. Always remember that you are in a foreign country so act accordingly. Don't be shy about eating new food and trying new things! Eat as much as possible and do as much as possible during the ISI program.
PL: Lastly, what are your future plans?
MS: Right now I am also working part time as a retail planning/development consultant (think Centum City, Central City, Lotte, etc etc kinds of places) and will probably be doing that full time after I complete my degree here. I'm hoping to be able to work for a few more years in Korea, Hong Kong, China, Japan and pretty much everywhere else in Asia for the next few years.
PL: Well Mark, thank you for your time and we hope that you may constantly endeavor through whatever life brings so that you have a successful and joyous life.
(At the top of Gwanak-San, mountain next to SNU)
Am I the only one who thinks he looks like Chan-Ho Park?
-PEACE!✌
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