I'm an electronic engineering researcher about to start my PhD. Korea began for me in a grocery store in Turkey, where my mom and sister met a Korean family who had us over for home cooking and Korean lessons. I came as an exchange student, interned in a professor's lab that summer, and returned to join it for my master's. On weekdays I run with a close Korean friend, and on weekends I go hiking or to a concert. Hallasan is my favorite hike. Mountains in Turkey call for real gear, but here running shoes are enough, and as a foreigner I want to try them all. I value respect. I don't judge other people's choices, and I expect the same.