It all started three years ago when I went to the United Sates on a cultural exchange program. I was placed in Minnesota, a state known for its 10,000 lakes. During the six-month exchange program, I made millions of memories. I met friends from all around the world, but my best friends were from Korea: Hyeon Hee Park and Suha Lee.



We laughed together, played together, studied together and ate together. They introduced me to K-pop music and to K-pop dance parties. In a short time, I was able to dance to "Gangnam Style."



I remember the first time I ate bibimbab in New York and for the next few weeks I kept on eating it, even in my dreams. Pakistanis are spice-tolerant. Yes, we ate a lot of spicy food, but in the U.S., not having spicy food was a big shock to me. However, thanks to Hyeon Hee, who introduced me to a Korean restaurant, we were often able to go there to eat kimchi soup.



They taught me the basic greetings in Korean and how to write my name in Korean, which took more time to learn than I expected. Soon enough, I started loving the Korean language. That was when I found I was in love with Korea, with the Korean people and with Korean culture.

Time flies and so did my six months in the U.S. On May 12, 2013, I said goodbye to Hyeon Hee and Suha. With a river of tears in my eyes, I promised to visit them very soon in Korea.



Coming to Korea for my higher education was also part of my dream, since Korea is one of the most advanced countries in the world and has the best educational system in the world. Hence, after coming back from the U.S., I was looking for a good opportunity to pursue my master's in Korea. During that time, through the Korean Embassy in Pakistan, I learned about the KGSP Scholarship Program. I applied and after a bunch of interviews was fortunately granted this prestigious scholarship. With the passage of every second, I was getting more excited about coming to Korea. On Aug. 26, 2015, I landed at Incheon International Airport and my dream of coming to Korea came true.



It has now been six months for me in Korea, and without any doubt the time I've spent here has been the best time of my life. Korea is one of the most diverse countries in the world and you can make friends from all around the globe, from every ethnic background and religion.



The number of events on campus is quite astounding. Last month, we had an International Food Festival at Keimyung University, the university where I'm currently enrolled. International students were given the opportunity to cook their traditional foods and sell it to festival goers. It was such a wonderful scene seeing the students from different countries cook together and let others know about their own cultures. That was the best way to build cultural bridges between nations and to spread peace around the world.



In December, we had an International Students Cultural Festival where international students represented their countries by wearing traditional dresses and doing traditional dances. I represented Pakistan in the festival and it gave me goose bumps to wear traditional Pakistani garb and to do traditional dances. 


The other thing that causes me to love Korea is the people. Koreans are really nice, kind and social. I remember in the beginning, when I didn’t know any Korean at all, most of the times I got lost downtown and asked for directions from some random person, they did their best to help me. They showed me the way and even sometimes walked with me to my destination.



The same goes for the teachers. Teachers here are so kind and do their best to solve your problems. They're even ready to help you and to teach you after class on their own time. I always consider them my mentors and my best friends, since I always share my problems with them and they try to solve them the best way possible.



Korea is a land full of natural beauty and there are so many places to explore. If you love travelling, finding peace in nature and exploring new cultures, Korea is a must-visit country. From the beautiful beaches and lush countryside of Jejudo to the lively and dynamic attractions of Seoul, one always falls in love with Korea.






Korea is a beautiful country and Koreans are a great people. They've invaded my heart with their purity, love, care and remarkable hospitality. Within just six months, I've made unforgettable memories. I'm in love with Korea and to me Korea is my second home.





By Majid Mushtaq
Korea.net Honorary Reporter
Photos: Majid Mushtaq