My first exposure to Korea came through Korean mass media: film and music when I was in a middle school. I loved how each unique theme was created and how the storyline got developed. My passion was even deepened when I started reading Korean books translated in Thai although only few Korean books were available in Thai during those time. The first read book was a story written by a young Korean girl who overcame several difficulties and finally could achieve her academic goals. The book encouraged me, at that time a high school student, to aim high and start working hard toward my dream. Through those letters, I got introduced to various aspects of South Korea such as philosophy, religion or social customs. Some chapters or words were life …show more content…
Unconsciously, I gradually absorbed Korean culture and has been craving to learn more in a deeper and wider aspect. With curiosity about human behavior, I chose to study Psychology as my major during my undergrad with emphasis on social and cultural psychology. My studies also included various field to help me develop my understanding toward human. Culture, or in other word a place or a group of people we live with, can guide or encourage our mind as significantly as our brain could. Culture is developed across history and shapes our behavior by means of social learning or social norm. By studying cultural psychology and conducting the research in this field, I came to realize that it is almost impossible for ones to understand a particular culture well unless they have studied different aspects of that culture and live in that environment for a certain time. While concentrating my study on psychology, I also continued my love for South Korea and various field of humanities and social science. I learned anthropology, …show more content…
I want to explore South Korea in a broader and aspect. To study Korean studies in South Korea would provide me numerous valuable learning sources. The program also offers a wide variety of courses from history, economics to social contents. The courses are not only limited to Korean subjects but also extends to Korean policy and the relationship with other countries. Those courses are offered under international studies (area studies) which I plan to take for my elective during my study with a realization that cultures are formed, exchanged and developed among other groups of individuals all the time. To take those courses would be a compliment to my field so that I could expand my knowledge. My psychology background would help me to gain a better understanding of how history, politics, religion etc. contribute to Korean attitudes and behaviors, or what we call Korean society. I choose to study this program with a belief that it is going to support my learning and my future career