Life
"Enjoy studying abroad in Busan, a city full of vivid charm!"
2025 Busan Media Member and international student Sonoka.
Busan has launched a new video series on its official YouTube channel, BusanTube, showcasing the city's distinctive charms through the eyes of international residents. Titled "If I Were Reborn, I Would Live in Busan Too," the series features people from various backgrounds as they share their personal experiences of living in Busan.
The videos offer a glimpse into what life in Busan is like for non-Koreans. For this edition, we spoke with Japanese student Sonoka, a featured guest from the very first episode. She shares her journey of studying and living in Busan.
Q. Please introduce yourself.
A. My name is Sonoka, and I transferred to Pukyong National University from Kanagawa, Japan. I've always been naturally curious and eager to try new things. I believe it's that curiosity that has helped me grow and enjoy life here in Busan.
Q. What inspired you to major in tourism management, and why did you choose to study in Busan?
A. One practical reason is that the tuition here is more affordable than in Seoul. However, the biggest draw is the proximity of the campus to the ocean.
Since I'm interested in working in the tourism industry and want to promote Busan as a travel destination, studying tourism management here felt like the perfect fit.
Q. Some people believe the best parts of college happen outside the classroom. I've heard you're involved in many activities. Could you share any memorable experiences?
A. I completely agree with that belief. I really value learning experiences through a variety of off-campus activities. I usually take part in tourism-related programs, and one of the most unforgettable moments was being selected as one of the 2025 Busan Media Members and filming for the city's official YouTube channel.
I appeared in the first episode of the "If I Were Reborn, I Would Live in Busan Too" series, which is now available to view on BusanTube. It was such a meaningful opportunity to share my honest thoughts about Busan as an international student living here.
Q. As a tourism management student, what do you consider Busan's strengths as a tourist destination?
A. Busan's biggest strength is its coastal appeal. The city is rich with marine attractions, from famous beaches like Haeundae to fun experiences like yacht rides and cable cars. I think Busan has strong potential to become a hub for marine tourism.
That said, there's still room to improve the experience for international visitors. Expanding multilingual services and signage would make a big difference.
Q. How has studying abroad in Busan influenced your values or career goals?
A. My time in Busan has shaped me both personally and professionally. Meeting people from different cultures and generations has helped me become more open-minded and broadened my world view.
Alongside learning the theories of tourism management, I've also gained hands-on experiences that helped clarify my career path. In the future, I hope to contribute to the development of medical and wellness tourism in Busan, utilizing the city's natural and cultural assets. I want to become a professional who plans strategically and takes action to attract visitors who value health and well-being.
Q. Do you have any advice for international students considering studying in Busan?
A. If there's something you want to try, just go for it. It can be scary, but the experiences you gain will be valuable and help you grow. Enjoy studying abroad in Busan, a city full of vivid charm!