Syracuse Sun

Students recently explored Seoul, South Korea, to learn about the country’s historical and contemporary sites and to see how its unique culture and traditions have influenced its natural and built environments. The two-week excursion was led by Seyeon Lee, associate professor of environmental and interior design and George Miller quasi-endowed professor in the College of Visual and Performing Arts. Nine undergraduate students from various majors accompanied Lee for the new Maymester study abroad course to understand how social issues and different design practices have shaped the country’s landscapes, cities, and structures.

The workshop at Yonsei University focused on creating designs that are diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible. "The goal of this Maymester course, apart from instructing on design content, is to immerse students in the local culture and allow them to experience the intricacies of daily life and the traditions of South Korea. We feel this program enriches students' overall academic experience and fosters a deeper understanding of the global contexts of their educational journey," said Lee.

The course emphasized how every space is shaped by its environment and community. Students explored several major historic and modern sites in a timeline that followed significant chronological events, from Chosun Dynasty structures to futuristic buildings incorporating high-tech communication and travel modes. They visited Seodaemun Prison Hall from the Japanese colonial era and toured the Demilitarized Zone at the border between North and South Korea to understand how political issues affect society. A side trip to Jeju Island offered insights into its status as a UNESCO Global Geopark within South Korea’s unique rural environment.

The group joined 32 other students from Ball State University in Indiana and Yonsei University’s College of Human Ecology in Seoul for a workshop on building campus environments that are diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible. In addition to Lee, students worked with three other faculty members: Suk-Kyung Kim from Yonsei University; Sanglim Yoo from Ball State University; and Juntae Jake Son also from Ball State University.

Lee highlighted that rather than focusing solely on design concepts or elements of buildings or sites visited, the group concentrated on cultural and historic aspects of these places. "For instance," she noted, "when the students visited Seodaemun Prison Hall, they learned how the building represents the Japanese Colonial era and how Koreans fought for their independence then."

Students expressed enthusiasm about their experiences during the two-week Maymester course. Adam Drafts-Johnson ’25 stated that it provided a study abroad alternative allowing him to complete his major on time while appreciating world cultures. Leondra Tyler ’24 appreciated engaging with Korean culture again through her studies in neuroscience and psychology. Holly Ishiro Randall ‘26 found value in navigating through South Korea's diverse design styles for her future projects. Keira Bowers ’27 enjoyed observing eco-friendly practices incorporated into daily life.