Name: So Eun Bae
Department: English Literature and Literature
University: Dongguk University (Seoul, South Korea)
Country of Origin: South Korea
What were your first impressions about Türkiye?
Türkiye felt like a beautiful collision of worlds. As someone who has travelled quite a bit to Europe and Middle Eastern countries, Türkiye somehow felt like all of them at once. It carries the elegance of Europe, the depth of the Middle East and, surprisingly, the warmth that reminds me of home in Korea. It didn’t feel like one place. That complexity fascinated me from the very first day.
What do you like best about Bilkent and Türkiye?
Without hesitation: the cats and the people. Türkiye is famously known as the land of cats, and Bilkent campus fully lives up to that reputation. Sometimes I would be eating at 81 Dorm cafeteria or sitting quietly on a bench, and a cat would casually jump onto my lap and start purring as if we had known each other for years. Those small, unexpected moments made living 8,000 kilometers away from home feel less lonely. Equally impressive are the students. Being one of Türkiye’s top universities in the capital, Bilkent gathers intellectually sharp, ambitious and culturally open-minded individuals. I genuinely hope to stay connected with many of them long after my exchange ends.
Are there any similarities between Türkiye and your home country?
I would say the concept of warmth is what we call “jeong” in Korean. In Korea, even strangers look out for one another. In Ankara especially, perhaps because it’s not just a tourist city, people don’t simply give directions. They walk with you. They don’t just explain a problem, they try to solve it with you. Being so far away from home, I was surprised to feel a familiar sense of warmth in Türkiye.
What will you miss most about Bilkent and Türkiye?
The friendships and my small comfort spots in Tunus. Coming here alone, without knowing anyone and facing different languages and cultures, was not easy. What helped me endure those challenges were the friends I met here. Despite different backgrounds and borders, friendship became a powerful bridge. And as an Asian student…I must admit I will miss my favorite ramen place and matcha café. On days when I felt homesick, a bowl of miso ramen and a cup of matcha latte could instantly recharge me.
What’s your favorite place on campus, and why?
The FBA building. It may sound simple, but it has a Starbucks and extremely reliable Wi-Fi. Sometimes practicality wins.
What’s your favorite Turkish food and why?
Baklava, kaymak and testi kebab. Testi kebab reminds me slightly of Korean braised beef, comforting and rich. And honestly, Türkiye is a paradise for desserts. I have yet to meet a bad one.
Where do you expect to see yourself 10 years from now?
Hopefully working in international trade, applying what I studied. I’m open to working abroad, so perhaps not even in Korea. The world feels smaller now.
What’s one thing you learned from Turkish culture?
To live more presently. Turkish culture values conversation, shared tea, long dinners and genuine human connection. I learned that productivity is important, but so is presence. Life does not have to be rushed to be meaningful.
What places have you visited in Türkiye, and which one is your favorite?
Cappadocia. It felt like walking on another planet. The landscape was surreal and unforgettable.
What’s an interesting question or comment you hear frequently at Bilkent/in Türkiye?
When I say I’m from Korea, people often say “brother country” and immediately ask about
K-pop or K-beauty. It’s always a fun conversation starter.
Describe yourself in three words.
Curious, humorous, unexpectedly thoughtful.
How is the studying experience at Bilkent?
I had thought, “It can’t be harder than Korea.” I was wrong. Unlike many European universities, Bilkent takes academics very seriously. Weekly quizzes, assignments, strict attendance: it’s intense. I am taking four courses and already feel challenged. I have deep respect for Bilkent students.
