Campus Asia – KAIST Summer Research Program Personal Summary

Chen Huaiyi from Tsinghua University

At first, I made two Korean friends at Tsinghua University who were gentle, kind, and fun, which sparked my interest in Korea. That made me think that one day, I should visit Korea. This summer, I participated in the "Campus Asia - Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) Laboratory Research Program." "Campus Asia" stands for the "Collective Action of Mobility Program of University Students in Asia," a project led by the governments of China, Japan, and South Korea, which was expanded in 2021 to include ASEAN countries. Its goal is to promote exchange and cooperation among universities in Asia and foster the next generation of outstanding talent in the region. After going through a self-selection and application process, I was honored to be selected for the KAIST summer lab research program in the summer of 2024.

Campus and Town

At first, I didn’t know much about this school, but I later learned that KAIST ranks among the top 50 universities globally in QS rankings and is very well-known in South Korea. Initially, I thought KAIST was located in Seoul, but I discovered it is actually in a quiet town called Daejeon. During the application and visa process, I came to realize that KAIST is a school worth visiting.

The journey from Beijing to Seoul and then to Daejeon was not entirely smooth. We didn’t realize that high-speedtrain tickets from Seoul to Daejeon had to be reserved, so we ended up buying standing tickets on a slower train, which, although cheaper (about 45 RMB), took more than two hours. We finally arrived in Daejeon before 10 PM. Compared to Seoul, Daejeon is much quieter and more peaceful, with tidy streets and tranquil shops that give off a serene atmosphere. Upon arriving on a Friday, we experienced a small cultural shock on Saturday, when we were told that most shops in the town would be closed on Sunday. Even the school's cafeterias were closed on weekends, which felt very different from China, where shops usually remain open on weekends and holidays. It seemed that Koreans value rest more than people in China do.

KAIST's campus is considered relatively large in South Korea, but for Tsinghua University students, it may not seem that big. We were able to walk to all parts of the school. Although the cafeteria and sports facilities at KAIST were not as extensive as those at Tsinghua, the basic amenities were available, such as a cafeteria open on weekdays, fast food outlets like Subway, a gym, a swimming pool, and a free fitness center in every dormitory. The campus is beautiful, with friendly cats and the university mascot, geese, which are unafraid of people.

Laboratory Learning Process

The professors, students, and everyone in the lab were extremely kind and friendly. On the first day, I discussed my project with my professor and reported on my work at Tsinghua University. Later, I was asked to give a presentation to the students in the lab. In general, KAIST's labs were clean and well-organized, possibly due to strict management and cultural habits. The lab I worked in, the Biomicrofluidics Laboratory, is part of the mechanical engineering department but operates as an interdisciplinary research lab. The PI, Professor Jeon Sungyun, who completed his undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. studies at MIT, focuses on topics like microfluidics, lab-on-a-chip, organ-on-a-chip, and tumor microenvironment. I was amazed by the breadth of knowledge possessed by the Ph.D. students, who could conduct interdisciplinary projects on their own. I had thought such projects would require collaboration from specialists in different fields.

I participated in projects using surface acoustic waves to manipulate microfluidic flow and particles within microfluidic systems. The theoretical derivations for these methods were very complex, but my mentor, Daesik Kwak, was incredibly patient. Although I had not studied fluid dynamics extensively in my undergraduate and graduate years, I eventually managed to complete basic simulations and experiments and understood the entire experimental process. I am deeply grateful to the professors and students in the lab for their support.

Travel and Cultural Experiences

During weekends, we also traveled to different cities in South Korea, including Busan and Jeonju. Busan, a well-known coastal city. Jeonju, with its 1,200 years of history, is the birthplace of the Joseon Dynasty. KAIST organized the trip to Jeonju.

Busan is truly a city worth visiting, with many interesting sights, including Gamcheon Culture Village, the night view of Gwangalli Bridge (unfortunately, we didn’t go), Songdo Cable Car, Blue Line Park’s capsule train, and Haeundae Beach. Gamcheon Culture Village was transformed from a former slum and is now a popular tourist spot, but the original residents still live there, making it a harmonious example of localized conservation. The village is a sea of colors, built on a hillside, requiring visitors to go up and down stairs to see various scenic views, which is very interesting. Songdo Cable Car and the Blue Line Park train are great options for enjoying the ocean views. They either run along the coastline or travel above the sea, allowing people to fully enjoy the relaxation and joy brought by the blue waters. In fact, Busan in August isn’t as hot as Daejeon. With the cool sea breeze in the shade, it feels refreshing and pleasant. Taking a break in a cozy café by the seaside, sitting on a comfortable chair, and gazing out at the azure ocean really gives you a sense of relaxation and joy. Busan’s beaches are lively and fun, though we weren’t really into playing in the sand.

Jeonju is a famous ancient city in South Korea, and KAIST arranged our trip there, which was very interesting. We first had bibimbap (Jeonju-style raw beef rice bowl), which was the best meal I had in Korea. Afterward, we experienced traditional Korean clothing and visited Gyeonggijeon, a shrine built in 1410 that houses the portrait of King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. We also took a stroll through Jeonju Hanok Village and, in the end, made leather cardholders together. Overall, it was a very enjoyable trip.

Food and Impressions

Korean food is not as limited as I initially thought; there are plenty of options if you search. We enjoyed barbecue, sashimi in Busan, and Daejeon's specialties like tofu hot pot and soy milk noodles, which Korean classmates mentioned are popular among the older generation due to their unique flavor. The pricing in South Korea seemed more related to the location than whether it was a tourist spot. Even restaurants near popular sights did not have overly inflated prices, and everyone we met was friendly and hospitable. The food in the small town outside the school is generally quite delicious, including dishes like pork cutlet rice, hamburgers, pasta, pizza, and army stew. Most of the small restaurants are also tastefully decorated, giving the impression that Koreans tend to have higher standards for their quality of life.

This exchange study experience at KAIST has been incredibly rewarding. Not only did I make academic progress, but I also made significant strides in cultural understanding and personal growth. Korea's culture, cuisine, and scenery left a deep impression on me, and I truly felt the unique charm of the country. I believe this unforgettable experience will become a valuable asset in my life. I would like to express my gratitude once again to the professors and students at KAIST, as well as to the program for providing me with such a rich and meaningful learning opportunity.

I hope that in the future, I will have the chance to return to Korea to continue exploring and learning.

감사합니다! (Thank you!)