I decided to participate in this program because I wanted to explore the research culture in another country. I have always been passionate about AI, but I also wanted to learn more about brain and cognitive science, as these fields have always inspired my AI research. I believe that understanding how the brain works can open new doors for innovation in artificial intelligence.

The program introduced me to a research direction I had not encountered before—Predictive Coding. I found it to be a fascinating area with huge potential. Through the program, I not only gained new technical knowledge but also met many people from diverse cultural backgrounds, including Korea, Japan, and Singapore. This cultural exchange was an amazing and eye-opening experience for me.

What I enjoyed most about the program was how well organized everything was—not just the research activities but also the cultural events. For example, during our day trip to Jeonju, we ate the famous Korean dish bibimbap, wore hanbok, visited Gyeonggijeon, and even made our own Korean name stamps. There were also weekly Korean language classes. Although I am not a strong language learner and couldn’t master much Korean, I still found the classes very fun and engaging. I truly appreciated how every activity was planned with clear details and guidelines, and whenever we encountered a problem, we always received prompt and kind help.

This has been a truly memorable experience. On the research side, it has sparked my long-term interest in predictive coding, and I plan to continue working on this topic in the future. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to my mentor, Yoondo Sung, and my professor, Sang Wan Lee. My mentor always took care of me, gave me the freedom to explore my research, and helped me whenever I needed. Professor Sang Wan Lee is one of the kindest professors I have ever met—humble, respectful toward students, and gifted with sharp insight into real problems. If one day I have the opportunity to mentor others, I hope I can be someone like them.

This program not only broadened my research perspective but also enriched my understanding of different cultures. I believe the lessons I have learned here—in research, collaboration, and cultural exchange—will continue to shape my future studies and career in meaningful ways.