Photo courtesy of Joanna Min ’20
From Where I Sit is an ongoing column associated with the ESOL program that aims to share the stories and experiences of international students.
Could you briefly introduce yourself? Where are you currently, and how and when did you get there?
I am a senior at Hamilton studying Economics and Sociology. I’m from South Korea, specifically Busan, the second largest city in the country and known for its beautiful beaches. After the campus closed, I remained at Hamilton for a week, but flew back to South Korea on March 26th to stay with my family. Five days after I arrived home, a worker of the public health center called me and let me know that someone sitting within two meters of me on my flight tested positive for the virus. Although I have already tested negative for the virus, I had to quarantine myself in my room for two weeks. I got scared at first, but I was pretty confident that I do not have the virus because I not only tested negative two days ago but also did not experience any symptoms. The public health center still required me to download the Quarantine app and keep track of my movements via GPS. One time, my phone randomly lost signal, and the health bureau immediately called my parents to make sure I did not leave my room. I later found out that the bureau called me three times before calling my parents when I saw the missed calls on my phone after the signal came back. I am now two weeks out of the quarantine and I feel lucky to be safe and healthy.
The line for the April 15 election at 6am. Photo courtesy of Joanna Min ’20
Did you participate in the April 15 election*? How was the election held, and how did COVID-19 play a role in the election process/result?
I did participate in the April 15 election, which conveniently took place on the second floor of my apartment building. The election started at 6AM, and because my dad had a meeting that day, my parents and I woke up early and went down to vote right at 6AM. We assumed we would be the first to come, but there was already a long line of people wearing masks waiting to vote. We waited for around 10 minutes until we could finally enter the voting hall. After they checked our IDs, we were required to disinfect our hands with hand sanitizer and wear plastic gloves in order to vote. We then received ballot papers, went into a private booth, stamped a candidate, came out, and put the ballot into a secure box.
The current President Moon’s ruling Democratic Party won 180 out of 300 seats. The consensus is that this victory was related to the South Korean government’s successful containment of the COVID-19. This result will allow the president to pass any legislation supporting his platform.
*Note: On April 15, 2020, South Korea held its 21st legislative election to elect the 300 members of the National Assembly.
A quarantine meal prepared by the writer’s mother. Photo courtesy of Joanna Min ’20
What is the Korean government’s current approach to the COVID-19? How is technology playing a role in it?
The South Korean government’s strategy is to test as many people as possible in order to isolate infected individuals. If one shows any coronavirus symptoms, they can visit a nearby public health center and get tested for free. The results are quickly released in a day.
Starting from April 1st, the government requires anyone entering South Korea from abroad to quarantine themselves for two weeks. Foreigners in particular are required to enter a quarantine facility, while South Korean citizens can choose between entering a quarantine facility or staying at home. If one chooses to stay at home, all living spaces should be separated from the rest of their family members. For example, my brother recently came back from Baltimore, MD on April 12. I gave him my room because it has a separate bathroom. I or my mom prepare every meal and leave it outside his room. He then brings the meals in, finishes it and leaves the empty dishes outside the room so that we can bring those back to the kitchen.
The writer at Voila Café in Haeundae Marine City. Photo courtesy of Joanna Min ’20
How is COVID-19 affecting your daily life? Can you go outside, go to restaurants, meet friends, etc.?
Since COVID-19, I have been wearing mask and bringing hand sanitizer with me everywhere I go, but I still go outside to meet friends, go for a walk, or go to restaurants or cafés. I try to avoid crowded places and not sit too close to others in restaurants or cafes. Recently, my favorite café has been ‘Voila Café’ in Haeundae Marine City. Their nitrogen ice cream and sea salt latte are really good, and I love sitting in their terrace to enjoy the beach view — a view that I certainly never have back at Hamilton!
Usually, my family is spread around the world: I’m in New York, my brother in Maryland, and my parents in South Korea. Although now is a difficult time for everyone, I’m also grateful this whole ordeal has brought my family together back at home.