Inside South Korea’s Social Impact

  South Korea observes two major traditional holidays each year. The first is Seollal (Lunar New Year), marking the start of the year on the first day of the first lunar month. The second is Chuseok (the Autumn Harvest Festival), celebrated on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month to give thanks for the harvest and wish for abundance. During both holidays, daily routines pause across the country as scattered families gather to exchange greetings and share homemade meals. While modern Korea is increasingly defined by nuclear households and solitary urban living, this is a meaningful moment when the collective warmth of extended families returns.   Tomorrow, September 25 (KST), is Chuseok. For the past few weeks, people across the country have been busy planning holiday itineraries, coordinating visits to parents and in-laws. In my case, both households live relatively close by and our families are small, making scheduling straightforward. But for larger extended famil...

  Over the past three installments, we shared an in-depth interview with Team Coach Yena Lee of Mondragon University’s LEINN Seoul Lab, exploring the overarching story of LEINN, the unique strengths and atmosphere of the Seoul Lab, and its distinctive educational model. But what does actual day-to-day life look like for the students (Leinners) enrolled here? What led them to make the unconventional decision to choose LEINN over a traditional university?   Following my conversation with Coach Lee, I met two students who are leading exceptionally busy routines even during their school break. They offered candid, firsthand reflections on why they chose LEINN and how their learning here has reshaped their lives.   *(Note: Throughout this article, students are referred to as 'Leinners.')*   The Leinners who kindly took part in the interview:  Badi (left) and Robin (right) (Photo by Milly) Interviewees: 🌿Robin Han (Nickname: 'Robin'), 3rd-year Leinner 🍀Y...