The Harvard Undergraduates in Asia Program (HUAP) resumed its activities in student exploration and development through the 2024 Seoul Conference, which was held from March 9 to 16. In Seoul, primarily the Ewha campus, students of the Boston delegation and those of the Seoul delegation reunited to once again participate in academic lectures and cultural activities together.
Previously operated under the name Harvard College in Asia Program (HCAP), the program returned with a new name, replacing “college” with “undergraduates.” This was to better reflect how undergraduate students take initiative and plan the conferences independently throughout the program.
Aligning with this year’s theme of “Embracing the Unknown: The Path Less Traveled,” the Seoul Conference continued to examine newly emerging academic and career domains while also resuming cultural exchange between the delegates, this time focusing on introducing Korean culture to the delegates from Harvard University.
Delegates visited tourist spots such as Gwangjang Market, Bukchon Hanok Village, and Gwanghwamun, immersing themselves in the rich cultural scenes of modern Seoul. Academic lectures and learning activities also took place following this year’s theme.
On March 11, the Ewha-Harvard Startup Sprint Workshop took place at the Ewha Startup Open Space. Focusing on generating innovative solutions on combating the climate crisis, Ewha and Harvard students were able to learn more about climate technology and create prototypes by utilizing Figma, a collaborative interface design tool. Through the workshop, delegates embraced the unknown and unprecedented status quo in the battle against the climate crisis and challenged themselves to become pioneering problem-solvers.
Many renowned speakers were also invited to give lectures on a diverse array of topics. The first speaker, LG Corporation’s Head of Brand Management Seol Park, spoke on how staying true to one’s interests and curiosity can lead to a unique professional niche.
Jolin Chan, Co-President of the Boston delegation and a junior majoring in history, literature, and anthropology at Harvard University, expounded on the inspiration she received after listening to Park’s speech.
“Her advice was very important to college students who are still figuring out their career and life paths,” Chan said. “She took on various roles in different fields that helped bridge art and technology, and it was amazing to see how she navigated these changes while still staying true to her passions and values.”
Chan also recounted the cultural insight she gained through the abundant activities of the 2024 Seoul Conference. She mentioned the Traditional K-food Cooking Activity as one of the most memorable experiences, where both Seoul and Boston delegates made songpyeon and omijacha, traditional Korean rice cakes and magnolia berry tea. The activity was a special experience for all participating delegates as they were given the chance to bond through cooking as well as learn more about Korean culture through its traditional foods.
Wrapping up the week-long conference, Myoungbeen Ko, a member of the Academic Program Management team within the Seoul delegation and a senior in her last semester of majoring in Chemistry & Nanoscience, looked back on the process of curating lectures and activities for the 2024 Seoul Conference.
“It was hard to figure out the perfect balance between academic lectures and cultural activities,” Ko explained. “With so little time to fit in the many events we wished to be able to offer, it was difficult to unify varying opinions on which programs to include and which to not.”
Owing to the 10 Ewha students of the Seoul delegation’s earnest efforts in curating an incomparable conference week, the Boston delegates were more than able to fulfill the anticipations they arrived in Seoul with.
Raymond Wu, a junior majoring in computer science at Harvard University, looked back on his experience participating in the 2024 Seoul Conference as Vice President of the Boston delegation.
“I was able to try new things and experience lots of different aspects of Korean culture, including enjoying sannakji (a Korean raw octopus dish) and wearing Hanbok and exploring the Gyeongbokgung Palace,” Wu reminisced. “I tend to stay in my comfort zone, but I am glad I pushed myself to try new things because it gave me a greater appreciation for South Korea.”
Professor Leif-Eric Easley from the Department of International Studies delved into the significance of HUAP after also having taken part in the program through his lecture titled “Rising Korea: A Middle Power’s Role in Asia and the World.” Having received his M.A. and Ph.D. from Harvard University’s Department of Government, Professor Easley underscored the relationship Harvard and Ewha have built over the years.
“Harvard is a center of global innovation and standard-setting, while Ewha generates talent in the middle of the world’s most dynamic region,” Professor Easley remarked. “As a student-led program, HUAP provides an excellent opportunity for future leaders from Korea and the United States to network and grow together.”