Hi, I’m Youngung Seok, an assistant professor in the Department of Biotechnology and Bioengineering. It’s my pleasure to meet you.
      I always hope to encourage foreign students and wish them my best. I also have work experience abroad. From Mar. 2020 to Aug. 2022, I worked in the University of Pennsylvania, USA. Only a few months ago, I was also a foreign researcher, and a non-citizen. When I was in the USA, although I was satisfied with my job and my research, daily life was always stressful, such as creating a social security card, a bank account, a cell phone connection, etc. One of my best friends told me, “The hardest moment in the US is not the lab situation, racism, or troubles in the job. The hardest moment is when my cell phone is broken, my home is flooded, or I don’t know who I should call.” I totally agree with his opinion, and encourage you throughout all your challenging moments.
    I don’t think our country has a friendly environment for foreigners. We don’t have a long enough history with other people. The U.S. always provides alternative options for non-citizens or non-residents, because foreigners already make up the majority of their society. However, Korea is not like that. I have not seen any kinds of services like that. We are improving, and changing positively, but Korean people don’t recognize how uncomfortable you are. I cannot imagine how hard it is to use our social services and how many problems you are suffering from. If you have an uncomfortable situation, or somebody treats you unkindly, please don’t misunderstand them. They really don’t know how hard it is for you. I cannot say everyone in Korea is kind, but at least most people usually hope to help you and try to solve your problems together. If you cannot find anyone to help you, please knock on our door. All professors in Chonnam National University, including me, will always be with you.
  One good thing is that lots of people in universities and companies in management positions, or someone who may recruit you, also have a similar point of view to me. We respect all your experiences abroad, over your grades or performance! In my case, after I spent over 2 years at the University of Pennsylvania, I had a lot of great opportunities in the job market in both Korea and the USA. I was doing a post-doc, after the doctoral degree, so many factors in detail should be different, however, the most important point is that I have been verified in this environment and I am now qualified. As you can see, I have chosen our University and my family has become happy now. Not only because of job market value, but also personally, I can have another perspective to look at the world and understand it much better. It’s always valuable wealth that we achieve after a challenge. I believe all you guys will be able to reap the benefits from this hard period, anywhere, and with any position you will move to. Cheer up and do your best! All foreign students are always welcome to come to my office, Eng. Bld. 5-265, for counseling, research interests, or any wish you want. I always encourage you in your great challenges! Thank you for reading.

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