Seoul media internship reshapes intern’s view of journalism — and of herself

Alicia: "[the internship] challenged me, surprised me and ultimately shaped my understanding of journalism, and of myself."

When I first heard about the Asia New Zealand Foundation media internships and discovered they offered a placement in South Korea, my interest was immediately piqued.

I had lived in Seoul for three years during high school and had always wanted to return. Combined with my ambitions to work as a reporter, and, one day, perhaps as an international correspondent, the opportunity felt like a dream.

Just a few months after submitting my application, I found myself stepping off a plane thousands of kilometres from home and into Seoul. I was instantly met by blinding city lights, bustling crowds, and a three-hour queue at immigration.

My first 24 hours were spent adjusting to the timezone and getting acquainted with my new neighbourhood. Then, it was straight to work on Monday morning.

I was welcomed by heavy snowfall – a stark contrast to the 30 degree temperatures I had left behind in Christchurch. The city was blanketed in white and my commute to work looked like something out of a winter wonderland. In reality, I was wedged into a public bus with what felt like hundreds of other commuters. Seoul’s rush hour is truly something else.

Alicia: "My colleagues were also incredibly supportive and they were generous with their time."

I arrived at the Korea JoongAng Daily (KJD) with a stomach filled with butterflies – a mix of nerves and excitement – as I anticipated what the next three months would hold.

It all felt slightly surreal. Just the other day I had been sitting in lectures at the University of Canterbury. Now, I was stepping into the newsroom of one of Korea’s leading English newspapers, ready to put everything I had learned into practice.

I was greeted in the lobby by Jim, the Head of Content Strategy at KJD, who gave me a tour of the office before we sat down to discuss my internship and get me set up in the system.

Over the next three months, I rotated through several teams, including the national culture and business desks, pitching stories and gaining experience across many areas of journalism. One day, I was attending a K-pop concert as a member of the press, the next creating social media content for the digital team, and another reporting on social affairs in Seoul.

The office itself was quieter than I expected. Apart from the editors and the digital team, few people were around most days. Many reporters worked remotely or spent much of their time out in the field chasing stories.

Alicia and fellow Foundation intern Fergus Goodall Smith with the New Zealand Ambassidor to South Korea Dawn Bennett; and Alicia with a colleague at the newspaper

But, the workplace culture was still strong. Teams would gather regularly for meetings, bringing colleagues together at the office. I would also join my coworkers for lunch at least a few times a week, whether in the offi ce cafeteria or at a nearby restaurant.

Lunch was always followed by a “mandatory” iced americano, or in my case, a hot latte. I quickly learned iced americanos are practically Korea’s national fuel, even in the freezing winter, something I could never quite get behind.

A highlight of my internship was my time on the national desk. My first day on the team, I was asked if I would like to attend the Seoul Living Design Fair. Danish and Nordic design was enjoying a surge in popularity in Korea and the fair featured a special exhibit, which attracted design enthusiasts from across the country.

Attending the fair as a member of the press felt like a milestone moment. I had the opportunity to interview representatives from major Danish brands, conducted vox pops with visitors and even spoke with Mikael Hemniti Winther, the Danish ambassador. It was the kind of hands-on reporting I had hoped for.

Of course, my internship wasn’t without challenges. Finding stories, building a network of contacts and even researching and sourcing data in a new country amid a language barrier was a massive learning curve.

At times, it felt like I was starting out in the industry all over again, which was humbling to say the least. But, it also challenged me in the best way, and that discomfort became the most valuable part of the experience.

My colleagues were also incredibly supportive and they were generous with their time, willing to share sources, help with translating and show me the ropes.

Outside of work, I got to experience the magic of Seoul. Near my apartment, the vibrant Mangwon market became a regular evening stop. Wandering through the bustling stalls, I feasted on kimchi mandu, fresh gimbab and spicy tteokbokki.

Alicia hiking to Baegundae peak near Seoul (left) and having lunch with colleagues

On the weekends, I climbed mountains alongside determined Korean ajummas, and played tourist at attractions like Gyeongbok Palace and Namsan tower. I also revisited nostalgic spots from my earlier years in Seoul, including my former school, Seoul Foreign School.

My travels beyond Seoul included a four-day trip to Korea’s coastal city of Busan, and a weekend away to the mountains of Seoraksan.

I was invited twice to the New Zealand embassy in Seoul, another unexpected highlight. The first was for a Waitangi Day reception. Fellow Kiwis, lots of delicious New Zealand kai and even a waiata were a lovely taste of home just as homesickness began to creep in.

The evening was also a valuable networking opportunity introducing me to diplomats, business leaders and fellow members of the media. I left that night with my pockets stuffed with business cards.

My second visit, with fellow media intern Ferg, gave me the opportunity to reflect on my experience in Korea with Ambassador Bennet. Our discussion really put into perspective just how much I had grown in such a short time.

My time in Seoul was a whirlwind. It challenged me, surprised me and ultimately shaped my understanding of journalism, and of myself. My Asia New Zealand Foundation internship was a defining experience, one that will stay with me for years to come, and one I cannot recommend highly enough to anyone given the opportunity.

The Foundation's media programme helps New Zealand journalists cover stories that shed light on Asia and on New Zealand’s ties to the region. We support journalists to build their knowledge of Asia by providing media travel grants, internships in Asian newsrooms and fellowships for senior journalists.

Our media internship programme supports New Zealand journalism graduates and working journalists to intern at news organisations in Asia.