[2025 하계] 청년 2차 - 'Leonid' 참가자 수기(러시아 거주)

 

Dear OKF Camp Team,

 

I hope this message finds you well!

My name is Leonid, and I’ve just wrapped up Session 2 of the 2025 OKFriends Homecoming Teens & Youth Camp (July 22 – 28). This was my second summer with OKF, and somehow the experience managed to top last year’s—so I wanted to send a quick thank-you while the memories are still fresh.

 

Although I was born and raised in Russia, half of my heart has always belonged to Korea—my great-grandmother’s homeland. OKF turns that abstract feeling into something real. From the minute our group landed in Seoul, I felt instantly connected – not only to the country itself, but to dozens of other overseas Koreans who share the same mix of pride, curiosity, and occasional identity-confusion that I do. In just a week we managed to create friendships that will easily outlast the jet lag.

 

Seoul gave us a fast-forward crash course in 631 years of history, but the next leg—our three-day adventure through Chungnam—was pure magic. The standout for me was Gongsanseong Fortress on Day 4. Walking those ancient ramparts at sunset, looking down over the river, I could almost hear centuries of stories carried on the evening breeze. A close second highlight was visiting KAIST; as someone who geeks out over tech and innovation, seeing that campus in action felt like sneaking a glimpse at Korea’s future.

 

Between the industry field trips, university exchanges, and every bowl of bibimbap in between, the schedule was packed—yet somehow never overwhelming. I credit the staff and volunteers for that. You kept us moving with just the right mix of structure and freedom, and you did it all with warmth and humor.

 

Most of all, thank you to the Overseas Koreans Agency and every partner organization that makes this program happen year after year. OKF doesn’t just introduce us to museums and monuments; it introduces us to each other. It shows a kid from Vladivostok that his roots run deeper than a birthplace, that history is something you can actually touch, and that the Korean diaspora is one enormous extended family.

 

I’m already counting down the days until next summer’s reunion. Until then, please pass along my gratitude to everyone behind the scenes—planners, mentors, bus drivers, and all staff members.

 

With appreciation and love,

 

Leonid Kim

 

※ 본 소감문은 참가자의 소감문을 그대로 작성한 것입니다.