Kindness in South Korea: A Journey Beyond the Conference
From stimulating panels to spontaneous street conversations, my time in South Korea for the International Visual Sociology Association (IVSA) conference in Suwon, summer 2025, was a vivid blend of intellect, culture, and unexpected warmth. Global Connections at the Conference Attending the IVSA conference was more than an academic endeavor—it was a whirlwind of ideas and international camaraderie. I met colleagues from Australia, Europe, Asia, and America, and the conversations were nonstop: in panels, hallways, and over dinner. The energy was electric, the exchange of perspectives invigorating. But what lingered most wasn’t just the intellectual stimulation—it was the kindness. A Passport and a Moment of Grace One moment stands out. I dropped my passport without realizing it. In the middle of two conversations, as I was heading toward a bus stop with a group, a young Korean man quietly handed it back to me. I didn’t even get to thank him properly. I often think abo...