International Students Share Hidden Gems and Cultural Highlights from a Local Perspective

The Chonnam Tribune features this section to share the voices of foreign students at Chonnam National University. For this issue, we interviewed students about tourist spots, activities, and dishes in their countries. This offered us the opportunity to hear and share the voices of students from various nations and majoring in diverse fields. - Ed.

Abelargo Rafhael Azis (Exchange Student, Dept. of Media & Communication, Indonesia)
Abelargo Rafhael Azis (Exchange Student, Dept. of Media & Communication, Indonesia)

What is a lesser-known tourist spot in Indonesia?

Lombok Island, located near Bali, offers a more serene experience than many other areas, with quieter  beaches and untamed natural landscapes. Lombok is also home to Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, which provides incredible hiking opportunities. Lombok promises a fascinating experience at a reasonable cost.

What Indonesian cuisine do you recommend for Korean travelers?

Nasi Padang is a favorite among Koreans due to its  blend of salty, spicy, sweet, and oily flavors. Bakso, reminiscent of Korea’s Galbi-tang, is a flavorful  meatball soup traditionally cooked with beef for hours to achieve a rich taste. In Jakarta, you’ll also find Gado-Gado, a unique salad of potatoes, cucumber,  tofu, and tempeh (soybean patty) with a spicy-sweet peanut sauce. Be prepared for a spicy kick—Indonesian food often uses sambal, a powerful chili sauce made with red pepper, onion, and spices.

Where can we experience Indonesia’s cultural heritage?

Yogyakarta is a treasure trove of Indonesian history and culture. Here, you can visit Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, where visitors can capture photos alongside ancient statues. The region also hosts festivals annually, drawing people from across Indonesia to celebrate. Additionally, the cost of food and other essentials is very affordable in this culturally rich region. 

By Yun Hyun-ji, Reporter

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