From the mountains of Bhutan to the heart of Seoul, my journey has been nothing short of transformative

My name is Choying Palmo, and I’m currently studying Mechanical and Automotive Engineering at Seoul National University of Science and Technology through the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS). I come from Bhutan, a small Himalayan kingdom. My journey into engineering began with a simple desire: to study in Korea.

I was fascinated with Korean culture long before I got here, from the dramatic plot twists in K-dramas to the vibrant energy of K-pop. Coming from Bhutan, attending a concert or fan meet seemed like an impossible dream. But now, between solving physics problems in lecture halls and stressing over assignments in the library, I also get to experience the K-pop world firsthand—at concerts, fan signings, and pop-ups around Seoul.

Although mechanical engineering wasn’t my first calling, I’ve come to appreciate how it trains my mind to think critically and creatively. This experience, living and learning in Korea, has challenged and changed me in more ways than I imagined.

Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) Details

The Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) is a fully funded program administered by the National Institute for International Education (NIIED) under the Korean Ministry of Education. It supports international students pursuing undergraduate, master’s, doctoral, research, and exchange programs at top Korean universities.

The GKS provides comprehensive financial support, including full tuition, round-trip airfare, monthly stipends, medical insurance, Korean language training, and research allowances.

My Academic Background

I completed high school at Ugyen Academy in Bhutan with a science major, graduating with distinction in Biology and an overall score of 87%. I originally considered medicine, but still took a combination of subjects to keep my options open. Eventually, I realized that while I admired the medical field, I couldn’t quite see myself as a doctor. This turning point led me to explore other academic fields.

In school, I served as both class and school prefect and was actively involved in book clubs, literary competitions, community volunteering, and social impact projects related to the environment and child protection. I also participated in several UN-affiliated workshops. These experiences gave me a sense of leadership, collaboration, and connection to the world beyond textbooks.

I received full scholarships from Bhutanese universities to study Nursing and English Honours, and even considered applying to law school. I also took the SAT and began preparing for overseas applications. But before I could make any decisions, I came across GKS, just a day before the deadline to which I had applied, hopeful, but not expecting much.

How I Prepared for University Applications

After high school, I applied to several Bhutanese government scholarships to see where I stood academically. That’s how I received offers in Nursing and English Honours. Applying to universities abroad, particularly without the support of a consultancy, was challenging. Still, I was determined to do things on my own.

I watched YouTube videos of students from South Asia studying abroad, read blog interviews, and explored scholarship sites. I took the SAT after two months of self-study using school resources and prep books. I also collected all necessary documents: transcripts, recommendation letters, and certificates, because I knew something would eventually come along. While I didn’t have a clear top choice, I was keeping my options open and researching institutions that aligned with my budget, goals, and curiosity.

How I Prepared for the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS)

I came across the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) just a day before the application deadline. Since there’s no Korean embassy in Bhutan, I had to submit my documents to the Ambassador’s Office, which is then forwarded to the Korean Embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh. It was a tight race against time; I had to move quickly to avoid missing the embassy’s internal deadline.

Thankfully, I had already prepared certain documents like transcripts, recommendation letters, and certificates for other university applications. The most challenging part was writing the personal statement and study plan at the last minute. I didn’t have much time to reflect deeply or contact previous recipients for guidance, especially since only one student from Bhutan is typically selected each year. So, I just wrote what was in my heart. It wasn’t perfect, but it was honest.

Choosing a university and major was another big decision. I went back and forth, but I knew I wanted a program that would challenge me intellectually and help me develop tangible skills. SeoulTech offered the program I had in mind, and being in Seoul meant I’d also get to experience Korean culture more fully (and maybe attend a few K-pop concerts :D). It felt like the right fit.

After being selected, I faced a new set of challenges. The universities contacted me asking for additional documents. Coming from a country like Bhutan, which is still developing in many areas, it was difficult to get certain papers notarized or apostilled. Some of the required certificates didn’t even exist in Bhutan. I had to visit multiple offices, write formal request letters, and explain my situation. It was a frustrating and slow process, but I eventually managed to gather everything.

What I Think Made My Application Stand Out

Looking back, I believe it was my story. My personal statement read more like a diary than an application essay; a genuine reflection of who I am and how I became that person. I wrote about my parents, how much they inspired me, and how much this scholarship meant to me as someone from a small country with big dreams.

Rather than presenting myself as flawless, I focused on being honest about my hopes, my fascination with Korean culture, and my eagerness to learning; not just in classrooms but through life itself. I also emphasized how I hoped to bring these experiences and skills back to Bhutan one day, to contribute meaningfully to my home.

What I Would Have Done Differently

If I could go through the process again, I’d start earlier. Not because I regret anything, but because that extra time would’ve allowed me to prepare with more calm and clarity.

I’d also take more time to deeply research universities and majors. After spending some time in Korea, I’ve realized that not all programs are offered in English, and each university has its own approach. These aren’t always clear from the outside, and I now know how important it is to ask the right questions from the start. It could’ve helped shape my decision more intentionally.

That said, I don’t see these as regrets; they’re lessons I’m grateful for, and ones I can now pass on to others.

My Advice to Future Applicants

Go for it, even if it feels spontaneous. I applied for GKS with a huge smile on my face and barely a day to spare, simply because something about it felt right. I didn’t overthink it. I trusted my gut. Some of the best decisions in life are made on instinct.

That said, I do recommend starting early if you can. Research thoroughly. Take time to learn about universities, understand your program, if it fits your interests, and if the environment feels right for you. These details might not seem major at first, but they make a big difference once you arrive.

And most importantly, be sincere. You don’t need to have the most perfect story or the highest scores. Just write about who you are, what excites you, and why this opportunity matters to you. That honesty will speak volumes.

Finally, know that your story matters, even if you come from a small place, even if you’re unsure, even if things aren’t perfect. Always believe in yourself :))