Orientation, First Company Visit in South Korea

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Orientation, First Company Visit in South Korea

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Orientation, First Company Visit in South Korea – Lotte Biologics and National Museum

By Adewumi Adepoju ’26 MBA

Our international immersion in South Korea began with an engaging orientation led by Jaeseong Lim from WorldStrides. He guided us through important safety protocols and introduced us to the cultural nuances of Korean society. One particularly memorable insight was the local dining etiquette, placing a napkin on a table signals that it’s reserved. Such small but meaningful cultural tips helped us feel more attuned to our new environment.

The orientation was interactive and informative, covering not just safety rules but also daily life etiquette, giving us a deeper appreciation for Korean customs. We shared lively conversations about the local cuisine, some we had already tried, and others we were eager to taste. This food-focused exchange set a lighthearted and enthusiastic tone for our trip.

Professor Lee, Professor Park and students at a South Korean restaurant

After the session, we had dinner, which allowed us to explore Seoul’s vibrant culinary scene. Whether it was a bustling street vendor or a cozy café, the diversity of flavors made for an exciting start to our cultural exploration.

Our First Company Visit in South Korea – Lotte Biologics
Dressed in formal business attire, we gathered in the hotel lobby at 9 a.m. for our first corporate visit to Lotte Biologics, located in the iconic Lotte World Tower, the sixth-tallest building in the world at 123 stories. The excitement among us was palpable, as we were eager to engage with one of Korea’s leading conglomerates.

About Lotte Group and Lotte Biologics
Founded in 1967 by Shin Kyuk-ho, the Lotte Group has grown into South Korea’s fifth-largest conglomerate, spanning industries including food and beverage, retail, chemicals, construction, and entertainment. The Lotte World Tower itself stands as a symbol of Korea’s economic progress and the company's ambition.

Lotte Biologics, a relatively new subsidiary launched in 2022, marks the group's strategic entry into the biopharmaceutical sector. With a focus on contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) services, Lotte Biologics aims to become a global leader in biologics manufacturing. The company has rapidly positioned itself in the life sciences industry, leveraging advanced technology, global partnerships, and strategic acquisitions, including its recent purchase of a biologics plant from Bristol Myers Squibb.

During our visit, we were taken through the company’s origin, mission, and growth strategy. It was particularly valuable for us as MBA students to observe how Lotte Biologics is navigating its early-stage development while aligning with global healthcare trends. Witnessing this blend of innovation, strategic investment, and corporate ambition made the experience both insightful and inspiring.

Cultural Enrichment and Exploration
Following our corporate visit, we explored the National Museum of Korea, home to over 10,000 artifacts. We gained insights into Korean history, including a deep dive into Buddhist traditions and artifacts, which helped us understand the cultural fabric of the country beyond the boardroom.

Later in the afternoon, we enjoyed a more relaxed atmosphere over Italian cuisine. The moment we removed our blazers and shared stories over slices of pizza was a delightful break from the day’s formalities, a blend of business and pleasure that made the day feel well-balanced.

As evening approached, we ventured off in smaller groups to explore more of Seoul, some shopping for souvenirs, others diving deeper into the city’s culinary landscape. And yes, we were constantly on the lookout for perfect photo ops, with our phones and power banks in constant use!

Reflections and Looking Ahead
As the day wound down, we reflected on how much we had learned, not only about Korean business innovation and cultural heritage but also about each other. This first day set the tone for the rest of our South Korea experience: a thoughtful mix of professional exposure, cultural enrichment, and personal connection.

With great anticipation, we finalized our plans for the next day’s company visit to Samsung, agreeing to start our journey at 7:50 a.m. sharp. The foundation had been laid, and we were ready for more transformative experiences in the days ahead.

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