By Jacorie McCall
After my first year of law school, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to South Korea with Mississippi College of Law to study the American Status of Forces Agreement and government contracts, taking two different classes. I am profoundly grateful for being accepted into this program.
The trip to Korea was filled with numerous highlights. Upon our arrival, we explored Seoul via a bus tour, marveling at the city’s vibrant atmosphere. Seoul, akin to New York City but even more bustling, offered a wealth of experiences. One particularly fascinating aspect was visiting the historic palaces scattered throughout the city, once homes to the royal family. These palaces, remnants of a bygone era, survived despite the devastation of the Korean War.
My journey was rich with memorable moments. While I gained significant legal knowledge, I also immersed myself in Korean culture and history. One particularly enjoyable experience was attending a Korean MLB game and cheering for the LG Twins at Jamsil Stadium, originally built for the 1986 Asia Games and the 1988 Olympics. Witnessing the parallels between our countries’ sports cultures highlighted how sports have united societies through times of segregation and other challenging periods in history.
The Status of Forces Agreement class was exceptionally engaging. Our program included a visit to Camp Humphreys, a U.S. military base in South Korea. We toured the installation, received briefings on criminal jurisdiction under the SOFA, learned about the command structure in Korea, the special prosecutor program, and armistice developments. This experience underscored the role of the American people as a beacon of hope to many nations during difficult times.
Among the myriad inspiring moments, visiting the DMZ was particularly poignant. Our study abroad class toured the DMZ and hiked the surrounding mountains. Established in 1953 after the Korean War armistice, the Korean Demilitarized Zone stands as a unique symbol of peace, being the only such zone in the world where no conflict has erupted in the past 70 years.
Despite its peacekeeping role, the DMZ is a stark reminder of the peninsula’s ongoing division and tension. The separation of families, many divided since the war, remains a profound sorrow in Korean culture, symbolizing a deep longing for reunion. Walking through these historic sites was a moving experience, highlighting the resilience and hope of the Korean people. The ribbons in the picture represents the prayers of the family members that some Koreans will never see again.
I feel incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to study law in another country. I am humbled to have been chosen and grateful to God for allowing me to follow my dreams. I am excited to explore more countries and delve further into the study of law over the next two years of law school.
Thank you, Mississippi College of Law, for this life-changing experience. I am also very thankful to Dean Rosenblatt for providing us with so many adventures and for teaching these courses.
