From Dulwich College Seoul to Cornell: Alumni Spotlight on David K
As we celebrate 15 years, it is always special to hear from alumni whose journeys began here and have since taken them around the world.
David K joined Dulwich College Seoul in Year 2 in 2010 and remained at the College until Year 9 in 2018. He recently returned to the College after completing his military service, bringing with him several boxes of books from his childhood bedroom to donate. The books were gladly received by Ms Dorothee Park, our Primary School Librarian, and will either be used by the College or passed on to a charity that provides books to children in need in the Philippines.
Today, David is studying Design + Environmental Analysis at Cornell University and hopes to become an architect. In this short alumni Q&A, he reflects on his earliest memories of the College, the teachers who shaped him, and the opportunities that helped set him on his path.
Can you introduce yourself?
I was born in the United States and moved to Korea when I was four years old. I attended Dulwich College Seoul from Year 2 in 2010 until Year 9 in 2018.
What was Dulwich College Seoul like when you first joined?
I remember being very excited to start at a new school, although I was also worried about beginning again somewhere unfamiliar. What stayed with me most was how warm and friendly everyone was, from the teachers to the students. That welcome made a strong impression on me from the very beginning.
What are some of your earliest memories of the College?
One of my earliest memories is taking part in the school play Billy No Buzz with some of my friends, many of whom I still keep in touch with today. Looking back, it is wonderful to think that those early experiences at school helped create friendships that have lasted over the years.
Were there any teachers who particularly inspired you?
I am forever grateful to all of my teachers at Dulwich College Seoul. They were patient with a rather hyperactive younger me, believed in me, and encouraged me to improve at every stage of my education. In particular, I would like to thank my Year 6 teacher, Mr Curran, and my Year 2 teacher, Ms Belniack, for nurturing my writing skills and encouraging my love of reading.
What have you been doing since leaving Dulwich College Seoul?
After leaving Dulwich College Seoul in 2018, I continued my education at Cranbrook, a boarding school in the United States. I am currently studying Design + Environmental Analysis at Cornell and hope to become an architect.
Looking back, what are you most thankful for?
I am very thankful for the unique opportunities Dulwich College Seoul gave me. I was able to study a wide range of subjects, learn multiple languages, and travel to many different places with the school. These were experiences I would not necessarily have had elsewhere, and they broadened my perspective in lasting ways.
A journey shaped by encouragement and opportunity
David’s story is a reminder that the Dulwich College Seoul experience is shaped not only by academic learning, but also by the relationships, encouragement and opportunities that help students discover who they are and where they may go next.
His recent visit to donate books from his childhood was also a meaningful full-circle moment: a young reader shaped by his time at the College returning to give something back to future generations. From the stage in Billy No Buzz to studying at Cornell with aspirations to become an architect, David’s journey reflects the curiosity, creativity and ambition we are proud to nurture in our students. As we mark 15 years of Dulwich College Seoul, we are delighted to celebrate alumni like David who continue to carry that spirit forward.