Hyeseoung Kwon: Five places that changed my life

MILAN, ITALY

This is truly my special place. I went to La Scala while studying at Han-Yang University in South Korea – a dream for an opera student. I tried to see as many operas as possible. After I finished my studies in Korea, I went to the Conservatorium of Milan and the Vercelli Academy. I was there for five years and saw many operas, recitals and concerts. And then I started working in Italy. It was such hard work but the happiest I've ever been – my dream came true.

FRANCE

I visited France a number of times when I was in Korea, but when I was studying in Milan, France was so much closer. My friend and I made the spontaneous decision one day to hop on a train/bus/plane to go to Disneyland Paris. It was huge and so much fun and we spent two days playing around like kids. The next two days we spent visiting Paris' museums. I wasn't into art at the time, but after seeing so many paintings and sculptures I started to enjoy learning about them. Ever since then, I always seek out the museums in every city I visit to find out about that country's culture.

SWITZERLAND

Lake Lucerne is the most peaceful place I've ever been. It was like paradise. I could forget everything sitting by the lake. I wish everywhere could be like that. You can experience four seasons in a day up in the mountains. We were almost at the top with a blanket of snow in the distance when I spotted a little flower next to me. I was amazed by its size and its vitality, up so high all by itself. It taught me an important lesson about how I should live.

MELBOURNE

Since I moved to Sydney, I've been to Melbourne twice a year every year for work. I think Melbourne is very similar to Europe, but it still reminds me of my childhood. I like the little corners of the city, the markets and the people. Every time I go there I feel the energy, I am inspired, relaxed and feel freer. It feels like I am back home.

SEORAK MOUNTAIN, SOUTH KOREA

During a high school excursion, we camped here – it was my first time away from my family. We all had to climb the mountain. It's the third highest in Korea, about 1700 metres. It was especially a challenge because at that time I wasn't very sporty. However, I decided to climb and wanted to be the first to the top. My body felt so light, I started to feel so excited and happy. From this time on I became very independent and I started to love challenge. And of course I still love mountain climbing and bushwalking.

Hyeseoung Kwon is performing the role of Cio-Cio-San in an Opera Australia production of Madama Butterfly at Sydney's Capitol Theatre, October 24 – November 4. See opera.org.au