One Girl in Seoul

My solitary trip to the land of kimchi/couple-wear and the home of the brainchildren of Korean drama and music turned out to be every bit the enlightening experience I expected it to be (if not more). You can say I chose to write about this trip sometime after the actual trip, as opposed to my previous trip where I got all my experiences and photos up within over a week since returning from there. Maybe I romanticise everything in life, but I guess everyone puts their perspectives out in a very uniquely-them kind of style.

I'd never thought I would ever do a trip where I would fly in to a country, spend a few days on my own (or with new-found friends) and then kind of part ways with everyone I'd met and everything I'd experienced and leave it all behind. The main thing about leaving things behind is that even though you feel that nothing in that short period of time might internally change you, having that very experience there 100 percent on your own, would actually form one (untouchable) chapter in your life story.

That chapter you made completely on your own will be uniquely yours, untainted by a travel companion, uninfluenced by someone else's retelling of the story, and the memories made will be extra special in that same way.

A small fraction of my trip was made perfect by seamless travel via Asiana Airlines. I did experience a flight delay of 45 minutes on the outbound flight from Singapore, and another flight delay of 1 hour for my flight out of Seoul. Other than that, I would say that the service, take-offs and landings were excellent. I think I called for service for about 7 times on each flight, which is funny since I never do when I'm flying with someone I know, but oh well, my throat was parched ;).

Travelling alone means sitting with a stranger right? In all honesty, this was the highlight of both my flights. You never see the best parts of yourself until you travel alone on a rather long flight (~6.5 hours) and sit with quirky seat-mates. To be fair, I think the ladies who sat with me (both of them to and from Seoul) probably thought I was equally quirky and strange.

On my way there, I got an auntie for a seat-mate, and that is my idea of a quick summary. ;) She was quite obtuse, but made for an interesting flight where somehow I had within me sufficient patience not to lose my patience with her...

I'd made it without a map or data, so I guess this picture is necessary.

Morning walks around the neighbourhood (when no one is awake) makes for great people-less photographs.

The spontaneity of lacking a concrete plan meant walking into random stores and picking anything that looks appealing from the menu. This was a part I particularly enjoyed on the trip, because I could do anything I wanted from day to night without consideration for others. It is a real issue at times when we live our lives being so considerate of others, that we realise we spend a lot of money, and have many 'experiences' but feel no true happiness whatsoever.

I had an incredible and fun roommate by the way. We were casual, spontaneous and literally did not give much of a damn for cleanliness - which was strangely fun in itself. I think we really let loose. Lol.

YOLO, man.

Morning yogis! So fun just watching them across the pedestrian-friendly street. Would love to join them but I worried about splitting my pants, haha.

My main program for the trip was five fun and trying days attending advanced Korean language and cultural classes at Ewha Women's University. First rule of the program: No speaking English whatsoever. The joke is that even if you tried, most of the coordinators and staff members didn't understand English so you have no other choice but to speak in a smattering of gestures and Korean if you can't get your point across.

So well, challenge accepted... and my classmates and I survived!

So much joy.

Spotted these cuties heading for a field trip (just like the rest of us!) in their matchy uniforms (not sure if Burberry can come after them for that signature print lol).

Filing obediently into Gyeongbokgung Palace for the second half of the changing of guards ceremony.

Of colours and culture. It's always an eye-opener to observe another country's culture, especially for people like us, Singaporeans, who often lack a strong sense of culture and/or identity.

Even as the palace exists against the backdrop of skyscrapers and office buildings, everything within the palace stays as traditionally Korean as it should be.

Against hills and mountains.

As usual, impeccable paint jobs. I heard these were repainted 10 years ago and it's amazing how they still look as vibrant today!

Early signs of Autumn with lovely sights of yellowed trees and weather like cool air-conditioning. 

I wonder if one day I will tire of visiting Korea. In this trip it's my second time, and I would honestly say Seoul has lost a little bit of its initial sparkle, I emphasise, since it's the second time. I am more inclined to explore other major cities of Korea, of course I am still limited by my Korean ability, since going into less commercialised/touristy cities means relying more on my conversational skills. The depth of its culture, societal behaviours and norms, entanglements of rich history and modern developments maintains Korea's unique branding, which will probably keep me returning.

If you have some degree of Korean ability, and a streak of independence, I'd say you need to take a solo trip to Korea too. You never know the extent of your ability to survive on your own until you take that trip. Of course, going to a developed country on your own means your family or friends will have less to worry about so this is one place to definitely try. The most liberating thing about Korea is that you can tune out whatever you don't understand, and all you need, you can communicate and ask. Passers-by and strangers are always helpful and friendly especially if you're alone, and in such instances you really do feel that faith in humanity is restored. Even if they can't speak a word of English or are too embarrassed to utter a word (even though they know), they'd helpfully guide you along a route and point out where to go, with a very hospitable and comforting smile. I'd like to think that they're proud to show you around their country. 

Closing this, solo travel is a completely zen experience that will bring you a lot of inner peace (I'm not even exaggerating) and also teach you a lot of yourself and human behaviour. Everything else now just can't help but fade in comparison.