Plane 'n' Suite

Why South Korea?

People often ask us why we decided to travel to South Korea. Was it our fascination with K-pop and Korean Dramas? Our interest in the rich history, language, and culture? Or our deep-seated love for Korean food? The answer is…yes. It was all these things and so much more.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, as much of the world retreated into the safety of their homes, a shared sense of connection emerged through entertainment. Who could forget the uproar caused by those hilarious Tiger King memes, with everyone rooting for the arrest of none other than THAT Carol Baskin and the unlikely release of Joe Exotic?

After exhausting the Netflix library, we found ourselves at a loss for what to watch next. One of our closest friends said, “Why don’t you try a KDrama?”. This was not the first time she had made this suggestion, but boredom and desperation finally pushed us over the edge and into trying our very first KDrama. We hated it. It was corny and melodramatic and gave off way too many soap-opera vibes. But we couldn’t stop. We had to know if Geum Jan Di would ever go on a date with the violin playing Yoon Ji Hoo, or if she would fall for Gu Jun Pyo’s luscious curls (#teamleeminho). And just like that, to our friend’s delight, we were helplessly hooked.

That first episode ignited a curiosity about the Korean language and culture. We embarked on this journey together by enrolling in online Korean languages classes at a local community college. Together, we tackled the challenge of mastering a new alphabet and, armed with a repertoire of essential phrases, we made the bold decision to plan our very first trip to South Korea. From May to June 2023 we went on a three-week adventure, experiencing the trip of a lifetime.

We stepped off the plane at Incheon International Airport and onto the bustling city streets of Seoul where we were immediately enveloped by the city’s perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Rich with historic palaces nestled amidst towering skyscrapers, and world-renown cuisine, Seoul offers tourists many opportunities for unique experiences.

Beyond the city limits, we found ourselves hiking through scenic mountain trails and soaking up the sun on pristine coastlines. Everywhere we went, people welcomed us with open arms and warm hospitality at every turn. We practiced our new language skills and made some new friends along the way.

Our journey may have begun with a simple curiosity sparked by Kdramas, but it blossomed into an unforgettable exploration of culture, history, and adventure. We left South Korea with memories that will las us a lifetime, and an eager desire to return.


Discover more from Plane 'n' Suite

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

2 responses to “Why South Korea?”

  1. Can totally relate!!

    Like

  2. Great friend to recommend something so amazing! 🙂

    Like

Leave a comment