7th of October and I’m back in London.It’s 3 a.m. and I’m jet-lagged.
I somehow managed to avoid any jet lag on my way to Seoul, but now that I’m back in my routine, there’s no reason to fight it. I’m scrolling through my pictures, reflecting on the trip, and realising how amazing it felt to be in a different country, with a different language and a different culture.
This is what I love about travelling: the unknown, the slight discomfort, but also the surprising moments of familiarity. Familiarity because, yes, I may be far from home, but little things—like the daily walk to the convenience store, the daily stop at the coffee next door or finding a new route back to the Airbnb—quickly become habits. I rarely feel lost in a new city and I love that for me.
The looks people give you, their smiles or their curiosity… it makes me feel oddly at home every time I travel, which is a bit crazy when I think about it. Sometimes I actually wish I didn’t feel at home, so I wouldn’t start imagining my life in every city I visit. Every time I feel comfortable somewhere new, I can’t help but romanticise my life there. My ability to adapt amazes me, but it also scares me because it means I could live anywhere I want—it’s just a matter of making the decision.
As I mentioned in a previous post, I feel like I need a drastic change, but I’m stuck. Travelling helps me understand why I need to be where I am… yet I always come back with fewer convincing reasons to stay here.
On thing for sure and two things for certain ,Seoul got soul
I already knew that before going, thanks to the shaming amount of Kdrama I have binged and the countless YouTube videos and vlogs I watched after booking my tickets. I even felt like I recognised certain streets of my favourite series! Seeing them in real life was surreal.
And let’s be real, the chokehold that South Korea has on the rest of the world currently needs to be studied. Seoul wasTHE place to be in 2025 and the numbers of tourists outside holidays period truly surprised me.
I’ve always been interested in different cultures, but over the past couple of years—especially since moving into my new flat and gifting myself a big TV—I’ve really dived deep into Asian and Korean culture. From societal issues like the education system that disadvantages low-income families or the increasing amount of male suicide , to lighter topics like the unrealistic expectations created by K-dramas and the music idol industry.
It’s fascinating to think of a country that lived under Japanese occupation, is under constant threat of a war with the North, was labelled a third-world nation not that long ago (60 years), and is now one of East Asia’s driving forces—with companies like Hyundai and Samsung.
Another reason I chose Korea was, of course, the food.
I love letting my taste buds travel, and Korea did not disappoint(Tokyo was a another level! ) It’s hard coming back to London and feeling the same emotions in front of a Sunday roast with salty gravy.
The great thing about London is the diversity, so if I crave Korean food of Japanese omakase here, I can easily find an excellent restaurant but the prices here though?!! outrageous. And the joy of eating sushi in Tokyo, tteokbokki in Seoul, or raw seafood in Busan? Truly unforgettable.
I mean 10 out of 10, no scrum left, literally.
Seoul is young and dynamic. The city is full of little corners, artsy streets and cosy cafés where you can sit, unwind, and let your mind wander for hours. They really value the idea of a “third space”—in sociology, it’s the social environment outside home (the first place) and work (the second place). Third places include churches, cafés, restaurants, and parks. They’re great because you don’t have to pay to exist there, and no one’s rushing you out.
Unfortunately, London has no beaches, and I haven’t found many places that truly offer relaxation and community. I’m not saying they don’t exist, but I do feel we’ve lost sight of the importance of third spaces since Covid. In Seoul, I found that feeling again.
Of course, when you’re on holiday, everything looks softer and more idealised—I’m sure the reality is different. But reconnecting with that lost spirit meeting new people, sharing experiences, did me good, and made me realise it’s one of the changes I need to make in my own life.
I vlogged consistently during my holidays, which is part of my 2025 resolution to “document my life.” and will gather the courage to post those videos.
I have so many stories to tell that i am still writing as I met so many people and can’t wait to share them! More to come
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