Korea

I went to Korea over the winter break of 2025. I visited Seoul.

I visited my friend Zexi who was doing an exchange in Seoul.

Korea Trip #1: Dec 18th 2025 - Dec 24th 2025

I was a little nervous. This was the first time I had ever arrived alone into a country which I could not speak the language (but to be fair, I have only been to mostly English speaking countries). Even though I looked like the people around me (east Asian), I was not able to speak their language.

On the flight there, I was aggressively learning Korean. Looking back, I think learning even a little bit of the language changes everything. It doesn’t just help you order food — it shows respect, and it opens doors for connection.

Clubbing in Korea

I arrived late, booked a hostel to meet other travelers, and imagined my first night would be this social, cinematic “new country” moment.

It wasn’t. There was nobody in my room of four. But to be fair, it was already 11:30pm — they were probably out clubbing already.

Then Zexi texted: he finished exams early, and asked if I wanted to go out in Seongsu. Yes.

Songseu was bussing. To my surprise, Zexi was invited with a group of girls. The dynamic of girls is very interesting, but it was the same as what I saw in North America. They usually hug each other tightly in a circle, signalling to other dudes that they are not free for talking. Oftentimes, they come with a couple of dudes, who act like bodyguards. That night, Zexi and I were the bodyguards to these ladies.

• ps: if you’re curious about how to embed google photos into here, I use https://www.labnol.org/embed/google/photos

But so many people were smoking. I was never an avid clubber. The thought of people dancing around aimlessly to music seemed obnoxious and futile to me. I liked being the center of attention. However, I picked up dancing over the summer through salsa, and slowly enjoyed dancing to music more and more. Felt less awkward. A bit more than 2 years ago, I was in San Jose, when there was a night that I felt very lonely on a friday, and went there to pick up girls alone. It was a very interesting and challenging experience. But tonight, the mindset was just to have fun. And not on picking up girls. I think that’s a much healthier mindset and allowed me to enjoy the night.

At one point, around 3am, we ate late-night food and I had this moment of clarity: this lifestyle is kind of degen. Not morally — just in the sense of time and energy. I remember thinking:

Was I making good use of my time? Is this what I wanted from Korea?

A girl said something that stuck with me:

“You’re still young. Do as much stupid stuff while you’re still young or you’ll regret it.”

I’m still not sure I agree. I get the spirit. But I don’t want to collect “stupid stories.” I want to collect moments that expand who I am.

Getting a Perm

The next day I did something impulsive: I got a perm. I’ve always wanted one and it felt like the perfect place to experiment.

I got a scalp treatment, learned a bunch about hair care, and probably paid too much — but it’s one of those travel decisions that feels like a marker: this trip is different.

They recommended I stop using Head & Shoulders. Fair.

Hostel with Strangers

The following day, saturday, i wanted to explore the Hongdae scene.

I had a brief stint going to a thrifting market, but the vibes with those 2 strangers weren’t the greatest.

But back at the hostel, I met an amazing group of individuals. I really got along with this black girl who grew up in France but now works in England as a vet. she was super chill. Also another american dude as we went to bar and 2 manned a 2 korean girls together. Or justin, a korean guy who lives in NYC. I liked everyone there, they were around my age so it was pretty cool.

Those are the moments that make hostels worth it: not the building, but the random human intersection. It reminded me how much travel is “place” and how much is just who you happen to meet.

At the club, I got some attention, but it was weird. Like the korean girl saw my Korea University jacket that i was wearing, asked for my insta, but then unfollowed right after. Oh well. Anyways, I absolutely hated the amount of smoking in korea clubs. Think i increased my risks of lung cancer by many folds that night.

I think I can still smell the stank.

Some lessons from Zexi Li.

Skincare and beautification

One of the things I did with Zexi was this skin beautification process.

TODO: insert my skin treatment. See Skincare

i looked into botox and filler at Lienjang myeondong. But i think it’s really overpriced. I want to come back and do like laser treatment to improve my skin.

Coming out of korea, really started having a deep appreciation for skincare. And the most important thing is to apply sunscreen. But now I have a whole skincare routine it’s crazy.

Conclusion

I left Seoul without even having seen the Gyeongbokgung palace nor the N Seoul tower (most popular tourist spots).

And weirdly … I didn’t regret it.

Because Seoul for me wasn’t the monuments. It was the feeling of the city at night, the energy, the social environment, and the way being in a different culture exposed different parts of me.

It was incredibly fun, and I want to largely thank Zexi for the amazing experience.

What if?

What if I had fully done solo travelling in seoul? I think it would have been really hard. Zexi made it really fun, having a friend to do things that you’re comfortable with, and laugh together, and do stupid stuff together, was great. It would be completely different experience alone.