So, I went to South Korea.

Let me back up. My husband was stationed there, and I, being the ride-or-die (emphasis on the die, because y’all—the food), decided to hop on a plane and fly halfway across the globe for my first ever overseas trip.

Let me tell you what they don’t put in the travel brochures.

1. Korean Airlines: According to My Taste Buds

I boarded Korean Airlines, wide-eyed and hungry.  The snack cart rolled up and I thought, “Ooh! Jelly donut!”  Friends… it was red bean paste.  I repeat…red…bean…paste.  Like, sweet…but also earthy?  My mouth was confused.  My spirit left my body.  I ate it out of politeness and fear.

2. The Bed Situation

Korean beds?  Adorable.  Tiny.  Short. I’m 5’3” and I STILL felt like a grown woman trying to sleep in a toddler racecar bed.  My poor husband looked like a folded-up lawn chair every night.

3. Mountains & Madness

South Korea is a beautiful mix of “look at that stunning ancient temple!” and “did I just get hit with someone’s backpack on the subway for the fourth time?”
City hustle meets peaceful mountain views.  It’s simultaneously a breath of fresh air and a swift slap in the face.  Kind of like life, but with more kimchi.

4. Lost in Translation

Subways in Seoul?  Efficient.  Also terrifying.  I don’t speak Korean, Mandarin, OR Japanese.  The signs? Not in English. (Such an American attitude, huh?)  I basically played charades with the ticket machine and prayed I didn’t end up in North Korea.

5. The Food (aka: Iron Stomach Olympics)

On my first night, we went to an authentic Korean BBQ.  Sounds cute, right?
WRONG.  My poor, unseasoned American intestines weren’t ready.  I got so sick, I saw my ancestors.  The meat was delicious.  The communal water jug? Questionable. Metal water cups?  Bold.  My digestion?  Not okay.

And let’s not forget the street vendors. Imagine walking past a cart and BAM—dried fish. Everywhere.  Dried fish with the eyes still judging you.  At 9am.

6. Shrimp Fries Are Real, and I Have Questions

I went to McDonald’s hoping for a taste of home.  Instead, I got shrimp fries.  Like, little shrimp?  In a fry?  Sir, what?

7. Peaceful Temples & Holy Guilt

The temples were breathtaking. Peaceful. Gorgeous.  And yet…I felt like I was trespassing on something sacred.  Like the quiet American tourist whispering “wow” too loud and knocking over a prayer lantern with my tote bag.  I TRIED to blend in.  I wore neutral tones.  I still looked like a lost backpacker with trust issues.

8. Seoul Grand Park Zoo: Where Dreams (and Feet) Go to Die

We went to the zoo.  We barely made it halfway.  It’s HUGE.  Like, pack-a-lunch-and-train-for-it huge.  We were defeated by pandas and penguins.  Next time, I’m bringing a scooter.

9. Cold. So Cold.

Did I mention it was February?  I’ve never known cold like that.  My soul had frostbite.  My eyelashes froze.  I wore four pairs of socks and still felt like a sad popsicle wandering through ancient palaces.

10. Culture Shocked & Grateful

It was chaotic.  It was cold.  It was wildly unfamiliar. And it was absolutely AMAZING!

From red bean donuts to dried fish sidewalks, South Korea gave me a story for the ages—and a new appreciation for central heat.  Despite the language barrier, the shrimp fries, and the subway meltdowns, I genuinely can’t wait to go back!

Next time, I’ll bring Pepto.  And a space heater.

From jelly donut trauma to temple peace,

Natalie🌍