✧ Series Note – South Korea Trip 2023 ✧
First time in South Korea. Solo. Unscripted. Raw. Real.
A short, cold trip filled with long walks, warm meals, and unforgettable moments.
📅 Dec 1–5, 2023

🌇 Morning Reflections & City Farewells

I got up early to start my final day in Seoul, even though my body clock had already adjusted to Korean time. I didn’t have any scheduled activities, but I wanted to make the most of my remaining hours before flying back to Manila.

Leaving my dream country was bittersweet. While I was eager to return home, a part of me wished I could stay longer. Time had flown by so quickly. I reminded myself to start saving more diligently, fatten up my travel fund, and apply for a new tourist visa next year. I promised myself that I’d return—next time, in the autumn season.

This solo journey was truly unforgettable. I made new friends, immersed myself in the nation’s rich history and culture, and—most importantly—I grew braver, wiser, and more independent. I finally conquered my fear of traveling alone, especially riding the bus—and for that, I am deeply proud.

I stepped out of the guesthouse and walked toward Seoul Station, where one of the Seoul City Wall gates is located. I made a mental note to try this route on my next trip to Korea—it’s a more budget-friendly alternative to the faster cable car ride. As I crossed the street and climbed a stairway, I realized I was standing at one of the filming locations of the Korean drama My Lovely Sam Soon. What a delightful surprise!

🏯 Deoksugung: Imperial Calm in the City’s Heart

Back on the main road, I headed to Seoul City Hall and visited Deoksugung Palace, the former imperial residence of the Daehan Empire. The palace showcases a fascinating blend of Western and traditional Korean architectural styles.

Highlights included:

• Junghwajeon Hall, the main throne hall and official quarters
• Hamnyeongjeon Hall, the king’s bedroom
• Seokjojeon Hall, once the residence of the imperial family
• Jungmyeongjeon Hall, the imperial library housing priceless books and artifacts

🧳 Limousine to the Skies

An hour later, I returned to the guesthouse to retrieve my luggage and boarded an airport limousine bus—a perfect option for travelers with heavy or bulky bags. The bus stop was conveniently located right in front of Namdaemun Market, across from the T-Mark Hotel. Thankfully, there was an available seat when I boarded.

While I could’ve taken the AREX (Airport Railroad Express) from Seoul Station, I had always wanted to try the limousine bus. Though AREX is fast and budget-friendly, the limousine bus is a more practical and comfortable choice for those traveling with large luggage—it was a smooth, scenic ride to Incheon.

🇰🇷 Seoul to Manila: Not Goodbye, Just “See You Again”

As the bus cruised along the highway, I took one last look at the Seoul skyline fading into the distance. My heart felt heavy—but also full. South Korea gave me more than I ever expected: courage, healing, and unforgettable memories.

This may be goodbye for now—but not forever.
Annyeong for now, South Korea.
Kamsahamnida—from the bottom of my heart.

🌙 Reflection: Intermission, Not Endings

This 2023 South Korea trip comes to its finale—and what a journey it was. Truly one of my most treasured adventures to date. A moment of truth.

Despite the mishaps I faced before and during the trip, I am beyond grateful for the lessons, the curveballs, and the courage that surfaced in unexpected ways. I’m proud of myself—for pushing through, for not giving up, and for being one of those solo female travelers who carries nothing but a suitcase full of dreams.

I came to Korea searching for something.
I left with pieces of myself stitched back together.

This isn’t the end—just an intermission.
Till next time, Korea. See you again soon. 🇰🇷🫶

*** I wrapped up 2023 with an adventure to the land of K-Pop—a journey that felt like a dream yet came with its own moments of truth. A few unexpected mishaps added some spice to the trip, but in the end, I was beyond grateful to finally tick South Korea off my travel bucket list; a place that once sparked a dream becomes the one that reminds you how far you’ve come.***