Finding the Soul of Korea

When I first landed in Seoul, I could almost tell you that I was dreaming. The CIEE shuttle pick-up came around 7:30 PM, and I had just gotten off what felt like a never-ending flight. I could always imagine what Seoul was like based on the myriad of K-dramas I had binged during COVID-19, but nothing could compare to finally stepping into it for the first time. I'm used to the hustle and bustle of Seoul, living close to New York City all my life—yet all I can remember is standing outside Incheon Airport in thick, swampy August air, dazed by the tall building lights and fast-moving traffic beneath the night sky. 

Stepping into the city after dark made Seoul feel entirely new and exciting, yet shrouded in a thrilling sense of mystery. The city’s true layout, neighborhoods, and hidden corners were just waiting to be uncovered layer by layer. I felt an overwhelming eagerness to explore and learn, even at 9 PM, and I still had so much to unpack and unwind before a long day of orientations. 

My limited knowledge of Korean made every sign, menu, and street conversation a puzzle waiting to be solved. Although I tried diving headfirst into the culture, I felt reliant on friends who knew more Korean to navigate daily life. But as the weeks rolled on (and as I realized I tended to get lost more easily by myself), I realized that to truly experience the city, I needed to cultivate self-reliant independence through solo exploration. Naver Maps and Papago have been my best friends when it comes to navigating Seoul, but learning simple expressions that help in situations you will come across often goes a long way, and locals truly appreciate the effort. I slowly learned the subway lines, as well—keeping in mind that Line 2 forms a massive circle, making it easy to hop on and navigate back toward  Sinchon Station, “신촌역.”  

Adapting to the local way of living came with plenty of unexpected cultural differences. Moving from the blunt, high-speed energy near New York City meant learning to slow down and embrace the considerate, shared rhythm of everyday South Korea. Small details—like keeping your voice down on the subway or exchanging gentle bows with cafe workers and professors—became second nature over time. Mindfully picking up on these subtle habits pushed me to be far more observant and patient, ultimately allowing me to feel grounded within the city's flow instead of just feeling like a tourist passing through.

Coming to a country a world away from home was definitely nerve-wracking in itself, but coming alone to a country a world away from home was the single best decision I have made in my life thus far. While standing alone outside the airport in the dark felt daunting at first, I quickly discovered that Seoul is one of the safest metropolitan cities in the world. Whether walking down brightly lit alleyways late at night or navigating subway transfers alone, I never felt unsafe. This overwhelming sense of security gave me the confidence to step out of my comfort zone and embrace the spontaneity of not having a plan. I think it's important to set aside the same few places influencers say are “must-dos” or “must-tries.” By doing this, I have taken myself on experiences that I would say are my most memorable.  

Venturing out on your own doesn't mean having to navigate everything completely isolated, either. Participating in organized orientation activities and spontaneous group outings allowed me to form quick connections with other study abroad students experiencing the exact same blend of anxiety and anticipation. Simultaneously, chatting with local university peers, language buddies, and warm cafe workers made all the difference, helping turn what could have felt like passing through as a tourist into feeling genuinely embraced by the local neighborhood.

Going beyond the flashing lights of major districts and iconic landmarks, I found myself drawn to the quiet, rhythmic cadence of everyday life in Seoul. It’s the small, unplanned moments that anchor you: the morning ambience of local coffee shops, the aromatic steam rising from street food carts, and the peaceful stretches along the Han River as the sun sets. These ordinary places became the spaces where I felt most grounded. They taught me that the heartbeat of a city isn’t found only in its famous attractions, but in the comforting familiarity of its daily routines. 

There is so much more to South Korea than just Seoul. Venturing on day trips outside of the capital revealed a completely different side of the country—one that reflects the true, everyday lifestyle of most Koreans. Away from the metropolitan rush of Seoul, life moves with a refreshing simplicity. I really felt I got to see a deeper context to the country’s spirit as I walked down quieter provincial towns or experienced the warmth of local communities. 

Even considering all of this, the true soul of Korea isn’t just a destination on a map; it is the very soul that I am finding taking shape within myself. 

Seoul’s greatest beauty lies in its unyielding independence and fierce drive—qualities that mirror the very journey of moving here alone, stepping out of my comfort zone, and discovering my capabilities as an individual. In finding the soul of the city, I ultimately found a stronger, more resilient version of my own.