Earlier this year, I went back to South Korea for a holiday since leaving in 2023. It was only for a week (all the annual leave I had left) but I was so excited to go back and dip into my personal nostalgic world. Excited seems like an understatement. I carefully crafted my itinerary- I needed to capitalise on those precious 7 days to see everything and re-see everything. A little bit of touristy sight-seeing, a little bit of shopping, a little bit of eating kbbq, a lot of nostalgia, 1 hike, 1 day tour and a whole lot of walking.
The photo above was the first photo I took on South Korean soil. Blurry to match my flurry of energy to be back. Oh to see hanguel again and get to say and hear 안녕하세요 (hello) again. I caught one of the airport buses into the city centre (it’s so much faster than taking the metro) to stay in an area that I hadn’t stayed in before. The weather was great every single day which allowed me to be out and about to my heart’s content.
I of course, went back to my ex-hometown of Suwon. Away from the crowds and rush, I enjoyed a day at the Suwon Hwaseong fortress, a place I use to frequent now and then walking from my apartment. I also went to see a new department store (more on my day in another post to come).
I was so content at being back. Everything was somewhat familiar yet somehow still precious. It felt like a lot of time had passed but also not. I realised how different I was as a person to who I was previously when I was living there. I guess something that is emphasised when returning to a place where you have many memories of. Or maybe I’m just getting wiser.
I’m looking forward to my next return soon one day.
Lingo in Transit 
How exciting and nostalgic, Soph. I loved the look of that fortress. I would love to explore that one day.
Did you notice much had changed in your old home area, or was it more about how you have changed? Visiting Japan again after almost two years – incredible how much had changed in that short time. Life goes on but our memory are stuck in a time warp, but in a good way.
I imagine your time there has made you so much wiser and definitely more worldly. How could it not?
Are you considering another working stint in Korea?
I noticed how much I had changed. The old home town looked quite unchanged but knowing it’s been years- there’s an odd feeling that it’s the same but not. Not considering another working stint in Korea at the moment. I hope you enjoyed your Japan trip.
I enjoyed Japan very much. There is always so much to see and do, or discover by simply walking around the streets – especially in Kyoto, you will always discover a new temple or shrine you haven’t yet visited.
Delighted you had a lovely time
Thank you Sheree!
Loved your story…I’m so tempted to try South Korea..but no direct flights from WA.
Oh, that’s too bad! Would you have to change in Singapore?
Depends on the airline we would choose.. but an option is direct to Japan and cross over and back by ferry.
I’m glad you squeezed in a trip back to South Korea with the PTO you had! Returning to a place that you’d called home for some time is a surreal experience, as you feel the same, yet changed from the time passed. Looks like a good time filled with memories, nostalgia, and lots of good Korean food!
I wonder how it will feel next time. Maybe an even more distant memory and having to start with a clean slate again.
Aw this is absolutely beautiful – I can hear in your words how dear South Korea is to your heart, it is so special to have a home away from home 🙂
It really is. At least if I decide I don’t want to see anymore new places in the world- I’ll always have SK to visit (again and again).
I agree that returning to a place you have lived in is a bit different from visiting somewhere else. You analyse this range of emotions well.
Thank you!
It’s a bit nostalgic and heartwarming to visit places you’ve lived. Hopefully no disappointments about changes, because there are always changes. Enjoy.