Escape To Explore Series: My First Solo Travel To Seoul

The Escape to Explore Series is a collection of blog posts that I will post weekly on my experience living in Seoul for 2 months. From K-Pop to the delicious food and fashion I want to share my experience in every way that I can with others that want to solo travel and who are passionate and interested in K-Pop and the Korean culture.

Walking the streets at night in South Korea captured by Jordan

Introduction!

Hello and Annyeonghaseyo!! My name is Jordan, and this is my first blog post ever here on Kpopmap so I am looking forward to sharing my memories and experiences with all of you! Growing up in a small town in New Jersey, USA, I never imagined myself traveling 15 hours To South Korea! I knew from the moment I decided to go that it would be a once and a lifetime experience! Seoul has been an amazing and beautiful city to be a part of, and I wanted to share parts of my journey and memories with all of you, as well as giving some tips and advice for travelers and for those who would love to visit to South Korea!

CHAPTER 1

Should I be doing this? Should I be prepared more?
Should I just cancel last minute?

Back and forth, I kept going before realizing this would be a once and lifetime experience. Why would you not do it?

As a recent graduate, I participated in a study abroad program to intern in South Korea. Now, only a few hours away from starting my journey was scary and exciting at the same time. The night before my plane departed was when it actually hit me. The thought I had traveling solo for the first time, let alone being a destination that was 15 hours away, was daunting, to say the least.

The anxiety of being far from home and traveling on my own and then, on the other hand, the excitement of traveling to Seoul, a place I have wanted to travel to for a long time! Let me tell you, being conflicted at this moment was an understatement.

Departing in just 4 hours, my suitcase was only partially packed. I couldn't even organize my documents in preparation for what I needed. I truly felt stuck with my own fears and anxiety.

Even though this first part of my journey to South Korea wasn’t the easiest, I have learned a lot from that night that made me discover more about myself. Below are some tips that helped me immensely and got me to where I am today!

WAYS TO PREPARE YOURSELF BEFORE TRAVELING SOLO:

1. Take deep breaths and know beforehand that it might be a bit of a rocky road.

- Whether it's a delayed or missed flight, a suitcase gone missing, or even missing your cab, things aren't always going to go according to plan. But you can use these trip-ups and learn from them. Sometimes a challenge is alright. Stepping out of your comfort zone can push you and help you grow.

2. Write your fear and anxieties down in a journal

-I overthink constantly, and when you read your thoughts back to yourself, it helps to sort them out of your head. Writing can help immensely and puts your mind at ease.

3. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise

- Exercises such as running, walking, bicycling, and swimming to help eliminate the tension in your muscles and clear your mind. Even jumping jacks in your bedroom can help alleviate your worries or concerns.

4. Just Talking it Out with a family member or friend

- Sometimes, you just need a good listener to hear your thoughts. Never be too afraid or embarrassed to tell them how you are feeling. It helps you emotionally, clears up any trepidation, and even helps you decide what you want to do.

5. Planning and Organization

- Writing a checklist helped me immensely before departing. Planning beforehand takes a lot of the stress away. It enables you to stay present in completing specific tasks or goals. Even the small goals you see below helped me slow down and to take it one step at a time. Just typing it out on your phone helps you breakdown what you need to have done.

A Screenshot of Jordan's Checklist

What is the Takeaway from this Chapter?

I learned that having fears and uncertainty when traveling alone is entirely normal and that it is okay! To those in similar situations, I would say not to cancel and know that things will get easier.  I was proud of myself for facing my fears head-on.

In the chapters ahead, THE ESCAPE TO EXPLORE SERIES will explore my arrival to Seoul!!! Tune in soon to read my experience of meeting other interns and embracing the Korean culture!

(Chapter 2)