Exploring Asia
KOREA
After a 16-hour flight from New York, I landed in Seoul, South Korea. My first impression was how clean, calm, and orderly everything felt. From the wide streets to the spotless subways and narrow alleyways, the city stood in stark contrast to the fast-paced energy of NYC.
Despite its size, Seoul carries itself with quiet pride. I noticed that most restaurants do not open until late morning, so our days often began with quick breakfasts from 7-Eleven. Grabbing kimbap at sunrise became a comforting part of our daily rhythm. I found this habit mirrored in Japan as well, revealing shared patterns across both cultures.
Still, the most unforgettable moment in South Korea came during my visit to the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). At a military checkpoint, South Korean soldiers checked our passports before we were cleared to continue. We passed open fields marked with warning signs and lined with hidden landmines. At one point, I stood just one kilometer from the North Korean border. The weight of history and the thick tension in the air made it one of the most powerful experiences of the entire trip.
Leaving Seoul behind, I made my way to Busan, a laid - back coastal city with a completely different rhythm. It felt more lived - in, more intimate. While wandering the colorful hills of Gamcheon Culture Village, I heard loud meowing echo through the streets and soon discovered the village’s love for cats. Locals regularly feed and care for them, and over time, the cats have become an iconic part of the area’s identity. That same sense of warmth carried through the rest of my stay as I relaxed at Haeundae Beach and feasted on fresh seafood in South Korea’s culinary capital.
JAPAN
From Korea, we flew into Japan — a country I had dreamed of visiting for years but never imagined I would reach so soon. Each city revealed a different facet of the culture, from Osaka’s vibrant food scene to Kyoto’s tranquil temples and Tokyo’s dazzling streets. But what left the strongest impression was the quiet moments in between: meditating alongside monks during an overnight stay at Eko-in, a mountain-top Buddhist temple, and standing in front of the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima on the 80th anniversary of the bombing — a powerful and humbling reminder of resilience and the generational impact of war.
Among the many memorable experiences I had in Japan, my favorite came during a quiet afternoon in Osaka. I was searching for food one evening when I stumbled upon a tiny soba noodle shop run by an elderly couple. The chef did not speak English, so I used my limited Japanese to order. The hostess, who spoke English, greeted me with a warm smile, and we ended up having a heartfelt conversation about life and travel. Before I left, she brought me a free cup of tea. It was a small gesture, but one that left a lasting impression.
More than anything, this trip taught me that the cultures of Korea and Japan are grounded in a deep respect for craft, for others and for oneself. Whether it was the hospitality of a soba shop, the spotless subway stations or the reverence I felt in a temple, I witnessed a shared cultural value: doing everything with care and intention. What started as a childhood fascination turned into a transformative experience — one I will carry with me throughout my life, both personally and professionally.
