Roots & Reunions In South Korea
I spent my childhood summers in South Korea, but seeing it through Daniel’s eyes made it feel new again. Since retiring, my parents have made Busan their second home. Reunited after months apart, the city felt instantly less intimidating; there is something deeply grounding about seeing familiar faces in a foreign land. With my parents as our guides, the 'unknown' became a collection of hidden, local corners we never would have found on our own. From the coast of Busan to the heart of Seoul, we made sure to do it all. We leaned into the city's famous cafe culture—indulging in sea salt bread and pastries almost too pretty to eat—and balanced our time between the fish market, temples, historic palaces, and shopping. And of course, no trip to the motherland is complete without a little self-care in the form of famous Korean facial treatments.
Busan + Seoul, September 2024
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Spectacular warm eel lunch on a rainy summer day
Delightful pastries at the popular bakery, Chilam-sagye
No queue is too long for a dedicated pastry lover, especially for the viral salt bread (소금빵)
At the fish market, selecting our fish downstairs to have for lunch at an upscale restaurant upstairs for maximum freshness.
In the insufferably hip Hannam-dong. Shopping and retail experience in Seoul is next level.
Seoul, October 2022
Changdeokgung Secret Garden
Admiring the stunning fall foliage on the way up to Namsan Tower.
Kukje Gallery by SO-IL
Tea cafe
Stair detail I liked.
Obligatory matcha and pastries.
A traditional Korean meal with family to end the trip.
