Hey y’all! Today was a much needed slower start. Our first activity of the day was a taekwondo class, which was a super fun way to experience Korean culture through movement. Breaking a board felt unreal. It felt like something straight out of a movie! It was also cool learning how discipline and respect are core to the sport, not just the physical part.
For lunch, I had seafood udon (no squid this time! Progress!). Then we headed to Seoul City Hall for a private tour. The building’s design stood out as it’s futuristic but still feels rooted in something deeply Korean. Outside, there was a health festival happening, with all kinds of booths and people engaging with wellness resources. It was a reminder that public health and community are taken seriously here, and it’s integrated into city life in a way that feels really natural.
After a bit of walking around, we plopped into some comfy bean bag chairs in the plaza area and just soaked in the city. It was one of those small but meaningful moments where you feel like you’re really living in the city instead of just visiting.
Dinner was hot pot. It was practically a mountain of meat, seafood, tofu, and vegetables. It was nice to engage in the communal nature of sharing from one main dish. It brings you closer to people.
During our free time, we visited a cat café. The cats were adorable, but also incredibly sassy. They clearly run the place and couldn’t care less about you unless you have treats. Even then, they still ignore you!
I also made my first (but probably not last) trip to Olive Young. They’re literally on every corner. We ended the night at Cream Chic, where I got to reconnect with an old friend who’s now a computer engineer. It was so inspiring to see her thriving in tech, and it made the world feel a little smaller in the best way.
Today taught me that meaningful cultural connection can happen in unexpected places, whether over a bowl of noodles, through martial arts, or even beside a judgmental cat. It’s all part of the experience, and it’s helping me see how everyday moments contribute to a bigger understanding of life in Korea.
