Today was finally the day we were leaving Korea. It felt strange waking up knowing the trip was officially coming to an end. I got up around 8 a.m. and spent some time hanging out with V before we went upstairs to get breakfast. While eating, I kept thinking about all the Pokémon keychains and stuffed animals I had seen the day before at Namdaemun Market, and I decided I really wanted to go back one last time before leaving Korea.

After breakfast, we headed back to the market. The streets there honestly feel like a maze, and it took us a while to remember exactly where the store was located. Eventually, though, we found it again. I ended up buying a big Rayquaza stuffed animal for my boyfriend. The coolest part was that it had adjustable joints, so you could actually pose it in different ways. I also bought an Eevee keychain for myself as one last souvenir from the trip.

When we started walking back to the hotel, we realized how hot it was outside, so we stopped at a 7/11 to get drinks. It was my last time getting one of the ice cup drinks that I had become obsessed with during the trip. I decided to get pomegranate ade because it was the very first drink I got when we arrived in Korea, so it felt fitting to have it again before leaving.

Back at the hotel, I brought my suitcases downstairs and was relieved to find out that my checked bag was not overweight, even with all the gifts and souvenirs I bought. Soon after, we loaded onto the bus and headed toward the airport. The ride there felt bittersweet. I was excited to go home and see everyone again, but I was also sad to leave Korea and all the memories I made here over the past few weeks.

During the bus ride, everyone gave little speeches reflecting on the trip. It made me emotional realizing we would not have any more bus rides together or spend every day exploring new places as a group. By the time we arrived at the airport, it really started to feel like the trip was over.

Before boarding, my friends and I got burgers together at the airport and spent a little more time talking before our flight. Then we boarded the plane and officially began our journey back to America.

I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have gone on this trip and for all the friendships and memories I made along the way. I especially want to thank Dr. Yun, Chris, Esther, and Aakash for making this experience possible. I’m also so grateful for all the people I met during this trip, especially my group, Group C. I truly could not have asked for a better group to share this experience with.