Discovering My Family’s Seoul
I still remember the day I landed in Seoul, my birthplace and the city that has always felt like a second home, even though I’ve spent most of my life in the United States. As I walked out of the Incheon Airport arrivals gate, my cousin and aunt were there to greet me, and it felt like a warm embrace after years of longing. The drive to my aunt’s house was a whirlwind of emotions – the familiar skyline, the towering mountains in the distance, the bustling streets. It was both comforting and foreign, a place where I’ve always belonged and yet, at times, felt like an outsider.
Being born in Korea but raised in America has given me a unique perspective on this city. On one hand, I can’t help but feel a deep connection to the culture, the food, and the language that have shaped my identity. But on the other hand, I’m also acutely aware of the distance – both physical and emotional – that separates me from my Korean roots. It’s a constant balancing act, trying to reconcile the two halves of myself, the Korean and the American.
As I settled into my aunt’s cozy apartment, I couldn’t help but reflect on how much Seoul has evolved since my last visit. The skyline has grown taller, the streets more vibrant, and the pace of life even more frenetic. Yet, there are certain pockets of the city that still feel untouched by time, where the old and the new coexist in a harmonious dance.
Reconnecting with Family
One of the highlights of my trip was reuniting with my family. When my mom and brother arrived a few days later, it felt like a homecoming in the truest sense of the word. We gathered for a traditional Korean dinner, the familiar flavors and aromas transporting me back to my childhood. As we laughed and shared stories, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of belonging that I hadn’t experienced in a long time.
Later, we embarked on a journey to Busan, my grandfather’s hometown, to celebrate his 95th birthday. The entire extended family, from aunts and uncles to cousins and grandchildren, came together to honor this remarkable man. Sitting around the table at the Korean barbecue restaurant, I couldn’t help but marvel at the strength and resilience of my family, their stories of survival and sacrifice woven into the fabric of my own identity.
As my brother and I took a stroll along the picturesque beaches of Busan, we found ourselves reflecting on our dual identity. We both felt a sense of comfort and discomfort, unsure of whether we belonged more with the locals or the foreigners we passed by. It was a poignant reminder of the challenges that come with being caught between two cultures, but also the solace that can be found in sharing those experiences with someone who truly understands.
Embracing the Familiar and the Unfamiliar
One of the things that has always fascinated me about Seoul is the juxtaposition of the familiar and the unfamiliar. As I explored the city, I found myself drawn to the self-vending cafes and establishments that have become a staple of the Korean landscape. These high-tech, automated businesses are a testament to the country’s embrace of technology and innovation, yet they also hint at the underlying sense of surveillance and security that permeates daily life.
As one of my fellow traveler’s noted, “There are security cameras everywhere. It was really cool to witness how this level of surveillance affects business practices in this country.” It’s a stark contrast to the more laissez-faire atmosphere I’m used to in the United States, and it’s a constant reminder of the cultural differences that shape the fabric of Seoul.
But beyond the technological marvels and the heightened security measures, there is a warmth and familiarity to Seoul that I find incredibly comforting. The bustling markets, the vibrant neighborhoods, the delectable street food – these are the things that have always felt like home to me, no matter how long I’ve been away.
Finding a Sense of Belonging
As my time in Seoul drew to a close, I found myself grappling with the familiar feelings of longing and displacement. Like many who have studied or lived abroad, I struggled to find that elusive sense of “home” that I had once taken for granted.
But through the guidance of my family and the insights I’ve gained from my travels, I’ve come to realize that creating a home away from home is a deeply personal and intentional process. It’s about establishing routines, continuing to pursue the hobbies and passions that define you, and forging meaningful connections with a new community.
Perhaps most importantly, it’s about embracing the duality of your identity and finding ways to celebrate the cultures that have shaped you. As one Korean immigrant so eloquently put it, “We Koreans define family love in terms of endurance, sacrifice, and survival. We sacrifice being with family – that most precious thing – for the next generation.”
It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with me, and one that has inspired me to approach my own journey with a renewed sense of purpose and appreciation. Because at the end of the day, a “home away from home” is not about a physical place, but about the people, the memories, and the experiences that make us feel whole.
As I prepare to leave Seoul and return to the United States, I can’t help but feel a bittersweet mix of emotions. I know that I will miss the familiar sights and sounds, the comforting embrace of my family, and the sense of belonging that this city has always offered. But I also know that I will carry a piece of Seoul with me, wherever I go.
And who knows? Maybe one day, I’ll be able to find a way to make America my “gohyang” – my hometown, my final resting place. Until then, I’ll keep exploring, learning, and finding ways to bridge the gap between my two worlds, always with the hope of creating a true “home away from home” no matter where life takes me.
If you’re planning a trip to Seoul, I highly recommend checking out Hotel Stainn Seoul. With its warm hospitality, convenient location, and family-friendly amenities, it’s the perfect home base for your own journey of discovery in this incredible city.
