A Dream Come True: Nushka’s South Korea Trip with Thrillophilia
South Korea had always felt like a faraway dream. It started with binge-watching K-dramas during college, where I’d get lost in those quaint Hanok villages, neon-lit streets, and steaming bowls of tteokbokki. Then came the K-pop obsession, turning every music video into a checklist of places I had to see someday. My friends always joked, “One day, we’ll see your Instagram flooded with pictures from Korea.”
When I finally booked my tickets, it was like a scene straight out of my own drama. My first-ever solo trip to my dream destination- could anything be more perfect? Of course, my mom was sceptical. “Will you be safe? What will you eat? Do you even know Korean?” she asked a million times. But the more she worried, the more determined I felt.
Here are the highlights from my dream adventure in South Korea- moments that made me laugh, cry, and fall in love with life all over again.
Seoul's Charm
Seoul was the first stop on my solo South Korean adventure, and it felt like stepping into a dream. On my very first morning, I wandered into Myeongdong, famous for its vibrant street markets. The rows of stalls were bursting with colours and aromas, and I couldn’t resist trying the tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes). The fiery kick caught me off guard, and I couldn’t stop coughing. An older lady at the stall chuckled and handed me a cup of warm broth, saying something in Korean that I later learned meant, “You’ll get used to it.”
Later, I visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, where I rented a hanbok (traditional Korean dress). The experience was surreal; walking through the grand courtyards in the flowing outfit made me feel like I had stepped back in time. A kind tourist offered to take my picture in front of the palace gates. “Smile like a queen!” she joked, and I grinned, realising how at ease I felt among strangers.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, I took a cable car up to Namsan Tower. The view of the city lights sparkling below was breathtaking. I decided to write a note of gratitude on a love lock and hang it on the fence, surrounded by hundreds of other stories. It wasn’t for a romantic partner, but for myself- a little reminder that this trip was a love letter to my own courage.
The Magic of Jeju Island
After soaking in the vibe of Seoul, it was time to escape to Jeju Island- a paradise that felt like a world away. I couldn’t help but feel a bit giddy; this was the moment I’d been dreaming of, and I was finally here. The first thing I did upon arriving was head straight to the famous Hallasan Mountain, eager to hike up and experience its majestic beauty.
The trail was lined with vivid wildflowers, and the air was fresh and calming. As I hiked up, I couldn’t help but marvel at how peaceful it was. There were moments when I was alone on the path, the only sounds were my footsteps and the occasional rustle of leaves. It was pure serenity. I finally reached a lookout point where I could see the whole island stretching out beneath me- forests, beaches, and fields of flowers. It was so beautiful, I could have stayed there forever, just soaking it all in.
I decided to reward myself with a visit to the famous Jeju Tangerine fields, and I’ve never tasted a fruit so fresh and juicy. As I picked some tangerines, I joked with the farmer who was tending to the grove, "I should just move here and become a professional tangerine picker!" We both laughed, and he handed me one as if to say, "Take a taste of Jeju's soul." The sweetness of the fruit seemed to perfectly match the laid-back vibe of the island.
Jeju Island was a place of calm and reflection, where I truly felt in tune with myself. The island’s natural beauty, combined with its warm-hearted people, made it the perfect place for someone like me, who needed both adventure and quiet moments to reset.
Diving into Korean Pop Culture in Gangnam
Gangnam, the heart of Seoul’s trendy, upscale vibe, was a place I’d dreamed of visiting long before I stepped foot in South Korea. It wasn’t just the flashy streets or high-end shops that pulled me in, it was the sheer energy of the place, where every corner seemed to pulse with K-pop culture.
The area is famous for its association with K-pop, especially after Psy’s iconic "Gangnam Style" made waves globally. But there’s so much more than just the song. I spent an afternoon walking through the streets, watching people with their fashionable outfits and youthful energy, while K-pop tunes played from nearly every cafe I passed. It was like being in the world of K-pop, only better- because I was actually there!
I couldn’t resist visiting the K-Star Road, a dedicated stretch of road lined with statues of famous K-pop stars. It was fun to see so many fans gathered around, taking selfies with the statues, and it really made me feel like part of the K-pop fandom. I even visited the SM Entertainment building, where some of my favourite K-pop idols train. Though I didn't see any stars, just being in the vicinity made me feel so connected to the world of K-pop.
As I walked down the main street, I stumbled upon a traditional Korean tea house, tucked between modern shops. I sat down, sipped some warm tea, and reflected on how this mix of modernity and tradition made Gangnam such a special place.
How I Ended up Here!
Most tour providers were either offering group tours or required at least 2-4 people to book the tour. I was almost convinced that I would have to book everything by myself (quite overwhelming!).
Since I was already using Thrillophilia’s website for my planning I decided to drop my details. To my surprise, they offered to book my favourite trip!
Even during the trip, I would get the day's updates from Khushi- my trip planner and she would ensure I was feeling good and not overwhelmed. Thanks, Thrillophilia! I can’t wait to go on more adventures with you!
Read more: Thrillophilia South Korea Reviews