One Year Ago...

(yesterday). July 27, 2014- I returned to the United States of America from a very wonderful journey abroad. Seoul, Korea is a place that kept a little piece of my heart.

One year later and I sit here reminiscing on:

1. Friends 

It's wonderful to say that you have friends all over the world. Some still remain in Korea and others have returned to their homes in different areas of the globe. I was blessed to meet such wonderful people and I miss seeing all of your faces on a regular basis. I have wonderful memories of going out to get bingsu, going out to see the city, or simply spending the afternoons studying in cafes.

Taking a Stroll with Moeko and Sayuri

Trying to cram the night before

Vacationing in Busan

I miss all of you dearly and believe me when I say that sometimes I see you walking down the streets here at home. I'll be driving around here and all of a sudden think that looks like so and so but then I remind myself it can't be.
I miss talking to my roommate and singing late at night before going to bed.
I miss our dinner dates and study dates.
I miss riding the subway together.
I miss our group chats on kakao and the fun emojis we had to choose from.
I miss seeing you.

2. Food

You know it's bad when you're even dreaming about food. I've had several dreams where I have taken a plane just to have lunch in Seoul. I've dreamt about all sorts of foods and snacks. I even googled a Korean marketplace near me but I was disappointed by the realization that I don't know how to cook any Korean meals.

bibimbap

I really liked this place because not only did you get some delicious bibimbap but I also got some delicious meat with it. This was one of the places that I would most commonly come to. :D

Speaking of meat... I fell in love with Korean BBQ. I loved wrapping it up in lettuce and the mushrooms that came as a side were delicious. I realized that kimchi on the grill was pretty tasty too and that's the only way I could eat it. It was during these visits to eat BBQ that I realized onions are edible. I don't know what dip they used but they had me loving those raw onions. (shocking I know!)

bingsu!

Down in the left corner there is a small bowl of bingsu! I don't know how many hours I spent in front of a bowl of bingsu! But boy oh boy do I miss it!! We need a place just like it here. This is the reason I gained so much weight while I was gone. I ate too many bowls of bingsu (shaved ice) and it was definitely worth it. They had many wonderful flavors like cheesecake and strawberry. yum! yum! yum!

There are many other snacks I miss like banana milk and the chocolate mushrooms, the fish shaped pastries/bread they would sell outside on the corners during the winter, Red Cup where they sold chicken with tater tots and rice cakes (surprisingly good). I also miss jja jjang myong and chapchae and other countless foods I discovered and came to love. I'm not close enough to Korean restaurants but even when I find one it can't compare to the goodness I tasted in Korea. 

3.  Hiking

I realized once I came home that I enjoy hiking. There are many places to hike in Korea and I regret not having visited more of those places. Here I'm surrounded with a lot of beach and sunny weather but I miss the adventure of climbing and the breathtaking views from the top. Don't get me wrong, I've done hiking here and I'm looking for new places to hike but I wish I would've hiked more in Korea. 

Bukhansan

Achasan

4. Themed Cafes

Just last week I went to a cafe that was just like cafes in Korea. The menu and the vibe inside the cafe was exactly what you would find over there. It was definitely refreshing and it got me missing it even more. Back in Korea there were countless cafes to visit, each with a unique style or theme. It was definitely a fun experience each time. 

Hello Kitty Cafe

Monster Cupcakes 

Sheep Cafe

So many things to reminisce about. So many memories. So many good times. One year later and I look forward anxiously to the day I can return. I arrived in Korea not knowing what to expect and I got more than what I could've hoped for. 

Take Me Back!