Seoul Girl

I am overwhelmed with emotions as I am preparing to say my farewell to Korea and all the wonderful friends I have made during my brief time here. Before I close one chapter of my life and return to the states, I like to personally “Thank” a few special ones who have made my stay that much special and will always be in my mind and heart as I cherish and reflect on our friendships:

Hee-yun, Kim: We first met when I arrived here in early December 05. Since she’s a bilingual Korean-American, She helped with the translations and explained how to establish a bank account and pay utility bills. But  she also offered so much more than that. She gave the emotional support when i became quite ill and always encouraged me to try and sample new Korean food and JjinJayBongs (Korean spas). But I think the pivotal moment that defined our friendship was when she and I still maintained our sense of humor after an hour struggle of trying to pop out the wine cork after breaking it off in half and then continue to open it after breaking off the bottle opener screw as well.  We never laughed so much before that night. Although she left one year later, she and I still remain in contact.  Currently, she’s working at an architectural firm in NYC, and I hope to visit her soon!!

Linda (Lee Jin Sook): One of my first Korean friends here in Seoul. I frequented Sortinos Restaurant when she worked there as a waitress. Over time, she and I finally exchanged our numbers and became quite good friends. She introduced me to so many great Korean restaurants since she knew I love good food.   She also took me a noodle shop, which soon became one of my favorites in Korea.  I continued the tradition by frequenting the restaurant with new friends.   Also, whenever I needed help with translations, she was only a phone call away. She too has moved on and now lives in Pennsylvania.

Stephanie Marie Sneed: We met summer of 06 when she and I were recruited to help with a summer camp for an English Hogwon. The owner took the children to a camping trip near a lake, so we had a lot of time to talk and bond, which was a lot of fun.  We instinctively clicked. She loves to eat like I do and was very open minded and adventurous unlike most North Americans.  We love sunbathing and visited  Boryeong Beach a couple of times. We also took the train to Pusan to visit the beaches and a famous spa.   We also let loose and partied since we both love to dance.  Although our musical tastes varies,  she is more of an hip-hop girl and I am an electronic music lover,  we always compromised and took turns going to different music venues. On our last trip together, we traveled extensively throughout Vietnam. That trip was so memorable and amazing that I will always think of her in the same regards . Also, She has the cutest feet, and I must have hundreds of photos of them. She too has moved on recently and is currently living in Beijing, China.

Terry (Unju) Rah: We met end of the last summer at a mutual friend’s going away party. We instinctively clicked and talked about our passions for food and wine. Ever since then, She and I have been on a mission to find the next great restaurant and wine bar all over Seoul. and of course, we shared soooo many great conversations and philosophies on life and how it should be. La Dolce Vita (the sweet Life in English) is one of my favorite movies of all time, and we both felt that’s how life should be.  We shared this philosophy with our friends by co-hosting some wicked parties with great food and wines. Over time, our bond became stronger and it flourished into a sisterly love. Although she’s currently still stationed here in Seoul (she’s Korean but lived most of her life in Malaysia) , she too has moved on her life at least professionally. She no longer works as an advertising executive manager and decided to pursue more of her passions of Food and life-style business venture as a party planner/caterer/food manger. She’s the party planner for my farewell party on March 8. Please see the flyer for the further info.

Bada Lehner and Udo Lee: Two German dudes that i am fortunate to call my friends. We share our passion for good electronic music in minimal techno, tech and acid house, etc. Although we met in club settings in the beginning which may appear superficial, but we eventually moved over our conversations to the restaurants, coffee shops, etc; where ever we can shared great music and laughters. Udo began his career as a DJ in Germany and Bada recently began Djing here in Seoul. I am honored to have them DJing at my farewell party. “Thanks guys!!”

Jessica Wiliam-Chadwick: We met about a year and half ago at Brix Bar in Itaewon where they host Ladies Thursday Nights. Over time, we became good friends. She’s wicked, quality, crazy which can only translates as “fun..fun..fun”. I still remember her and our other friend, Elinza, romping and wresting at 7/11 store at 6am in Sinchon. Good times!! and yet, she can be refine, proper English woman and host one of the wickedest tea parties. But my favorite moment is when it was just her and me at DVD bong and watching the movie “Chingu” which translates as “friends”. She too will be moving on this summer and joining her boyfriend in Greece. I will miss her dearly!!

Tatjana Kulibabo: We met shortly after I arrived Seoul at a French restaurant. I was dining with my friend Heidi for her farewell, and Tatjana too was there for her friend’s going away as well. She and her friends were the loudest and having most fun in the entire restaurant. So I bought a round of lemon drop shots and thus blossomed a beautiful friendship. As an eight year resident, she shared her knowledge on how to live in Seoul as a foreigner and make the best of it.  She also explained the downsides and frustrations that many foreigners encouter living here as outsiders.  She was so positive, sweet, and helpful that I couldn’t get enough of her infectious enthusiasm for life.  Although our friendship was brief since she return to Canada about 5 months later, I will always cherish and remember our good times. Thanks!!