Week 12: Friends Made, Memories Kept

I’ve been home for about a week now, and it still doesn’t feel real that my three months in Korea have already come to an end. This final blog post has been the hardest to write. Not because I don’t have anything to say—quite the opposite. It’s taken some time to get into the right headspace to talk about my last week there and to reflect on the entire experience. On the flip side, looking back on these moments reminds me just how incredibly thankful I am for the opportunity and the friendships I built along the way.

This final week was a whirlwind of packing, personal training, goodbyes, and soaking up every last bit of what I love about Korea. (I say "last" — but let’s be real, I’ll be back.)

Highlights of My Last Week

My New Best Friend

If you’ve followed this blog, you already know—my trainer Bin quickly became one of my closest friends in Korea. On Sunday, we met up outside of the gym for brunch in Gangnam (Bin, if you’re reading this, sorry I forgot the name of the restaurant—but it was delicious!). It had a relaxed indoor-outdoor vibe with some great Western-style food.

After brunch, we visited Bongeunsa Temple, near COEX Mall. Bin shared with me how his family practices Buddhism, and it was an incredibly meaningful experience. He bought candles representing our Chinese zodiac signs, and we each wrote a wish of goodwill. It was peaceful, reflective, and such a special way to spend time together during my final days in Korea.

What meant even more was Bin showing up for breakfast with me on my very last morning in Korea before I headed to the airport. Despite his busy schedule, he made the effort to see me off—an incredibly kind gesture that I’ll never forget. We had one final meal together and laughed like always. That goodbye hit hard.

MN Fitness FarewellsI wrapped up my final three training sessions at MN Fitness this week—each one a little harder knowing they were my last (for now). Beyond just the workouts, this place became a big part of my routine and community.

Jae Yoon, who works at Gym Kitchen (where I ate post-workout meals almost daily), became a good friend. He’s prepping for a bodybuilding competition while double majoring in computer science and social welfare—just an all-around awesome guy with serious drive.

Another person I’ll miss is Seong Ju, one of the other trainers who always brought positive energy. He was always down to help me practice Korean while I fumbled my way through conversations.

Packing Up & Moving Out

It was strange seeing my apartment slowly empty out. I boxed up memories alongside my things—receipts from convenience stores, ticket stubs, temple bracelets, and skincare samples (of course). Leaving that space hit harder than I expected. It had become my home.

And for the record...yes I did have to buy two additional pieces of luggage to fit all of my things haha.

Final Haircut

No better way to end a Korean adventure than with a proper Korean men’s down perm and cut. If you don’t know what a down perm is—it’s a straightening technique used to flatten and soften the sides of your hair so it lays cleaner and more styled. It’s subtle, but it makes a huge difference in that polished K-style look.

Taeho & team at Juno Hair in Meyongdong did not disappoint!

Three Big Takeaways

1. Growth Comes From Discomfort

Being in an environment where I didn’t know the language, the customs, or even what street signs said taught me humility. I had to become comfortable with being uncomfortable—and that’s where the real growth happened.

2. Connection Has No Borders

Whether it was over coffee, workouts, or street food, I built genuine friendships with people from all over the world. These connections reminded me that shared kindness, curiosity, and laughter go far beyond language or culture.

3. It’s Okay to Start from Zero

Learning Korean reminded me what it’s like to be a beginner again. And as hard as that can be, there’s something incredibly rewarding about struggling through something, piece by piece, and realizing one day: you’ve actually learned a lot.

So...what next?

I still don't think I’ve fully processed being back in the U.S. yet. I’m filled with gratitude for the time I was able to spend in Korea. I need to figure out how to get more connected to the Korean adoptee community here in Minnesota—and don’t worry Korea, I’ll be back. :)

Thanks for following along.