Weeks 8 & 9: Mom & Casey Visit + A Trip to Japan 🇰🇷✈️🇯🇵

These past two weeks were incredibly special—I had my first visitors from the U.S.! My mom and our close family friend Casey made the journey all the way to Korea to come see me.

We spent a few days together exploring Seoul, and then took an unforgettable trip to Tokyo, Japan. I’ll walk you through some of the highlights—but honestly, the best part was just getting to show them around and feel like a local while doing it.

🇰🇷 Korea Highlights

We kicked things off with a classic Seoul experience: visiting N Seoul Tower. The weather was a little foggy that morning, but we still had beautiful views of the city.

After taking in the scenery, we took the cable car down the mountain and headed straight for one of my favorite spots: Namdaemun Market.

Namdaemun Market vs. Myeongdong

• Namdaemun is Seoul’s oldest traditional market—authentic, lively, and filled with street food, household goods, clothing, and locals. It’s a bit more no-frills and packed with energy.

• Myeongdong, on the other hand, is polished, trendy, and a top spot for tourists. Think endless rows of skincare shops, fashion boutiques, and global brands—plus more sampling of beauty products than snacks.

We grabbed lunch in Kalguksu Alley, tucked inside Namdaemun—a narrow lane known for its hand-cut noodle soup, bustling energy, and warm ajummas calling you into their shops. A must-do experience.

After lunch, we walked to Myeongdong so Mom and Casey could pick up some skincare products and Korean snacks. If you’re ever in Seoul, this is the perfect area to shop for K-beauty essentials.

It was so meaningful to introduce Mom to some of the people who’ve made this trip so special for me:

• We grabbed coffee with Bin, my trainer-turned-friend, who I’ve worked out with three times a week since arriving. I’m really going to miss this guy—he’s become such a positive part of my routine here. Hoping he visits the U.S. one day!

• We caught up with Jacob, my very first friend in Korea, and the guide on our original Seoul food tour. We attended his wedding last fall, so of course we had to meet up again. We joined one of his night market food tours, and yes—it was just as amazing the second time.

• We also had lunch with Terry, who my parents met last year. He’s the one who showed me around Seoul in such a unique way—taking me to secret spots and local gems that tourists don’t usually get to see. It was great to reconnect and share those good memories together over a meal.

  
  

  

  
  

Another highlight? A Korean baseball game. I had gone solo last year and remembered it being one of the most fun cultural experiences. This time, I took Mom and Casey—and they loved it. The crowd chants, dancing, stadium snacks (corn cheese, fried chicken, beer towers)… it’s truly a one-of-a-kind vibe.

🇯🇵 Japan Highlights

Japan has been high on my travel bucket list for years, and it didn’t disappoint. Since it was our first visit, we kept things simple and stayed in Tokyo—but even then, we barely scratched the surface!

Day One: Shinjuku Food Tour

We kicked things off with a food tour in Shinjuku.Shinjuku is electric—bright lights, endless restaurants, karaoke bars, and the energy of a city that never slows down. It’s the perfect introduction to Tokyo’s food and nightlife.

We tried a bit of everything:

• Sashimi

• Katsu

• Udon noodles

• Fried seaweed

• Sweet potato

• And of course… sake

Day Two: East Tokyo Tour (in the rain!)

Despite the rain, we powered through with a private guide and explored some of Tokyo’s architectural icons:

• Tokyo Skytree – The tallest tower in Japan with panoramic views.

• Asahi Beer Hall – Easily recognizable by the golden “flame” on top, symbolizing the heart of Asahi’s brewing spirit.

• Asahi Super Dry Hall – Sleek, modern, and built to reflect the cutting-edge innovation behind one of Japan’s most iconic beers.

We also visited the beautiful Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa—Tokyo’s oldest temple, known for its striking red gates and incense-filled atmosphere.

Lunch was sukiyaki—beef, veggies, and noodles simmered in a sweet-savory soy sauce broth. Probably one of the best meals of the trip.

We rounded out the day by picking up some classic Japanese snacks.

Day Three: Mt. Fuji Day Trip

One word: breathtaking.We had perfect weather—clear skies, sunshine, and the most incredible views of Mount Fuji. Photos don’t do it justice. Definitely one of the most beautiful things I’ve ever seen.

Day Four: Parks & Festivals

We spent the day exploring parks around Tokyo and stumbled upon a Cambodia festival—colorful, lively, and full of street food.

We also stopped by the Tokyo Olympic Museum, which was super interactive and fun to walk through.

Day Five: Fish Market & Tokyo Tower

We started the morning at the Toyosu Fish Market, one of the largest in the world. The sheer variety of seafood was wild—so fresh, so beautifully displayed.

To wrap up our trip, we visited Tokyo Tower—an iconic red-and-white structure that gave us amazing skyline views. Definitely a photo-worthy moment to end on.

Coming Up Next...

It’s hard to believe I only have a few weeks left in Korea. This trip with Mom and Casey was such a meaningful reset, and getting to share it with them made everything even more special.

Now, it’s back to school—and back to reality 😅 But I’ve still got more to explore and experience, so stay tuned for the final stretch!