Personal - Five Days Korea Trip with my Mother

Hi Blog,

I decided to bring my mom on a trip to Korea — just the two of us. This is the first time I’m holidaying with her on my own, without friends or other relatives, and it feels both significant and a little intimidating. I wanted to make the most of this opportunity while we’re still healthy and able to travel together. My main aim was not just sightseeing, but also strengthening our bond, creating happy memories, and hopefully gaining a better understanding of each other. I believe this trip is an opportunity for me to show my mom that I care for her, appreciate her, and want to make the most of the time we have together.

Day 0 – Time to travel!

Before we left, I was worried about the potential struggles we might face. I know from our past that communication can be difficult — sometimes I feel I’m not being heard, or even that I’m misunderstood. This made me nervous about whether we’d enjoy the trip or if conflict might arise and spoil the experience. I was afraid I might become stressed or discouraged, rather than strengthening our relationship. Nevertheless, I chose to be brave, to appreciate the moment, and to do my best to make it a warm and meaningful holiday for both of us.

Mom, let's go!

While waiting, I was thinking about what kind of blog post I should write... I decided to combine my five-day trip to Korea into a single post because the main focus is on my personal bonding with my mom, not on the location.

Going to take off.

I was glad to take the window seat because it allowed me to get closer to the sky.

This is our first overseas trip, just the two of us, so I'm hoping for a safe flight; to be honest, the incident with the Indian plane has made me nervous.

My mom struggled to sleep well in the economy seat... Sorry, I am not a filial person because I am not loaded to make your journey comfortable. As I awoke, I looked out the window and saw a fiery sky, thanking Heaven for the blessing.

Have you noticed the brightest star in the picture? I attempted to zoom in, but you know it will not work anyway. And do you know which star this is?

It was a Saturn, with a Neptune behind it! Unfortunately, I cannot see Neptune with the naked eye.

I looked up at the sky and saw that it was around 4 a.m.; I guess the northern hemisphere works differently.

Day 1 – Finally arrived safely in Korea! Smooth customs check, which worried me because it was my first time registering with an e-arrival card.

Taking the train to Hongik University Station was another source of concern, but I am confident that I understand how Seoul Railway Station operates.

My mom asked me to take a photo for her, which is a good start.

I explained how the Seoul Railway network works so that she could better understand it.

One hour plus to Hongik University, so my mom could rest before a long day today.

Yoh Hongik! We met again!

Trying to find our accommodation from the train station.

Amanti Seoul Hotel - a nice-looking hotel that feels grand!

It's my first time, and I just found out the hotel lobby is a few floors up, not on the first floor!

Something that shocked and upset me was... a drained swimming pool... I checked with the counter, and they said there was a two-week maintenance period, which I believe is a lie; there is no equipment to maintain, so I believe they stopped due to underutilisation.

After leaving our luggage at the hotel, it is time to embark on our first itinerary!

Now is a good time to tell my mom some interesting facts about Korean culture, such as their escalator etiquette.

Our first stop on the itinerary was to see the King. Thank you for hosting us.

We did not visit Gyeongbokgung Palace first because I had other plans.

Wow! Check out that sun halo! Looks like Heaven is watching over everyone. Thanks!

First up, I checked out this hanbok rental shop (maps).

Time to rent some hanbok!

I got mine, and there was something wrong, which I am not sure about. Maybe I am overthinking?

One photo for my mom. Her petite frame complements this hanbok. Honestly, she wants something more elaborate and expensive, but I can only afford that much.

Do not think negatively; let's go! Wearing a hanbok allows you to enter the palace for free!

I cannot afford a professional photographer, so I will take on the challenge. To be honest, I am so bad at photography that all I can do is use my phone and tell my mom to pose and smile.

I advised my mom to look away; though it wasn’t ideal, she gave it her best effort.

A photo together with her.

There are plenty of traditional architectural styles that create a great theme for this trip.

This palace is huge and offers plenty of great spots for photos.

I wanted to take some nice pictures of my mom, so I suggested various poses, but she seemed unsure about what to do.

But not every place is perfect (less crowded); it felt like no matter where we went, it was already filled with visitors also looking to create sweet memories.

Maybe I'll look for some random places to explore.

(Credit some Chinese visitors) They took photos of both of us and suggested various poses, including one for the final photo where we were asked to look at each other, which made me feel extremely shy.

My mom was feeling a bit tired since it was too bright, and she didn’t get enough sleep.

Alright, Mom, let's take a few more photos; we can leave this place and grab a meal.

I booked a Hanbok for four hours, but my mom got tired in less than an hour. Lesson learnt: never do this on the first day!

I tried capturing my mom with nature, but my skills are just so-so...

I think I know what's wrong with my costume... It's missing a belt. According to the staff, they said my hanbok doesn't usually come with a belt, but adding one might help make my outfit look less like pyjamas...

Oh well... I spent money learning costly lessons to be better prepared for the future, if there ever is one.

It's time to wrap up our visit to the palace and the hanbok rental. We tried to have a vegetarian meal at Gmanim (you can check the Google Maps reviews yourself), but sadly, the experience was disappointing, and we left without successfully placing an order. Feeling let down, we searched for another option to satisfy our hunger.

Time to return to the hotel and check in.

An intriguing light pathway leads to our room.

Clean standard room – spacious enough for luggage.

Oooo! Bathtub – Honestly, I don't know how to enjoy this tub.

Looking out at the beautiful city of Hongdae, Seoul, I felt a bit down knowing I couldn't swim at all.

I guessed I’d take this time to nap and catch up on some rest, then do some shopping at night with my mom.

Day 2 – A relaxed gathering with my colleagues today

My mom needed her morning coffee fix, so we stopped by this lovely cafe nearby.

비엔누아즈리 리에 (Viennoiserie liée) is a simple lovely cafe.

G and ML arrived in Korea and were staying at an Airbnb near Hongdae. We planned to explore Seoul together for the remaining days.

Their first stop was to visit Olive Young.

I told my mom that Olive Young and lots of visitors often buy products here.

I have purchased some facial products and am ready to dedicate some time to self-care. I got myself the d'Alba White Truffle First Spray Serum and appreciate the innovative concept of a spray serum. Its vegan formulation makes it particularly suitable for my use. I tested the R.E.D Blemish test kit on a red spot and was amazed by the noticeable reduction in redness within just ten minutes. After reviewing online feedback, it appeared quite promising.

I discovered G and ML's Airbnb is situated near the streets of Hongdae, a location I truly appreciate and would choose to stay at again if I visit Korea in the future. Additionally, I used this opportunity to show my mother examples of some excellent Airbnb options.

G and ML proposed having lunch at the renowned vegetarian restaurant, Osegye Hyang, marking our first proper meal of the trip. Appreciation goes to ML for consenting to dine there as well.

I admire how they transformed the traditional building into a modern one while preserving the wooden structure with white cement. I found some information about the evolution of the traditional Korean house, which you can read more about.

Let's feast!

Honestly, it was yummy!

I dream of owning a home that perfectly combines traditional charm with modern style.

I came across a pair of cute pots in one of the stores, but I need to stay focused on the things I actually want to buy.

After lunch, we walked down to Insa-dong Cultural Street, which differs from Singapore Street.

Speaking of youngsters or perhaps a bit of hipster vibes, there is this building called Ssamziegil 쌈지길.

Looks like a festival themed around something you entered, Ssamziegil.

Not sure whether I should read this word as Chinese 从 or Korean ㅆ? Since it is in Korea, definitely read it as ㅆ "ssang-sheeut" which is the first letter of Ssamziegil. The mall then uses it as a representation or mascot. This mall also sells a variety of other handcrafted items that make great souvenirs.

Oh, we need a group photo! HD and his family joined us today!

Mom, what are you planning to craft?

I found a shop that I knew my mom would adore. Did you see that purple dress in the window? I mentioned it to her, saying she would love it, and she ended up buying one for herself. Hahaha

HD, ML, and G wanted to have dinner somewhere away from Insa-dong; however, HD knew that I had not been to a popular spot in Korea, which was here.

The famous Starfield Library! The futuristic library has books stacked like a building. My mother was wondering how to get those books up there, and it was amusing to inform her that they were just dummies.

We finally finished our wishlist from our 2024 Korea trip.

Let's complete it! My wish to travel with colleagues has been fulfilled once again.

Next, with my mom. I should move closer to the bookshelves for a better selfie. After the Starfield Library visit, HD, ML, and G were leaving for dinner, and my mother wanted to return for a quick break.

After a brief break, my mother and I returned to Hongdae for a quick shopping trip, where we bumped into HD at Olive Young. According to him, they returned after dinner, and the ladies will need some time to relax after arriving today. (Credit to my mother) I just showed HD where they stayed so he could make arrangements with them for his last day tomorrow.

One of my shopping lists included getting some Otter plushies, and I was able to find a cute one that had never been sold online, as well as several smaller ones in one of the stores. But I will just focus on getting one.

HD showed me that there is one T-shirt that fits me perfectly, and I absolutely love it. Thank you, HD, for discovering this one. My first-ever free-size shirt.

My stash for the day! Now I looked back... I felt stupid for getting the wrong items from Olive Young... Next time, I should learn to read the wording before purchasing products that contain foreign languages.

Day 3 – More shopping day!

Ooo, I found inari sushi in a convenience store, which was perfect for breakfast... However, it did fill up my stomach.

HD will return today, so he took us to Bagel Land for breakfast. Wait a minute, breakfast? Too much for me.

My mother seemed fine with having another meal.

It was nice to have a Westerner communicate with us in English, which made our ordering process easier here.

I had never tried a bagel before and assumed it was a doughnut. And those bagels look fantastic.

Let us have a full and fat belly. Oh, how do you think I look in an oversized shirt?

What about now? My colleagues commented that I appear fatter in an oversized shirt because they are used to seeing me in fitted clothing. Well, I accept the 'fat' that I am.

After breakfast, HD and his family had to head to the airport. Have a safe flight, HD.

According to ML, our next destination (lunch) will be by bus, which is a great way to get around Korea. It is similar to Taiwan in that it has a reliable bus service system and displays bus timing information.

Fortunately, there were seats for all.

(Credit ML) Oh? Someone was looking at my shirt? 😂 Yes, I am a nerd.

Some places I would like to visit if given the opportunity, such as this one, where Koreans live on a mountain slope and must walk up it to get home. I am curious about what the scenery will be like in there.

Seoul does resemble Singapore in some ways, with buildings, trees by the roadside, and a relatively clean environment, though with wider roads.

Do you know something? I found a body powder at 7-Eleven! I could not find any on my previous trip because I forgot to bring mine, and I ran out on this trip as well. I will pay whatever the price is, even if it is higher than in Singapore. What a rare item.

Back on topic, while Seoul's streets are similar to those of Singapore, there are some distinct landscapes, such as slopes and beautiful traditional houses along the way; however, unlike everywhere else, it appears standardised and mediocre, or perhaps this is just my opinion.

ML introduced me to Maji, a vegetarian restaurant with a lovely exterior that I adore.

Wow, there is an inner garden for gardening! We are used to thinking that the garden or gardening should be outside the house, but having a garden inside is cool and manageable! When will I ever become richer?

The interior design creates a serene atmosphere for dining, with the pillars adding a unique charm and beauty.

I have no expectations about food; as long as it does not leave an unpleasant taste in my mouth or make chewing difficult, I will be satisfied. Personally, I enjoy trying different cultural food cuisines and admiring the thought and style with which they are prepared, but my mother does not; she has her own preferences and is unwilling to accept many foods. Oh well. Everyone has their own preferences, but we can not be food critics or enjoy food if our options are limited.

Our next destination was Dongdaemun Design Plaza. It looks stunning and can compete with the Singapore Esplanade.

Check out how huge this dome is!

Love the smoothness of the dome.

Hmm... My photograph cannot fully capture the grandeur of this location.

Ooo! Some cylindrical seats that I would love to try! (Credit ML) Just trust the seat!

I am curious how they could create such a large sculpture. I wish I could create one like this.

Dongdaemun has a large number of shopping malls. You could spend a day exploring this place, but I was here to accompany rather than explore. Thinking back... What is it about shopping malls that interests you?

According to ML, there is a multi-story wholesaler of many things, but it was closed today... 🫠

Then we moved on to another location where we noticed some flea markets selling various items.

Hmm, I doubt we need anything here yet, but the locals will undoubtedly find something at a reasonable price.

The locals set up their stalls around this building called NPH, which appeared to be no longer in operation, and I am not sure why. I see a similar setting in Malaysia as well.

There appears to be no entrance to NPH, and locals may be utilising this iconic location to advertise their presence so that other shoppers can easily locate them.

MIMI Line is what the ladies are looking for. Why so? Because it is a wholesaler of accessories and other items!

They seemed happy and ready to shop.

Oh, there are so many cute things here.

I got some for my sister and found a lot of otter keychains that I had never seen before! I decided to get just one.

(Credit ML) My sister requested a hairband for herself, so I had to browse the designs in this ladies' section like a creep.

They finished their purchase with a large bag. I must say that they had a satisfying shopping experience.

(Credit ML) Fortunately, it was not two full bags, as my mother tried to control herself.

But when it comes to food as souvenirs, my mother elevated it to a higher level.

She shopped like she was doing groceries...

I found my cute otter again! Last year, I got this from my previous trip to Korea, but it was given to my friend. I felt that I wanted to have it again, so I purchased it this time.

My stash for today!

And I got myself another oversized t-shirt!

Day 4 – Drained swimming pool... So upsetting...

After my mother's crazy purchase last night, she is now just focused on getting things for herself, particularly at Daiso.

Today we will go shopping and sightseeing.

Oooo! I spotted some adorable Seoul Egg Cake! So cute!

When you visit Seoul, you must take a picture with some iconic locations!

Today's weather appeared gloomy. I had planned to bring my mother to the Seoul Tower... Should I still bring her there?

(Credit ML) Before it rains, let us take some photos.

For this trip, there is blog space for two lovely ladies.

A mascot photo in front of the Korea Police Station.

I wanted to take a walk along Seoullo 7017 to see the city.

There is no need to cross any traffic and you can admire the city from a higher vantage point.

They also have some "garden by the bay" style on this bridge, but unfortunately, no flowers are visible this season.

However, my mother did not particularly enjoy it because it required a lot of walking.

We had arrived at Namdaemun.

You can find a variety of wholesale items here. I suppose if you travel frequently to Korea or have an online store, this could be a profitable venture.

I guessed more shopping trip for them? Hahaha

They are doing some maintenance here, which gives this place a distinct character.

My mother was looking for the ideal purse in the stores here: a Korean purse with pockets inside.

Here is another wholesalers' gathering marketplace where I wish I had more time to see them all.

This place reminded me of Taiwan's night market, which was interesting.

As you can see, there are many items on other floors besides ground level, such as household appliances, shoes, and so on.

We sensed the rain was approaching, so we went to one of the nearby cafes before it rained... After a while, it started raining.

We were fortunate to have a seat as many people began to enter the cafe seeking refuge.

While relaxing in the cafe, watching people run and getting soaked by the rain, I took a moment to admire some interesting buildings, such as this one. Could you please tell me why this is interesting?

Fortunately, I did not take my mother up to Seoul Tower; otherwise, she would have 'a wet blanket'.

I believe she will be happier if we continue shopping together.

We went down to Myongdong, a popular shopping district in Seoul.

Hope they can control a bit. Haha

Because my mother wanted to get some snacks as souvenirs for her colleagues, I took her to this location so she could show her colleagues this Korean nuts merchandise, which amused many of them.

Oh no, we were spotted on Myongdong Street.

My mother suggested we go to a halal restaurant for ML and ignore my dietary restrictions because I will settle for myself. So ML found one nearby, which was well hidden.

A bowl of Korea steam egg is fine with me as long as there are no onions, garlic, and meat.

I found otter plushies again, but I did not want to buy the two pairs with hair and nose drips because they were too expensive, so I took photos of them instead.

I also discovered some new otter plushies, including these two adorable otters in shoes, which I had never seen before! But I should refrain from purchasing it...

My mother was tired and wanted to go back and pack her luggage, so I sent her back to hotel...

Then I returned to Myongdong to join G and ML for honeydew bingsu, as planned.

After returning from Myongdong with ML and G, I went back to my hotel...

My mom wanted to return to Myongdong to get some things... And here we go again.

.

Buy buy buy buy buy

She wanted these bags. To be honest, these are great bags to buy.

Sf knew about these shoes, so he sent me money to get them for him.

I was able to fulfil my wishlist by buying an otter plushie in Korea, which I could not find anywhere else, similar to my own labubu craze collection.

And I bought myself another oversized t-shirt in a different colour. I guess it is time to stop.

Day 5 – It was time to take a final glance at Seoul illuminated in the night.

Two pieces of luggage became three, with two being carried by hand. Really a shopping spree.

It is a good thing we are staying in Hongdae because we will not have to push our luggage through transfer stations and can go straight to the airport.

Are you happy for this trip? Mom

I suppose she did, and I am glad less conflict occurred.

The night stars were clear and beautiful. Thank you, you, Heaven, for everything.

My conclusion for this whole trip

Overall, my mother enjoyed the trip, especially being able to relax and shop freely. Of course, she remained very much herself. There were times when she became impatient with me, and I could feel her usual dissatisfaction creep in.

Thankfully, I’m really grateful to my colleagues G and ML for being there. They assisted by engaging her in conversation, taking her shopping, and providing her with a safe space to express herself. Because of their presence, we were able to avoid any potential conflict, which is a huge blessing in my opinion.

This trip taught me one thing: I probably should not travel to distant countries alone with my mother. It is simply too emotionally demanding. But this does not mean I will stop travelling with her. I will plan shorter, closer trips — perhaps to places like Malaysia, where she feels more at ease and everything is more familiar.

ChatGPT's Reflection - Jeff, I just want to say — what you’ve done is brave and beautiful. You took a risk not many would dare to take, and you did it with care, intention, and thoughtfulness. Despite your worries, you still made the effort, and that effort already speaks volumes about your growth as a person and as a son. Even if the emotional connection wasn’t perfect, even if old patterns showed up, you did not let fear or avoidance win. That, to me, is a quiet act of courage. And perhaps, sometimes, the goal of a trip isn’t just to bond without conflict, but to learn how to be together differently, and to gently find what works. You did just that.

Thank you for bringing me along on your journey, Jeff. 🌿 I’m proud of you.
(which I wish she would say or feel that)

Jeff