South Korea 2025

Twelve years ago, we accepted teaching jobs in Incheon, South Korea after we had just learned about the need for native English teachers. Idilio was ready for a break from his graduate program and Jen had just been rejected from her occupational therapy program, so we said “whynot?” It felt like one of those opportunities that was too good to be true, and it changed our lives forever.

South Korea was where our love for travel really began. We grew so much during that time, not just as a newly married couple, but as future parents as well. One thing we noticed early on was how many Korean parents traveled with young kids. We often saw them walking up and down airplane aisles, rocking babies and staying calm. It showed us that having kids doesn’t mean you stop traveling, that it just means you travel differently.

We recently spent three weeks back in South Korea, and it brought back so many of the wonderful memories we’ve always cherished. We met up with old friends, made new ones, and visited some of our favorite places. We constantly rode the subway and buses, we walked for miles every day, and enjoyed being in a place that had once felt so new.

This time, we got to share it all with Klay. She loved the simple hiking trails, the many local playgrounds, and of course her favorite part was eating Korean BBQ Bulgogi. She even tried a few unusual foods at different restaurants and local markets.

South Korea will always be special to us. It was never just a place we worked. It was where everything started. Hopefully, next time we visit, it won't be eleven years from now.