Oh 2018, such a good year. When I look back at my second year teaching in Korea, it’s filled with so many memories. Since it was my second year, things were easy and I was comfortable with the Korean way of life.
I learned even more Korean words and phrases (although, I still pathetically know very little Korean), teaching became even easier, and life became normal! So much so it’s no surprise that I started getting the major itch to travel and see a new place halfway through!
With that itching and the knowledge that this was going to be my last year in South Korea, the focus was mostly on enjoying life as I know it here while trying to save money for the big travel plans I have for next year – which I’ll share at the end 😉
A Year in Review – 2018
Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Udawalawe, Kandy, Ella, Mirissa, Weligama, Unawatuna, Galle
Jan 7 – Jan 19
To kick off the year, I took a solo trip to Sri Lanka and it was absolutely magical. This is definitely my favorite Asian trip so far, and quite possibly in my top five favorite destinations, I’ve been to in my life. The people were so kind, the food was insanely delicious, the beaches bountiful, the culture colorful and the nature gorgeous.
This was now my 4th or 5th major solo trip and it was easy and comfortable now that I know how I best travel alone. I got to wake up early to catch the sunrise without a grumbling travel companion and I got to go to bed early without anyone calling me a grandma! I also had the freedom to practice my photography as I so pleased without worrying about holding someone else up. It was really liberating.
As Lonely Planet’s top travel destination for 2019, I think major change is coming to Sri Lanka and the quiet and quaint vibes will soon change. But I’m glad I got to see such a beautiful and fairly untouched country before the incoming wave of tourism hit.
2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Feb 15 – 17
What a year to be living in Korea! The Winter Olympics were held in Pyeongchang, a small and rural area in South Korea. As a resident living in the country, I got to enter the first round of lottery tickets for the events! It was such a once in a lifetime opportunity for me and something I probably never would’ve actively done unless it was right in my backyard (like it was here).
I went with my good friend Hannah and we ended up seeing three events: pairs free ice skating, women’s super G skiing, and the women’s quarter finals in hockey where Sweden vs Finland battled it out for the finals. Hands down the figure skating was my favorite. I’ve never witnessed such elegance and talent in person before. The experience was actually pretty expensive but I’m glad I went.
Taiwan.
Taipei, Shifen, Jiufen + Taroko National Park
Feb 18 – Feb 25
Right after the Olympics ended I actually had five more days of vacation to take before the next school year started. So I hopped a plane and flew myself to Taiwan! I started the trip solo in Taipei for a few days and took a mini day trip to nearby Jiufen before Hannah came halfway through. As soon as she arrived, we made our way to the south to stay in Taroko National Park and take advantage of the beautiful hiking in the area.
Taiwanese food is something I’ll always look fondly back on – absolutely delicious. And the vibrant and almost artistic atmosphere was something that I hadn’t expected. It was a pleasant trip!
Philippines.
Cebu, Moalboal, Bohol, Coron + El Nido
August 10 – 25
For my summer vacation, I decided to take a two week trip to The Philippines. What I thought originally was going to be another solo trip actually turned into a lovely vacation with one of my co-teachers! We had a great time in Moalboal before beginning our island hopping from Cebu to Bohol back to Cebu onward to Coron and El Nido and all the way back again.
The nature really stole the show. I wasn’t the biggest fan of the cities we had visited, but the surrounding cliffs, lagoons and beaches were gorgeous. One of the highlights of the trip was also getting to know a local family. We met a young woman at our hostel who invited us home with her for a home cooked Filipino meal. We met her husband, her adorable baby and got a true glimpse into life in the Philippines.
This place is a true beach lover paradise and the rum never stops flowing. Read more about my time there here!
Seoul.
September 22 – 26
In the spirit of saving money, instead of venturing somewhere new like Hong Kong or Singapore for the long Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) weekend, we decided instead to have a nice long visit to Seoul. All of my previous trips were limited to weekend visits, which really only give you one full day to enjoy the city.
It was actually probably one of my favorite visits. We ate good food, had fantastic company, drank many cocktails and saw some new places. I’m going to miss this bustling capital city when I leave!
Guam.
October 5 – 9
As a bit of a spontaneous and last minute trip, I decided to spend my next long weekend in Guam to visit someone special who was stationed there in the Air Force. Guam had never ever been on my radar before, but having a chance to see the island was actually unexpectedly fun! The weather is a consistent 85+ degrees, the sun shines most of the time (unless it’s rainy season, but we got lucky), and the nature is unique and pretty. It was a lovely unexpected trip!
New places I visited in Korea in 2018:
- Woraksan National Park
- Pyeongchang
- Gumi, Geumosan
- Suncheon Bay
- Bukhansan National Park
- Wonju
- Seoraksan Peak Hike
- DMZ (border with North Korea)
- Daegu Lantern Festival
- Samgwangsa Temple Lantern Fest for Buddha’s birthday
- American Military Bases
Blog accomplishments for 2018.
- Had more features in bigger name travel websites and accounts such as; The Discoverer, The ittt Blog, The IDN Times and other travel blogs!
- Made my first bit of income from the blog!! Only about $100 but it’s only up from here baby (hopefully)
- Continued to grow my Pinterest and Instagram following
- Increased my blog views by nearly 9 times that of 2017
- 16,510 total views / 11,108 visitors in 2017
- 132,369 total views / 89,179 visitors in 2018!!!!!!
- Started a new feature account at Girls Traveling Asia to empower and inspire every woman to travel Asia. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not so scary after all! Check it out!
What’s in store for me next year.
- Wisconsin – HOME! It’s been two years <3
- India – March 14 – May 6
- Malaysia – long layover in Kuala Lumpur
- Thailand – beach vacation with the bf and quite possibly setting up shop as a digital nomad
- Cambodia – a visit with my aunt and cousin
- Southeast Asia
- Mongolia (hopefully)
- Australia (potentially)
- Home for Christmas 2019
- Caribbean cruise with the fam
New Year’s resolutions.
- Continue to grow my blog and nail more features
- Gather more freelance contacts
- As I leave Korea, take home with me all of the self-care routines and hobbies I’ve cultivated for myself
- Figure out what the hell to do with my life (lol as if that’ll ever happen)
2019 is going to be a year filled with new and exciting experiences for me! I am leaving Korea jobless with hopes of living the digital nomad life after my two month backpacking trip in India.
If all goes according to plan, I’ll be living and working somewhere in South East Asia and exploring new places along the way. I’ve always wanted to try out this lifestyle but with student loans it’s always seemed impossible. With new opportunities up my sleeve, I think I’ll actually be able to make it happen! At least for 2019 😉
Yay for freelancing!! Have the best time at home and on your continued travels!
Ahhh thanks!! Still trying to navigate this world of freelancing – it’s hard!! Thanks girlie!!
Hard but sooooo worth it for the freedom, I promise!
I just read a bunch of your posts and loved them all, especially this one! I moved to Korea a few months ago so its really helpful and interesting to read about all of your adventures and tips. I’ll definitely continue reading! 🙂
Thank you so much dear!!! I hope you’re living Korea as much as I did! I’m moving home in two days and can’t believe how fast the time flies!! Enjoy every minute❤️
Thanks for sharing. It’s great to read about someone living an intetesting life. Thanks for the inspiration.
That’s really sweet to hear😍thank you for taking the time to comment!! I really appreciate the support! Hope you’re having a fantastic new year!