Greetings, fellow adventurers! Welcome to Travel Tales - where I tell all my wild stories worldwide. In Seoul, an unexpected Korean alcoholic drink entered my hands and turned me into a drunk fool for one night only (thank god!). This story might make me look foolish... but no adventure is complete without a few embarrassing moments you can giggle about later.

My first-ever trip abroad had started grandly with hopes of extraordinary encounters ahead; little did I know it would end so quickly with some humble lessons learned and plenty of laughs along the way! So please sit back, relax, and grab your favourite beer or wine -- let's reminisce on this unforgettable scene as we bring these travel tales to life at last.

The night, a Korean alcoholic drink, made me a fool in Seoul. Picture by Pexels

Setting the scene in Seoul

Arriving in Seoul as a first-time traveller was nerve-racking. I waved off pesky taxi drivers who offered me rides and waited for my Korean girlfriend, who had travelled back home earlier than me. After she arrived late at the airport, all apologetic, we were finally ready to go! We went straight towards her family's house, where everyone gathered around with welcoming arms (and some curious glances).

It indeed wasn't what I expected on this trip. Still, it ended up being one of those genuinely remarkable memories that stick out like no other from travels past - an experience complete with great company and beautiful moments worth cherishing forever!

We had a fabulous lunch to kick off our first day in Seoul and planned for an epic evening ahead; however, little did I know that the night would be much more than I expected! It was my sister-in-law's engagement party - things were going great until all hell broke loose. But trust me when I say you won't believe what happened next!

I have gotten a little more familiar with Korean food and a Korean alcoholic drink over the years.

What Happened that night with the Korean alcoholic drink?

I was a curious Aussie, standing in the cold and watching as young men charged up the street chanting. I had never seen anything like this before – it seemed to be some engagement party - or at least that's what they called it: 'hamn".

As far as I could tell, women on one side were trying to persuade a group of men into their house by any means necessary, whether through music and dancing, gifts or other tactics! After about an hour's hard work (which included more than its fair share of noise!), finally, there is a success...and with that comes treasure – namely, cheers from all gathered around ushering the future bride inside for festivities ahead!

As the only non-Korean speaking person in a room full of Koreans, I felt out of place. My Korean girlfriend sat beside me but was preoccupied with catching up after our long flight from Seoul. With everyone else deep in conversation and laughter, my attention shifted towards the food before us at the table - so much unknown to me except for its foreignness!

I mustered courage as I scooped an unfamiliar dish onto my plate; it didn't look quite enticing, considering how tired I already felt post-travel. But surprisingly enough, that first bite changed everything – no wonder why there were so many conversations around this particular meal, like what had gotten into this house!

I was feeling so out of place and drained from the long day, but when a conversation drifted my way, I suddenly found myself becoming part of something special. It seemed like it just dawned on them that an outsider was in their presence - yet this only spurred curiosity about who I am!

I don't know what hit me more; those questions or the Soju these young Korean men passed around. The first taste sent pleasure running through me with its smooth sensation – no wonder why they consider it one of the finest spirits ever known! But once you start, it's hard to stop...one glass soon became two. Three, which eventually led to fifteen (no kidding)—with each drink, language barriers disappeared while laughter filled our conversations until morning light arrived – memories fully intact thanks to that fantastic Soju experience!

The rest of the night was a total blur! I shamelessly grabbed the karaoke mic and tried to serenade it, but my rendition of Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love To You" didn't quite hit all the right notes. My romantic moment quickly ended as they ripped away that fateful microphone before it could reach its climax—unfortunately for me, no lovemaking this time around.

Afterwards? Blackout-town! I'm not sure how I'd gotten there in the first place, but it looks like their momma bear didn't precisely appreciate napping in my sister-in-law's bed. Talk about an awkward introduction, though. The next thing I knew, there were repeated smacks on my shoulder--as if someone was saying, "hello again?!"

From the second I set foot out of that taxi, a wave of nausea crashed into me. Before I knew it, my stomach contents were exploding in front of the house where we'd been staying - and this was only the beginning! For four long days afterwards, vomiting continued to ravage my body as alcohol poisoning took its toll. Suffice it to say – all thanks go towards none other than myself for this particularly wild ride.

My inaugural pilgrimage to Korea was a colossal misstep, so cringeworthy that it's become part of family folklore. It won't rank in my top trips for precious memories anytime soon!

Oh yeah, and whatever happened to that girlfriend at the time? Surely her family didn't let me stick around. Nothing could be further from the truth. I made her my wife a couple of years later, and to this day, we are still going secure with a couple of new additions to the family.

The night a Korean alcoholic drink made me a fool in Seoul was also the first and last time I ever drank Soju.

Are you heading to Seoul? Look for accommodation on TripAdvisor.

I married my then-girlfriend and have since created quite a beautiful life together - with two little ones to boot!

Is South Korea a safe country to visit? Bottom dollar it is. Quite frankly, it's incredibly reliable, and I would not hesitate to recommend any traveller to the East Asia country. 

I have been to South Korea on a few separate occasions, and come the lead to every trip, I get asked the same old questions. You know those simple questions like, "be careful, North Korea might launch a nuclear missile," or another classic, "Should you be taking your kids into the country?" and the common question which always turns up ", Is South Korea a safe country to visit? I wouldn't be going if I was you."

The answers are always the same, much like their questions.

It continues along the same line every time Kim Jong-Un's name appears in the media, which is a regular occurrence, although his best friend, Donald Trump, seems to keep him in check. However, the North Korean President was prominent in the news during my last trip to Seoul. Friends told me I was crazy for going and getting tagged on Facebook for every news article with the latest gossip coming out of North Korea.

Every single time I could only roll my eyes at their concerns; it would be my friends and family missing out on an epic trip to a beautiful country in South Korea.

Why don't you check out this Seoul Kimchi and Culture
tour with Klook for an authentic Korean Experience!

Is South Korea a safe country to visit? Of course, it is, and it's a beautiful country to visit.

Is South Korea a Safe Country to Visit?

So what is my usual answer to those being concerned for my well-being in a foreign country permanently in the news? (And I do know they mean well)

My response is South Korea is a very safe country to visit, and not only that, it is one of the most beautiful and friendliest countries I have ever seen. It's a tourist goldmine with a lot happening within the country, especially in the capital city of Seoul. When asked about my security, I tell people that I feel safer in Seoul than in my home country in, Australia, and yes, I think Australia is very safe, of course. For instance, in Seoul, you can't walk in the city centre without seeing a group of police gathered together in large numbers and situated on every corner of the city.

I get that their concern is not about what is happening within the country of the Korean Republic itself; the matter is the neighbours in the North. That is like saying, should I go on holiday in case of a terrorist attack? Or should I jump on a plane in case it goes down? Due to catastrophic events that have occurred over recent years.

Daily concerns in our lives and even in our backyards about the safety of our homes exist. We don't shield ourselves from the problems at home, nor should we when travelling because of a minimal chance something goes wrong. Of course, you need to move cautiously; that is a given, and that's when you must get travel insurance for every trip you take because you never know what is around the corner.

Live life to the fullest; that's my motto because when it is all said and done, we only get one chance at it, and it's about making every day count. If we live every day in fear, we will never go outside our homes; hence, if you find yourselves with a chance to visit the beautiful country of South Korea.

Jump at it without any hesitations because I guarantee you that you won't regret it one bit. I know I haven't on each occasion I have visited, and I can't wait to head back again real soon and write a few more Fair Dinkum Traveller stories.

Check out this excellent Book from Amazon South Korea: At the Crossroads, a great history listens on the country and their neighbours North Korea.

Book at hotel in South Korea with Booking. com

Why don't you check out this Seoul Kimchi and Culture
tour with Klook for an authentic Korean Experience!

Explore modern Korea and have a safe trip.