In 2016, I encountered a North Korean Defector – way out of the ordinary. She was an extraordinary woman in her thirties who had made it to Seoul from one of the world’s most oppressive regimes.

While I couldn’t communicate with her directly, my South Korean wife could share some insights – and what came through is a story that illustrates true bravery and courage in the forsaking home for freedom, not only being rewarded by hope but also haunted by sadness after leaving behind everything she knew.

It changed me forever knowing this remarkable person, whose name remains unknown, sacrificed so much to provide better opportunities for herself and those she loves.

A North Korean Defector makes her way into South Korea.

The Day I Met a North Korean Defector in Seoul – South Korea

Her story of courage will stay with me forever – it’s a powerful reminder of how far we can go when fighting for what matters most; our families’ well-being and safety.

Leaving North Korea Forever, Never to Return

After a year of careful planning in utmost secrecy, she had finally found the means to make her daring escape from North Korea. Her husband was none the wiser since he would have forbidden such an endeavour. Still, with tremendous courage and determination – coupled with help from a secret group – she crossed over into China’s borders for freedom that awaited her on the other side. It must’ve been tough for her to keep it all hidden throughout this unforgettable journey!

As the moonlight bathed the night sky in its tranquil light, a brave mother and daughter embarked on an unforgettable journey for freedom. With her child safely tucked away under the blanket of slumber courtesy of some sleeping peels to keep her calm, this courageous woman led their small group of defectors towards safety at China’s borders. After months spent pushing through daunting layers of preparation and secrecy, it was finally time to make that daring break from fear – but nothing could keep them from reaching liberation!

Settling in South Korea and becoming A North Korean Defector 

After making the courageous move to South Korea, she and her daughter were aided by The South Korean Government in establishing a new life for themselves. Together they embarked on their journey of success! Receiving substantial grants like an apartment, schooling opportunities, financial aid, and even employment made this transition simpler than ever expected.

On meeting this remarkable woman for what would be just once more time, it became apparent why such bravery is encouraged: even through hardship comes joy! After years of sacrifice and unwavering courage, she was rewarded with a better life without poverty. She now had the opportunity to share her story with visitors worldwide while knowing that her daughter received an education in a good school.

Sacrifices she made for her Daughter and their Freedom

She had to break free and leave everything behind; the cost of freedom was high. Her husband never knew that she risked her life in pursuit of a better future, far away from North Korea’s impenetrable walls – for if he did, it wouldn’t have been allowed. But still, she bravely traversed those boundaries with only hope in her heart…a hope broken by the realization that they could never be reunited again. “He would not understand,” were words spoken softly yet firmly revealing an unescapable truth: though taken apart physically by borders no man should ever cross, their love will endure always across this great divide despite all odds against them​

Despite her overwhelming obstacles, this brave woman triumphed over adversity and achieved freedom. She lost her parents in a faraway land yet remains determined to reunite with them – something other North Korean defectors have either attempted or failed to achieve. Her story reminds us that no matter how difficult the journey ahead seems, fortune favours those who persevere towards their dreams! Connecting via a Chinese telecom service, which can’t be traced, keeps her dream alive, inspiring hope of seeing them again despite any danger it may bring.

The South Korean Government strives to support those seeking freedom from North Korea, despite not being able to capture any images of a Defector due to security restrictions. It is evident that the Government are determined in their mission and has put safety first, ensuring both – refuge for those escaping oppression and protection against espionage attempts.

The North Korean Defector now lives in freedom in Seoul, South Korea.

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.

Springtime in Seoul is not just a time for the picturesque cherry blossoms but marks the commencement of the Korean baseball season. This season promises to be another compelling one full of gripping moments that will leave sports lovers on the edge of their seats.

For those who want to experience the electrifying atmosphere firsthand, Jamsil Stadium is the place to be. As the most famous baseball stadium in the city, the renowned stadium hosted the baseball games during the 1988 Seoul Olympics. With stunning cheerleaders dressed to impress and the crowds roaring their team on, it’s no wonder that Jamsil Stadium is so famous. If you’re looking for an excuse to get your passion for sports going, then the baseball season in Seoul is just what you need.

Baseball may not be the first thing that comes to mind when planning a trip to Seoul, but I highly recommend checking out a game at the Jamsil Baseball Stadium. Even if you’re not a die-hard fan of the sport, the lively atmosphere and enthusiastic crowd will surely make for an unforgettable experience.

From the cheering chants to the delicious stadium snacks, you’ll feel like a true local as you root for the home team. And who knows, you may even find yourself belting out “Take me out to the ball game” in between innings as I did. So why not do yourself a favour and add a baseball game to your itinerary when exploring the vibrant city of Seoul?

Are you visiting Seoul in South Korea for Baseball action? Find affordable hotel rates at Booking.com!

Supporting the away team at Jamsil Stadium is not very smart, I would say.

Where is the Famous Venue of Jamsil Stadium, Seoul?

Jamsil Olympic Stadium has become a must-see in southern Seoul of South Korea, one of its central tourist attractions. The stadium, located next to the former Olympic Stadium, offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy a breathtaking view of the Han River while cheering on the home team.

If you’re hoping to catch a Korean baseball game, there’s no better way to get there than by taking the subway. Travel along the green line, alight at Jamsil station, and walk right out of the gate into baseball paradise!

Come and experience the exceptional blend of sports and Seoul sightseeing that Jamsil Olympic Stadium offers. While parking space can be limited, the stadium grounds are well-equipped and provide ample parking spots for patrons who drive. Don’t forget to visit the Doosan Bears shop near the entrance and take home a souvenir or two.

A lot of activity outside the stadium.

 Basic Information on Jasil Stadium – Seoul!

Jamsil Stadium, built in 1982, was designed to be Seoul’s premier baseball stadium. However, it has served a much greater purpose than that. This venue hosted baseball games during the 1988 Olympics, alongside the main athletic arena and the swimming stadium.

As the home of co-tenants Doosan Bears and LG Twins, it sees a lot of excitement during the baseball season. During a day game, the Doosan Bears put on quite a show against the Samsung Lions, whereas the LG Twins lost a nail-biting match against the NC Dinos at night. Recently, I was fortunate enough to catch both teams in action, and it was quite an experience.

If you’re planning to visit Jamsil Stadium, make sure to pick up some Korean baseball merchandise and show your support for a team because there’s no fun in being a neutral spectator.

How Jamsil Stadium, Seoul, was used at the Summer Olympics in 1988

Jamsil Stadium, located in the thriving capital of South Korea, quickly became a hub of excitement during the Summer Olympics of 1988. As the country hosted an international event for the first time, the baseball venue within Jamsil Stadium proved to be an ideal location for the sport.

The Seoul stadium was large enough to hold over 30,000 spectators and was built specifically for the Summer Olympics at the time. Many notable baseball games were played here, including the showdown between the United States and Japan, which ended with the United States taking home the gold medal.

The atmosphere within the stadium was electric, vibrant, and infused with the passion of thousands of spectators, creating a memorable experience for all involved. The legacy of Jamsil Stadium has only grown since then, attracting sports enthusiasts worldwide who seek to experience the magic and thrill of this historic landmark.

The Fans and Stadium Entertainment at the Game

It’s not often that a sporting occasion’s atmosphere is more exciting than the action on the field, but at Jamsil during a baseball game, it’s not an understatement to say that the fans make the occasion.

Even if baseball isn’t your preferred sport, you can’t help but feel wrapped up in the excitement that permeates the stadium. The energy and enthusiasm of the crowd announcers and the chants from the Korean fans serve to energize and excite everyone in attendance. And let’s not forget the beautiful cheerleaders who bring an extra level of entertainment to the proceedings.

All in all, if you’re looking for a memorable experience, look no further than the electric atmosphere of Jamsil during a baseball game.

The Korean Baseball Season

Baseball fanatics, mark your calendars because the Korean Baseball Season is almost here! With 144 games plus playoffs, the season spans over six months, giving fans numerous opportunities to catch their favourite teams in the act. Come April; we’ll witness ten teams competing for the ultimate prize of being crowned Korean championships., ps. Ion.

Prepare to cheer on your favourite teams as we count down to an unforgettable season of Korean baseball! Jamsil Stadium, in particular, will be exciting as it hosts close to 150 games. And let’s not forget about the dedicated ground staff who have their work cut out for them, ensuring that the stadium is in tip-top shape for every game.

Why you should visit Jamsil stadium in Seoul, even if you’re not a baseball fan

Jamsil Stadium in Seoul is a must-visit destination, even if you’re not a die-hard baseball fan. While this sports arena is the home of the LG Twins, it offers much more than just a game. The stadium is a hub of excitement and energy, where you can soak up the electrifying atmosphere and experience the lively culture of South Korea.

With its state-of-the-art facilities, Jamsil stadium has become a popular venue for concerts, variety shows, and other events, making it an incredible entertainment hotspot for everyone. It’s the perfect place to indulge in the local culture, taste the food, and get swept up in the city’s vibrant spirit.

So, whether for the love of sports, entertainment, or culture, a visit to Jamsil stadium is an absolute must.

Baseball is better at night, with Seoul lit up in the background.

[embedyt] http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pdtG28t9E4&width=700&height=423[/embedyt]

It was the day the South Korean police came barging into my Airbnb apartment and fair to say I was not too impressed at the whole situation, as it brought a little stress to the holidays and it caught me quite unaware.

Anyway, here is the story of my Airbnb Seoul experiences.

First of all, this post is not a dig at Airbnb Korea! I think Airbnb is a terrific organisation that I will use on numerous more opportunities and a convenient system that does indeed work for the majority of the time.

In life, little problems can arise, and it did on this particular morning, hence this short episode I am about to share with you right now about an Airbnb experience I had in Seoul of South Korea.

The Airbnb Experience Seoul

In a recent trip to South Korea, we booked our accommodation through Airbnb, using their services for the first time and the whole experience was going smoothly.

On the Airbnb website, we were able to find a lovely lofted apartment, perfect for a family of four and in an ideal location of Seoul.

Everything went well with the booking, the owners were helpful upon checking in to the apartment, and more importantly, the apartment was clean and spacious.

And yes, Airbnb is legal in Korea, but like anything in life, it comes with rules and organisation.

Image by Pexels: South Korean Police, always do a great job.

So what went wrong with the Seoul Airbnb Apartment?

A few days into our stay, my wife, who is Korean, went out to catch up with friends. I was in the apartment with my two boys when there was a knock on the door, this should go well, I thought, full well knowing I couldn’t speak a word of Korean.

Of course, I opened the door (I do love a challenge).

Upon opening the door, I could see that I would indeed face a challenge because standing in front of me were three policemen. I

nteresting indeed.

They proceeded to ask me, with the only English speaking police officer present, “if the apartment was rented through Airbnb?”I answered yes, why not, I had no reason to lie or hesitate.

After an initial chat at the door, the South Korean police officers proceeded to enter the apartment and began to take photos, (okay, they didn’t want precisely barge in).

At this stage, I was a little panicked, and all I could do at this time was to try and get in touch with my Korean speaking wife.

I couldn’t.

After the police wandered through the apartment, they wanted me to write a statement saying that I rented this apartment through Airbnb. The officer proceeded to explain to me that this is an illegal apartment due to being unregistered as an Airbnb apartment.

Well at this stage, I was furious, not at the police but at the owners who I paid perfectly good money to for rental of the studio.

They proceeded to give me the paperwork for a statement; it was in Korean writing. I refused to write the report because it wasn’t in English, even though the officer offered to translate. That’s nice but no. Don’t ever fill out a statement when you can’t understand the text, a golden rule in life.

The police told me that they would return when my wife got home, and before they left, I gave them the details to the owners through the booking report. Leaving the apartment and reassuring me I was not in trouble and that our stay in the studio would continue.

All’s well, and end’s well I suppose.

The police never returned to the apartment as they said they would.

And I wish I could give you a fitting conclusion, but what I do know, however, is that the owners were in the police department no more than two hours later and in a little bit of trouble.

Of course, I was not privy to all the information at what happened to the owners of the Airbnb apartment, but it’s safe to say that the owners probably got a good old fine.

A decent whack I suppose for not being honest landlords.

Photo by Pexel: The Day the South Korean Police came Barging in my Airbnb Apartment.