Explore South Korea through its fascinating layers: ancient traditions alongside modernity, bustling cities alongside quiet countryside, and the memories travellers carry home. From Seoul to Daegu and Busan, these stories explore Korea through culture, history, people, places and personal observation.

Chance can be a good friend or a missed opportunity. Way back in 2015, I used to cover events at the Korean Cultural Centre in Delhi. New to the digital world and blogging, I had little idea that I was soon going to get a glimpse of one of Asia’s most technologically advanced nations.

One morning, I received a call asking why I hadn’t responded to an invitation to attend a global conference on peace between the two Koreas. That sent me scrambling for my mailbox, where I eventually found the invitation sitting in my Spam folder.

With just five days left before the ticket expired, I made a hurried call to the Cultural Centre, submitted my visa application and, in the nick of time, found myself flying to South Korea with very little idea of what to expect.

I landed discovered a country full of surprises: smooth systems, clean streets, excellent infrastructure, families camping beside the Han River, boats tied to car roofs, ubiquitous internet and a fast-paced yet remarkably orderly way of life.

I met 80 journalists from around the world and encountered a society where discipline and progress are woven into everyday life.

I got another glimpse of that forward-thinking approach during Covid-19. The Journalists Association of Korea did not forgo its annual global conference, taking it online in both 2020 and 2021. I was among the speakers at the conference on environment coverage in mainstream media (1:06-1:11), sharing my perspective from India. What struck me was the discipline even in an online setting: participants joining from South Korea were wearing masks.

South Korea’s history is turbulent and complex, yet its transformation into a modern, technologically advanced society remains remarkable. Looking back now, I realise how much that journey stayed with me. Sometimes, memory plays truant, but penning this down has made it come alive again. I hope these stories bring some of that journey back to life for you too.

Stories from South Korea

Ambica Gulati wears many hats: independent journalist, editor, multimedia storyteller, and author. Her work explores global affairs, conscious travel, the environment, culture, and the intuitive arts. Beyond the laptop, she nourishes her creative practice through meditation, birding, reading, journaling, oracle cards, and yoga.

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