Together Like This - Iroke Hamkke (이렇게 함께)

From the moment I first encountered Korean culture, something in me shifted. It wasn’t a sudden, dramatic event, but rather a gradual and profound connection that deepened over time.

The spark came in the spring of 2020, during the quiet days of lockdown, when a dear friend suggested I watch Mr. Sunshine. Little did I know, that recommendation would mark the beginning of a love affair with Korea that would shape the way I see the world.

"...the beginning of a love affair with Korea that would shape the way I see the world."

As each drama unfolded, I became more immersed in the mesmerizing soundtracks, which led me to explore the depth of Korean music. My curiosity grew into a hunger for knowledge, which went beyond the screen. A 35-episode podcast on the Korean War left me moved, and I started to delve into Korea’s history and language with fervor. Online research, documentaries, and eventually Korean language classes filled my days. The more I learned, the more I felt drawn to this beautiful culture.

Suncheon Open Set (순천 오픈세트장)

I had planned my first trip for April 2021, eagerly anticipating the chance to finally experience the land that had captured my heart. But fate, in the form of a global pandemic, delayed my plans. Still, this gave me more time to prepare, and when May 2022 arrived, I finally set foot in Korea for the first time. For 15 days, every moment exceeded my expectations—each experience felt like the euphoric high of falling in love.

"I want to invite you to walk beside me, to experience Korea through my eyes..."

One unforgettable moment happened in Busan, where two young Korean women, noticing my enthusiasm, expressed their admiration. Their kind words moved me to tears, and that chance encounter blossomed into a beautiful friendship that I treasure to this day.

Busan

Now, having visited Korea three times, I’ve come to realize that it’s more than just a destination for me. It’s a place where I feel a deep sense of belonging, despite being a foreigner. Iroke Hamkke (이렇게 함께) means "Together like this,” and for me, it encapsulates everything I feel about my connection to Korea. It’s about walking alongside the traditions, the language, the landscapes, and the people—experiencing it all as someone who is discovering and growing with each step.

Iroke-Hamkke- Together like this in Korea

This blog isn’t about travel tips or guides. Instead, Iroke Hamkke (이렇게 함께)  is a space where I can share my personal journey and my evolving love for Korea. I invite you to walk beside me, to experience Korea through my eyes, and maybe even feel a bit of the wonder and admiration I have for this country.

"Returning again year after year has only fueled my passion further..."

Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope Iroke Hamkke (이렇게 함께)  becomes a space of curiosity, reflection, and connection for anyone who shares a love for Korea as I do.