On Traveling Alone

It is often the case in this country that I wind up traveling alone - that is, no companion out of the starting gate and no one to meet when I reach my destination. Although my favoured form of traveling here is as a sort of auxiliary to another group - we can meet and part and meet as we see fit, for the purpose of good times and lessened frustration for all - there is some things to be said for the 'going it alone' strategy.

You can plan spontaneously. In a group, there is an expectation that you will move together and thus any change in the itinerary is subject to discussion and debate. If you're by yourself, you can change your plans on the fly immediately upon receiving new information or whims.

You can experience things that you wouldn't have in a group. You can talk to random people, random Koreans can come up and talk to you - yes, they're looking to practice their English, but isn't that what you're in the country for?

You can do what interests you the most. Many friends I have - well, they like beaches and clubs and shops the most. That's all right. Sometimes, I really enjoy those things too. But I really love museums and historical sites and chances to just wander with a camera in hand. (Sometimes, they really enjoy those things too.) It's so pleasant, though, to be able to go in any direction you want to. I will go to this amusement park! I will go to this island! I will go ride my bike! Those are grand statements to make.

With western food, at least, you have the choice of where you want to eat. Kebabs? Sure. Burritos? Definitely. Burgers? Why not? There is no need to negotiate with anyone. Note that this does not apply for Korean restaurants.

You become more independent. Any problem you face, you must figure out to how to fix it. I actually find that I'm calmer about 'situations' when I'm alone as opposed to when I'm in a group. Somehow, there is a mental block in my mind that if I'm in a group, someone else can solve the problem and I'm free to get into a pancake. By myself, there is no such crutch.

All your opinions about the experience are your own. You're not reliant on anyone else to decide how good a time you really had.

It can be lonely. But it's worth doing.