Lost in Jeju

The first week of any long-term trip is a rollercoaster—excitement, discomfort, loneliness, and unexpected challenges. Arriving in Korea, I thought I had everything planned. But my journey started with a solo detour to Jeju Island, a place often described as the "Hawaii of Korea." It sounded like the perfect start—until reality set in.

Jeju: A Beautiful but Lonely Start

Jeju’s landscapes were unreal—volcanic craters, misty mountains, and rugged coastlines. I should have been thrilled, but instead, I felt disconnected. I spent my days exploring, eating convenience store onigiri, and staring at the ocean, feeling an unsettling mix of freedom and isolation. The sky was gray and the wind was cold, but the real issue wasn’t Jeju itself—it was the lack of community.

Solo travel romanticizes independence, but the truth is, without connection, even paradise can feel empty. No deep conversations, no shared laughs over spicy tteokbokki, no one to help navigate language barriers—it was just me and my thoughts. And in the first week of a big trip, that can be overwhelming.

The First Month is Always the Hardest

There’s a reason so many travelers struggle during their first month abroad. It’s not just the logistics of new currencies, languages, and customs—it’s the mental shift. The excitement of arrival quickly turns into the realization that this isn’t just a vacation. It’s life, and life feels different when you don’t yet have a support system.

Homesickness isn’t always missing a place—it’s missing a sense of belonging. I felt that hard in Jeju, where I had no built-in community. The lesson hit me fast: solo travel doesn’t mean isolation, and I needed to prioritize finding people rather than just places.

Finding Connection & Moving Forward

After Jeju, I landed in Seoul, where I met up with Worldpackers hosts, locals, and other travelers. Conversations over Korean kimchi stew, wandering through neon-lit streets, struggling through basic Korean phrases with kind shop owners—it all reminded me why I was here. It wasn’t just about seeing a new country; it was about growing through experiences, and experiences are better when shared.

Takeaways for Travelers Facing the First-Month Slump

1. Community is Everything – Even if you love solo travel, find people. Hostels, volunteer programs, language meetups, and online groups can make all the difference.

2. Don’t Romanticize Solitude Too Much – Being alone is part of the journey, but too much of it can turn into a negative spiral.

3. The First Month is an Adjustment Period – Expect ups and downs. The goal isn’t to avoid struggle, but to move through it.

4. Reach Out First – Everyone’s in their own world, and it’s easy to assume people aren’t open to connection. Be the one to start conversations.

Final Thoughts

Jeju taught me that travel isn’t just about location; it’s about how you experience it. And for me, the key is connection. As I settle into life in Korea, I’m making community a priority—because no matter where you are, it’s the people that turn a place into a home.