20 things I’m looking forward to in 2020

2019 was a crazy year for me. A year that started in San Francisco working in finance ended in South Korea teaching English. After a roller coaster 2019, I am looking forward to a 2020 full of travel, self-improvement, and noraebangs…

 

1. Traveling to Taiwan — My family and I are traveling to Taiwan this year. We’ve never been on a trip to Asia together, and I have yet to travel abroad with my sister. I can’t wait!

 

2. Traveling to Vietnam — Heading to Vietnam with my girlfriend during school break. It’s amazing that we have an opportunity like this to travel together, and Vietnam has been on the bucket list for quite some time.

 

3. Learning More Korean — I’m on a little bit of a roll, so I’m excited to keep it up. One lesson every Thursday!

 

4. Moving to Seonghwan — In the fall, I’ll be moving to the nearest town. Undoubtedly, it will be a nice of change of pace from my field (although I will miss the cows).

 

5. Visiting my family — During summer break, I will be able to spend some time with my family at home. Will be much needed after being away for a year.

 

6. Exploring Jeju — Jeju Island is “the Hawaii of Korea” and is absolutely stunning. I’ll have the chance to visit next fall.

 

7. Visiting the DMZ — Shocked I haven’t already been! To me, this is one of the most intriguing tourist spots in the world.

 

8. Boryeong Mud Festival — Massive mud festival in my province. Barely missed it this year, that won’t happen again in 2020.

 

9. Skiing — I fell in love with skiing while exploring Lake Tahoe during my time in San Francisco. Now that I’m actually decent, it’ll be a blast to check out the ski resorts in Korea.

 

10. Muay Thai classes — Not only because I desperately need to get into a steady workout routine, but also because it’s fun. Plus, all my major breakthroughs seem to happen with my friends at the Muay Thai gym.

 

11. Noraebangs — Korean karaoke rooms are one of my favorite late night activities. Friends, soju, live music — what more can you ask for?

 

12. Korean BBQ — An experience more than it is a meal of delicious meat and dozens of side dishes. Eating BBQ is a must when heading out for a meal with friends.

 

13. Time with my students — Completely new to teaching, I didn’t realize when I arrived here in August how rewarding it is . Now that I have formed bonds with my students, teaching has become so much more enjoyable.

 

14. Meeting other foreigners — I love hearing stories about how people ended up in Korea. Each of us have a different path, but we tend to connect quickly due to our love of travel.

 

15. Befriending locals — I hoped to make some local friends in 2019, but this is looking more like a 2020 endeavor. How fun would it be to be in a Korean groupchat?

 

16. Writing — Even since publishing one blog post each day, I’ve found writing to be therapeutic. It allows me to express myself while reflecting on my emotions.

 

17. Coffees at my place — I’m certain I keep the tiny café below my apartment in business. Looking forward to many more vanilla lattés and conversations with the café owner.

 

18. Scooter rides (and repairs) — While purchasing strawberry was a necessity, I love riding around town. During the summer months, nothing beats a sunset cruise through the fields near me.

 

19. Exploring Seoul — Seoul is a vast, exciting, and straight-up fun city. I have yet to experience 99% of what it has to offer.

 

20. Another year of life abroad — This year, I took a risk and chased a goal I had set for myself. Next year, I improve, adjust to, and enjoy my life in South Korea.

 

Best wishes for a wonderful 2020!

-Stephen