<Out of the City> 27.

While breathing for 27 years on this Earth, momentous changes occurred to my perspective of everything. When I pause mid-step, take a deep breath, put both feet solidly on the ground, and take a look over my shoulders, I can see that I have jumped oceans and Mount Everests.

Good or bad, sweet or bitter, proud or embarrassing, what minuscule footmarks I have made in this world are mine alone and here to stay. So many words floats around, but you are your sole life-long guide to the future of the better and the brighter.

What has been on your mind recently?

<photos by Rob Lee>

<Out of the City> 2015.

Unknowingly, 2014 has slipped through our fingers, and I have caught myself entering the door of 2015 impromptu. The faint scent of 2014 still lingers as I don't feel ready to embrace the new year, but it is here anyway. The memories still twirl around in my mind as nostalgia fills the air like a cup of freshly brewed coffee inside a cozy cafe.

Nevertheless, 2015 is here, so welcome, we will become fast friends yet.

This photo was taken at my recent trip to Siem Reap, Cambodia.
<photo by me>

<Out of the City> Tokyo, Japan: Two.

In contrast to the vividly dynamic and uniquely eclectic glitz of Tokyo, the city also embraces areas of simple serenity that are absolutely beautiful. I found the soothing spirits of these places quite indelible.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> Tokyo, Japan: One.

Tokyo is like a facsimile of Seoul in more ways than one. In many other ways, the two cities wear completely different faces. Japan has been known to be very culturally similar to Korea, possibly due to the two countries' long, intertwined history.

What I find most charming about major Asian cities are their multitudes of layers.  It's as if you're gleefully pulling out an endless number of colorful sheets from a box. That and a million other reasons make traveling so irresistible.

So you are in Tokyo.  With the will of a tenacious tourist, you take that next step forward with your aching feet that even a pair of Nike cannot aid. Then, in a quick moment, you suck in a wisp of air and tilt your head ever-so-slightly. The glittering skyscrapers peel back to reveal the everyday lives of Japan. The backdrop paints a melted concoction of lights, people, and personality. As you wander around the city all day, you are constantly lost in various cultures and decades of time.

A collection of random shots of Shibuya, Harajuku, Akihabara, and Shinjuku.

<photos by me>

<Out of the City> Seong Bong Island: 승봉도.

This past August, I decided a getaway was a must for my sanity. Unfortunately, international flights during this time were ridiculously and ludicrously bank-breaking.

After calming my internal fury, I ultimately decided on a domestic trip to Seong Bong Island with my sister.
A while back, someone recommended this relatively unknown island to me.

My sister and I had to take a ferry departing from the Incheon Harbor for about two hours. I highly recommend booking ferry tickets in advance.

I got a kick out of watching seagulls drifting low by our ferry boat and eagerly gorging on the crackers and bread tossed by the fascinated passengers. I could have reached out and touched those greedy birds, but they looked a tad unsanitary.

Upon arrival, consuming a scrumptiously obese bowl of 바지락 칼국수 (hot clam noodle soup) with the beach front view was our number one priority. 

Our B&B/ lodging, locally known as a 'pension', was in need of MUCH thicker walls, but the owners were hospitable and even took us to the other side of the island for sightseeing.

I was enveloped in deafening calmness and serenity that evening. Truthfully, I missed the city's orchestra of din.

 The next morning, the sky broke loose its glory whilst my sister and I took a stroll. 

All things come to an end, and soon, it was time to board the ferry.

I hope the ever-so picturesque Seong Bong Island will not gain too much popularity. Its untainted and sparsely populated nature provides an honest tranquility that is hard to come by in our crazy world.

<photos by me> 

<In the City> Bukchon Hanok Village.

This past Sunday flaunted Korea's perfectly balmy autumn weather. My friend and I decided to make the most of it and commenced to be tourists for a day by visiting the Bukchon Hanok Village.

Take time to immerse yourself in the fine details of these traditional houses called 'hanok'.

 

Traditional Korean architecture embraces elegance and delicacy. Walking amidst these houses, you momentarily catch your breath and find yourself catapulted back in time. 

Bukchon Hanok Village and its charms are more notable without the throngs of tourists and locals on the weekends. 

<photos by me>

Hello.

This is my playground of everything I enjoy. 

<photo by me>