Lucky #7

February 2025

“You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
— Oh, the Places You’ll Go! by Dr. Seuss

Life is a journey, but rarely is the path predictable. The uncertainty can be daunting—but it’s also what makes the journey worthwhile. Every place I’ve been, every experience I’ve had, has shaped the way I think, feel, and see the world. Some moments have affirmed what I already believed. Others have unraveled long-held assumptions. But each one has stretched the boundaries of what I thought was true, meaningful, or possible.

#1) Seoul: The Pulse of Identity

This city has been home for the past 21 years. Seoul moves quickly—its pace is electric and unrelenting. I’ve grown up on that rhythm. I’ve found my drive in its urgency. At the same time, it has grounded me in my cultural identity. The comfort of “kimchi jjigae” around the dinner table, the traditions that infuse daily life, the unspoken codes that connect generations—these have shaped who I am as a Korean-American.

#2) Chicago: The Genesis of Curiosity

Born amidst the academic pursuits of my father’s PhD and my mother’s artistic endeavors, I was cradled by a world of books and canvases. This early immersion in intellectual and creative pursuits laid an indelible foundation, igniting the sparks of curiosity that continue to illuminate my present intellectual explorations. It was a formative period that instilled in me an enduring appreciation for the expansive wisdom offered by the liberal arts.

#3) Tokyo, Hong Kong, New York: The Rhythms of Reflection

Tokyo, Hong Kong, and New York—three distinct global hubs, yet united by a shared, ceaseless pulse. Like Seoul, these cities seem to defy slumber, their inhabitants caught in an endless dance. I, too, have often found myself swept away by the sheer cacophony of bustling urban life. In these moments, my thoughts often drift to Camus’s "Myth of Sisyphus," pondering the man condemned to an eternal, seemingly meaningless task. One cannot help but question: amidst such relentless motion, where lies one’s purpose? These cities serve as powerful reminders to pause, to breathe, and to truly see the world beyond the incessant grind—to stop and smell the flowers, lest life becomes an unwitting, Sisyphean climb.

#4) Siem Reap: The Dawn of Revelation

I recall, with a mix of reluctance and wonder, being roused from my hotel bed at 5 AM to witness the sunrise at Angkor Wat, the ancient Hindu temple. The trek was arduous, the tropical heat unyielding. Yet, the moment I reached the summit and beheld the breathtaking panorama before me, every ounce of effort dissolved into awe. The ethereal beauty of the dawn breaking over the ancient spires was a profound testament: you won't find a rainbow without a little bit of rain. The most magnificent rewards often lie beyond the most challenging climbs.

#5) Manila & Hoi An: The Privilege of Presence

My time in Manila and Hoi An during my church’s "Service Week" was transformative. We mixed concrete for homes, shared moments with children at an orphanage, and delivered sustenance to locals. Having previously visited Manila as a mere tourist, this experience—driven by a desire to serve rather than be served—unveiled my prior ignorance. This trip allowed me to perceive these places and their people in their raw authenticity because, this time, I was not an observer but an active participant, deeply involved and truly invested. I felt woven into the fabric of their reality, no longer an outsider looking in. It was an immense privilege to learn from them and to work alongside them, understanding that true connection demands action and presence.

#6) Venice: The Art of Perspective

Venice, a city suspended between dream and reality, appeared initially as a mirage. From a rooftop, I gazed upon its intricate labyrinth of canals and ancient architecture. Yet, it was from the intimate vantage point of a gondola, gliding through its narrow waterways, that I truly grasped its essence. Details previously unseen, nuances missed from afar, revealed themselves in close-up. Life, too, often demands this dual perspective: a broad overview to grasp the whole, and a willingness to lean in for an intimate, closer look. The key lies in embracing multiple viewpoints and finding a delicate balance, allowing us to "see better" and discern the multifaceted truths of our existence.

#7) Destination unknown 

Ultimately, it is not about where you’ve been but what you’ve learned. My travels—both literal and metaphorical—have taught me to live with curiosity, to listen deeply, and to move forward with purpose. It is the "brains in my head" and the "feet in my shoes that carried me toward these truths.

And I stand ready, eagerly anticipating where they will take me next.