Last year I graduated from high school and entered Gachon University. I was looking forward to being a college student and facing new changes in my life. However, I soon discovered that there were no big changes. Even though I no longer faced the pressure of studying for the college entrance exam, I was even more bored than in high school. I just worked part-time at a small pub and stayed glued to my smartphone screen at home. As the days went by, I found there was little meaningful going on in my life.

As a result, after my first midterm exam at university, I decided to do something special, and to stop wasting my time on meaningless activities. So I asked myself what I was really passionate about, and I remembered that one of my favorite things was traveling. When I was young, I used to visit many famous tourist sites with my family, where we would enjoy seeing beautiful scenic places. Recalling these experiences made me decide to go traveling alone for a couple of days.

Early morning on the first day of my trip, I went to Cheongnyangni Station and purchased a train ticket to Danyang, Chungchungbuk-do. While on the train, I planned my travel schedule and booked a guesthouse on my smartphone. After I arrived in Danyang, I visited some famous tourist sites such as Dodam Sambong, a historically important place in the Joseon era, and Gosudonggul, a huge limestone cave. It felt great to see the wonderful scenery and experience the natural surroundings. Moreover, it was spring at that time, so the weather was perfect for traveling. That night, I drank beer in the guesthouse. I felt very good and thought deeply about my future and what I would do with my life. Thus, the time I spent there alone allowed me to engage in some serious self-reflection and find out who I really was.

On the second day of my trip I went paragliding. At first, it looked a bit scary, but after trying it I found out it was fun and exciting. While paragliding, my mind was put at ease seeing the beautiful mountain scenery and blue river flowing below me. For lunch that day I ate a kimchi pancake and buckwheat noodles, and then I visited some other famous tourist sites in Danyang. Finally, I went to Danyang Station and caught the midnight train back home.

I think my experience traveling alone was not just very exciting and memorable, but also personally enriching. I had to stop being so passive and learn to make my own plans. It helped me develop a more active mindset, find my identity, and foster a more adventurous spirit. It spurred big change in my life, boosted my self-confidence, made me more positive, and taught me that I could do anything I set my mind to. After that trip, I started taking a more active role in things. Now, for example, I participate actively in university lectures and try to study harder. I am also trying to discover what I should do with my life. I joined the university tennis club, which I enjoy very much. During the summer vacation, I volunteered to teach children from rural areas. In short, I now feel my life is more fulfilling and meaningful.

Some people may say that my experience traveling alone was not so special, but it helped me find my own identity and gave me a more active mindset. For me, it was very meaningful and valuable. So what about you? Have you thought about traveling by yourself? It is something that I would highly recommend. Maybe you will also be able to reflect on things in your life while having a pleasurable and valuable experience.