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6/24/2026
A New Chapter Begins: Touchdown in America
Breaking a Long Silence
It’s been quite a while since I last wrote in my journal. If you’re wondering if it’s because I was just being lazy, well, that's true. But honestly, I’ve also been incredibly busy.
The Journey Begins: From KTX to Songdo
Today, I finally arrived in the US. Since Incheon Airport is pretty far from where I live, I debated whether to take the bus or the KTX (Korea’s high-speed rail). In the end, I chose the KTX because it gets there much faster than the bus. When I arrived at Gwangmyeong Station, hauling my suitcase onto a city bus seemed like too much of a hassle, so I grabbed a taxi instead. My first stop was Songdo. I absolutely love that city. The streets are so clean and well-organized, and the whole place just has a great vibe. It’s quite a contrast from where I usually stay, and I kept thinking about how much I love the city.
In the Songdo
A Quick Rest and Lab Homework at the Airport
Since dragging my suitcase around was exhausting, I locked it in a subway station storage locker, headed to a shopping area near Central Park for some fast food, and took a relaxing walk. The day before, an older guy from my research lab had told me to think about my research topic for the upcoming second semester, so I spent the entire day mulling it over. I’m not entirely sure if I came up with a good idea, but I messaged him my thoughts anyway and then caught a bus to the airport. The ride took about 40 minutes, and once I arrived, I saw the other people who were heading to the US with me. Some had only one suitcase like me, others had two, and one person even brought four bags. It made me wonder if I had packed way too light.
Air Premia 131: 13 Hours in the Air
Flight Air Premia 131. It was a pretty long flight. Flying for 13 hours is so exhausting and draining. To be honest, I'm used to sitting for long periods, so that part didn't really bother me. However, right before we landed, three babies in the back started crying and didn't stop for two hours, which was incredibly rough. I’ll admit I was annoyed, but then I thought about how stressful it must be for their parents, so I decided to be understanding.
After arriving at the airport
Clearing Customs in a Tense World
As soon as we landed, we went through immigration. I figured security might be extra tight given that the US is at war, but surprisingly, I got through quite easily. They just asked why I was visiting the US, how long I’d be staying, and if I had any food in my bag. After taking my fingerprints, they sent me right through.
First Impressions of a Whole New World
This place is a completely different world. I took a look around outside from the bus taking me from the airport to my accommodations, and I was completely overwhelmed by the vast American plains, the massive highways, and the overall atmosphere. I’m writing this now, wondering if I’ll ever get an opportunity like this again. I’m not sure if I’ll be able to fall asleep easily tonight, but I’ll write again tomorrow.
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