KOREA FOUNDATION

INTERVIEW

Finding a Different Side of Myself
Writer GHamSung.Hyun.’s Journey to ASEAN

As people are planning their summer vacations ahead of the holiday season, for many Koreans, ASEAN countries are the quintessential travel destinations. For the July issue of the ASEAN Culture House Monthly, we spoke with GHamSung.Hyun., author of the book Off to ASEAN, a backpacking travelogue of over 50 cities in ten Southeast Asian countries.

Hello. Please say hi to the readers of the ASEAN Culture House Monthly.

Hello, I am GHamSung.Hyun. I’m a novelist who loves to travel, and I’m currently preparing to live as a digital nomad. Aside from novels, I also write lyrics and essays. My recent works include the novel 19, brave and painful and the travelogue Off to ASEAN.

Out of all the destinations, why did you decide to go to ASEAN?

Backpacking in ASEAN has more advantages and fewer drawbacks compared to traveling in Europe. The ASEAN region is close to Korea, and the trip is very affordable because the prices are much lower than in Europe. You can have a more diverse experience beyond just eating, sleeping, and moving around. More than anything, the fruits are very fresh and cheap, especially the tropical ones that are usually difficult to buy or expensive in Korea. Some of their names and the way of eating them were new to me, but I went to ASEAN to try and enjoy all of them, such as mango with rice, mangosteen, star fruit, and lychee.

If you were to travel there again, are there any specific ASEAN destinations you want to visit for a second time?

I want to revisit Cambodia’s Siem Reap, famous for Angkor Wat. The place was mystical and fascinating. If there is a chance, I want to go back to Mũi Néin Viet Nam as well. It’s a moderately quiet and developed coastal town. It’s perfect for unwinding and relaxing. I also miss Myanmar so much. The people were so charming that when I think of Myanmar, the first thing that comes to my mind is their smiles. I still vividly remember the sunrise and the vast landscape in Bagan, Myanmar.

What do you think are the benefits of traveling?

To me, the biggest upside of traveling is that you can find a different side of yourself. When I’m traveling, I become a simpler, more pleasant, and more attractive person because I am laid back and worry-free and live each day to its fullest.