Why I Started “Find Your Korea”?
“Going beyond the glossy guidebooks to show you the heart of the real Korea.”
Hi there! I’m Sung-Kyeong(Call me Ben), the founder and curator of ‘Find Your Korea.’
As a Korean, it fills me with immense pride to see the global passion for K-Pop, K-Dramas, and our vibrant culture today. However, I often felt a sense of regret. Most information provided by government agencies or famous travel books tends to focus only on standardized, “must-visit” tourist spots.
I’ve always felt it was a shame that international travelers miss out on the “real local Korea”—the bustling back-alley eateries where locals grab a drink after work, the hidden weekend getaways known only to residents, and the unique history and culture deeply rooted in our daily lives.
That’s why I decided to step forward. Find Your Korea is a blog dedicated to introducing the flavors and beauty of Korea to international visitors. I strive to provide reliable information that our readers can trust.” I also believe my unique background can serve as a sturdy bridge between you and the authentic Korea.
- 7 Years of Life in the U.S.: “Graduating from university in Texas and spending time in the local workforce gave me firsthand experience of what it truly feels like to live as a foreigner. This journey as an ‘outsider’ has allowed me to deeply empathize—perhaps better than anyone—with the mix of curiosity and unfamiliarity that international visitors feel when they first encounter Korea.”
Ouachita National Forest, Arkansas / New Orleans, Louisiana
- 12+ Years of Global Sales Experience: Traveling the world for business has given me the insight to communicate with people from diverse cultures and understand exactly what makes Korea so charming to the rest of the world.
This blog is more than just a source of information; it’s a space filled with my affection for the land where I was born and raised. I want to help you travel with the comfort and depth of someone being guided by a close Korean friend.
Are you ready to discover your own special Korea with me? Find Your Korea!
Who is Sung Kyeong?
“A man who learns the world on the road and shares heart through the taste of Korea.”
Hi! I’m Sung Kyeong, a Seoul native born in 1984. Growing up as an only son, I naturally developed a strong sense of independence and curiosity about the world. If I had to define myself in one phrase, it would be “A Restless Traveler.”
- An Adventurer Who Roamed the Globe: At the age of 20, I set off alone for a year-long backpacking trip across India, which became a major turning point in my life. My hunger for challenge didn’t stop there—in 2018, I completed the 890km Camino de Santiago in Spain, learning the true meaning of grit and perseverance.
Camino de Santiago in 2018
- Military Service & Life in the U.S.: I served my mandatory military service for two years as a driver in the Republic of Korea Army, where I honed my sense of responsibility. After being discharged, I moved to Texas, where I spent seven years studying and experiencing a broader perspective of the world.
- Global Business Expert: Since returning to Korea, I have worked in international sales for over 12 years, traveling to countless countries. Engaging with people from diverse backgrounds has given me firsthand insight into what the world is curious about and what truly excites them about Korea.
On my days off, I love getting behind the wheel to explore hidden gems across Korea. My greatest joy is discovering local eateries that don’t appear in guidebooks—places where only the locals go for authentic, deep flavors.
I am now pouring the excitement I felt in India, the realizations from the Camino, and the precious memories from Texas into my passion for introducing my home, Korea.
Just as many people I met on the road showed me great kindness, I want to be that reliable Korean friend for you. Shall we dive into the true charms of Korea together?
What to Expect?
“I invite you into the real daily lives of Koreans—the parts guidebooks won’t tell you.”
At ‘Find Your Korea,’ you will discover something much deeper than just common tourist information.
- Beyond Seoul, Into Real Local Life: Are you tired of the same old tourist spots found in every promotional brochure? I go beyond the glitz of Seoul to share hidden gems, local-favorite restaurants, and authentic experiences that real Koreans enjoy with their loved ones every weekend. I will be your guide to experiencing the “real Korea” that is closest to our actual daily lives.
- Stories Beyond the Surface—History & Context: From the food we eat and the clothes we wear to our living spaces, dining etiquette, and social manners—there are invisible layers of culture everywhere. Even traditional farming tools, musical instruments, performances, and wedding ceremonies hold fascinating historical backgrounds that many Koreans might not even fully realize. Beyond just seeing and enjoying, I offer the intellectual pleasure of truly understanding Korea through the “stories” hidden behind the surface.
My goal is for you to leave with more than just a thought that “Korea is a cool place.” I want you to feel a deep resonance, thinking, “I have truly come to understand Korean culture.”
Seoraksan Mountain / Jeju Island
Jeju Island / Mungyeongsaejae
Sobaeksan Mountain / Gyeokpo Chaeseokgang Cliffs
Personal Connection
“Dreaming of a space filled with the warmth of ‘Jeong’.”
As I share various stories through this blog, the words I find myself repeating most often are “Jeong” and “Sharing.” This unique Korean sentiment goes beyond simple kindness; it’s a deep emotional bond that connects hearts. I believe “Jeong” is the ultimate key to truly understanding Korean culture.
I sincerely hope this blog becomes more than just a place to gather information. I want it to be an “Online Sarangbang” (a traditional Korean reception room for guests)—a warm space where I can communicate with readers from all over the world who share an interest in Korea. Every one of your questions and opinions is a precious gift and the beginning of a meaningful connection to me.
To bring you even closer to every corner of Korea, I plan to expand beyond text and photos. Soon, I will be providing video content that captures the very breath and life of the locations I visit. Please look forward to these vivid glimpses of Korea that I’ll be capturing firsthand!
Let’s communicate more often and discover the beauty of Korea together right here.
Call to Action: Let’s Connect!
“I’ll be your Korean friend. My door is always open!”
Do you have any questions while reading my posts? Or perhaps you have specific concerns about your upcoming trip to Korea that you’d like to discuss? Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
- Comments: Leave a comment at the bottom of any blog post. I value your opinions and will do my best to provide thoughtful replies.
- Email: For more personal or detailed inquiries, feel free to send me an email. I personally check every message and will get back to you with a sincere heart.
📧 Email: benchoi@findyourkorea.com
Even the smallest question from you serves as great inspiration for me to introduce Korea in more beautiful ways. Let’s explore the depth and breadth of Korea together!
감사합니다 🙂