I crossed the world alone and I realized that I can do anything, account by Emile Brito

Traveling to South Korea was my first international trip. I spent a month in the country and for me even this period was like a dream. 

My friends (Brazilian and Korean) and my family were essential for me to make this dream come true.

I traveled through Seoul, Busan, and Gyeonju, which are the most popular cities in the country. South Korea seems like it was made to entertain people, it is a pleasant country to explore. There is a great ease of having fun all night long: whether in the norebang (Korean karaoke), bowling alleys, themed cafes, little shops, and thrift stores with affordable clothes. Outside urban centers there is a lot of greenery, museums, and mountains. 

My time in South Korea was very dual, but with much more pros than cons. The black population in South Korea is very recent and the country is becoming more popular and open to tourists every passing year. I was constantly being observed with curiosity or praised EVERY DAY by people working in street markets: they would say "iepuda" which means beautiful in their native language.

My heart was filled with love especially for the elderly in the country, because as a black person traveling to an Asian continent, I was very afraid of experiencing racism (and I went through some unpleasant situations), but nothing and no one could spoil what I was able to experience.

I definitely want to go back to South Korea and visit more places! My current plans tell me that my next long-awaited stop is South Africa (faith).

And you know what? After traveling to Asia and crossing the world alone, I realized that I can do anything, it may take time, finances may be tight, but nothing, not any comment, will stop me! Black traveler, yes!

#VivaDiaspora

Text written by Emile Brito. Send your travel story to [email protected] and join our social networks!