Post-Holiday Blues and Unexpected Adventures
Gangwon-do, Sokcho-si
속초
Returning to work after a long break is always a challenge, especially when the transition involves high-stress shifts and unexpected company dinners. This holiday season was a mix of intense work pressure and much-needed "healing" moments, ranging from solo cinema trips to a spontaneous housewarming party filled with wine and laughter.
Despite the heavy rain and foggy weather, the journey through the holidays included meaningful reunions with international friends and a tranquil trip to Sokcho (속초). It was a time to balance the exhaustion of corporate life with personal joy, bookstores, and the unique chaos of large family gatherings during traditional celebrations.
Cinematic Healing and Spontaneous Gatherings
After accumulating two weeks' worth of stress in just a few days, I found solace in a solo movie session. Watching Licorice Pizza was a highlight, particularly the sleazy yet captivating performance by Sean Penn, which prompted an immediate and hilarious text to a friend comparing him to Daniel Craig's recent roles.
While original plans to head to Itaewon fell through, the alternative—a hastily arranged housewarming party—turned out to be exactly what I needed. We shared an incredible amount of wine, trading the loud streets for intimate conversations and a slow recovery from the inevitable hangover the next morning.
Fine Dining and Reunion with International Friends
Despite the torrential rain, I met up with Elle and my former roommate Celeste. We visited a renowned chef's restaurant featured on a popular cooking show, where even as someone who typically avoids eel, I found the meal surprisingly delicious and satisfying amidst the gloomy weather.
The "Adult" Trip to Sokcho: Tea, Books, and Fog
The trip to Sokcho (속초) was a true "adult" vacation. Instead of late-night partying, our itinerary consisted of sipping warm tea, visiting local bookstores, and heading to bed early. The foggy weather actually worked in our favor, as local taxi drivers shared hidden gem restaurant recommendations that we wouldn't have found otherwise.
Even though the sun was rarely visible, the misty atmosphere of the coastal city provided a perfect backdrop for a slow-paced getaway. Navigating the city via taxi allowed us to avoid the rain while gathering local lore and food tips from the friendly drivers who know the area best.
Protecting Health and Wellness During Travels
This trip was also a reminder to prioritize self-care. From protecting scalp health to keeping up with a strict regimen of vitamins and supplements, the focus was entirely on physical and mental recovery before the inevitable return to the office grind.
Family Duties and the Sitcom of Relatives
The holiday concluded with my cousin's wedding, where I took charge of the reception desk. Interestingly, I received more compliments on my professional handling of the guests in one day than I ever have during my actual internships or full-time career. It was exhausting, but seeing the family together made it worthwhile.
Ending the break as the eldest grandson of a head family meant listening to endless lectures on family history. Discovering distant relatives more than ten degrees removed feels like being in a real-life sitcom. While the dream of being "rich and unemployed" remains a dream, these moments of family chaos and healing trips make the return to work just a bit more bearable.
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