Growing up in the Pacific Northwest, surrounded by rain-soaked streets and towering evergreens, I felt the weight of being different. In Seattle, my classmates had blond hair, blue eyes, and names that rolled easily off American tongues. Meanwhile, I was Eric, who stood out not just because of my height but because my roots were planted on the other side of the world. However, it wasn’t until I began spending summers in Seoul that I truly started to appreciate the beauty of my heritage.
The Journey Back Home
Every summer, my family would pack up and fly to Korea, where we were greeted by bustling markets, the scent of street food, and a language that, though familiar, still felt foreign on my tongue. Visiting Korea during summer vacations opened my eyes to a bigger world beyond my small town. Walking through the streets of Seoul, I experienced a rush of emotions. It was like stepping into a world where I didn’t have to explain myself, where my features were the norm, not the exception.
Embracing Korean Culture
There’s something about Seoul that’s hard to describe—it’s a city that effortlessly balances ancient tradition with cutting-edge modernity. I remember exploring Gyeongbokgung Palace one afternoon, only to find myself in Gangnam’s neon-lit streets that evening. This duality mirrored my own life, straddling two cultures that shaped who I am today. Seoul’s rich history, reflected in its architecture, festivals, and cuisine, taught me the importance of embracing one’s roots. Eating spicy kimchi, wandering through temples, and listening to the stories of my elders connected me to a lineage that went back generations. These experiences made me appreciate the Korean side of my identity—a side that, until then, I had often set aside in favor of fitting in back in the States.
Reflections on Identity
For years, I tried to blend into American culture, often suppressing the parts of me that felt "too Korean." But these trips to Seoul reminded me that my identity was not something to hide but something to celebrate. By embracing my multicultural background, I found strength and confidence. It wasn’t about choosing between being Korean or American—it was about integrating both into who I was.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that understanding where you come from can help you figure out where you’re going. For those who feel caught between two worlds, my advice is to lean into that complexity. You’ll be amazed at how it shapes your journey.
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