From Korea to California: A Journey with Twists, Noodles, and a Sister Search!
By rsa101
@rsa101 (38618)
Philippines
May 17, 2025 8:13pm CST
I had a layover at Incheon Airport and was hoping to join the free Korean transit tour — but it was fully booked when I got there. A bit of a letdown, but the airport itself turned out to be an experience!
I caught a free cultural show right in the terminal — traditional music, dancing, and a mini display of Korean heritage. Totally unexpected and beautiful!
Then I treated myself to some authentic oriental cuisine — hot noodles and spicy kimchi that hit the spot after a long flight.
In the afternoon, I boarded my 10-hour flight to San Francisco, where my sister from New York also arrived a few minutes after me. Sounds perfect, right? Except we landed in different terminals — international vs. domestic — and it took us an hour to find each other in the massive airport!
Despite the hiccups, it was a memorable start to our California trip. Have you ever had a layover surprise?
7 people like this
7 responses
@DaddyEvil (148374)
• United States
18 May
I've never been on a commercial flight. I have picked up a friend from the airport in Springfield, 70 miles/113 km from my house and then dropped him off at the Branson Airport 80 miles/129 km from my house for his return flight home. I didn't enjoy trying to find the right terminals on either trip.
I'm glad you made it safely to the US and your sister's house... Please remember that not all Americans are polite and respectful to foreigners here. Especially right now. We were a more welcoming country before trump became the president here.
I hope everything goes well while you're here.
3 people like this
@rsa101 (38618)
• Philippines
18 May
Although this is one of my first foreign trips, everything is new to me. From a small island in Asia to a much larger one in America. It's a feast to my eyes right now since i think the size of my country fits or is just miniscule to my country.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (148374)
• United States
18 May
@rsa101 I'm glad you're enjoying yourself so far and hope you keep finding new things to explore while you're here. 
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38618)
• Philippines
18 May
@DaddyEvil thats my goal keep good memories while doing this.
1 person likes this
@allknowing (145788)
• India
18 May
Those terminals are a nightmare I had that experience travelling from California to Denver.
Seems you are making good use of your retirement bliss Have fun
3 people like this
@ARIES1973 (11825)
• Legaspi, Philippines
18 May
It's great to know you have this opportunity to travel to foreign country especially Korea and US. I haven't experience layover or even stop over because I only travelled to some nearby country before. Enjoy your trip and collect as much happy experiences as you can.
2 people like this
@rsa101 (38618)
• Philippines
18 May
We truly have no idea where we are, so we have to rely on hints here and there and ask whoever was there to help us find our way. It felt like a labyrinth of routes to get from one location to another until my sister and I discovered a spot we were both familiar with. I thought we lost each other over there.
1 person likes this
@rsa101 (38618)
• Philippines
18 May
I see I rarely travel by air; they say immigration is a challenge that every foreigner faces. However, with the technology we have, particularly with Korean immigration, where you only need to scan it and no human interaction is required, you will be amazed, making travel less frightening if you are not afraid of technology.
