Back in 2013, when I first started my career in the ESL industry, I met a beautiful Korean girl named Jini. She was my Callan student at the time, and from the very first lesson, we instantly clicked. Weekends quickly became our little escape as we went to the nail salon, feasted on our favorite chukumi and samgyeopsal, and of course shared bottles of soju.

In class we kept things professional, but outside of it we became true friends, drinking buddies and confidants. I once promised her that if she ever got married, I would fly to Korea to celebrate her big day with her. Fast forward to today, everything fell perfectly into place, and I was able to surprise her by showing up at her wedding.

It was my very first time attending a Korean wedding, which made this trip even more special. On the way to the venue, I was waiting for a taxi at a bus stop because I didn’t want to risk being late. Then, out of nowhere, an old acquaintance messaged me. He said he spotted me in Seoul wearing a black dress, a crazy coincidence. We didn’t get to meet that day because of our busy schedules, but we later found time, and he even cooked me some delicious Korean dishes.

I arrived at the church early, and since it was freezing cold, I decided to grab an iced coffee from a café right across the street while waiting. Once inside, I was welcomed by Jini’s family and friends, as well as her soon-to-be husband. Being the only foreigner in the crowd made me feel so special and honored.

What fascinated me most was how different a Korean wedding is compared to the ones I grew up with. The ceremony was simple and elegant, lasting less than an hour. Afterwards, everyone headed straight to a banquet hall for the wedding meal, which was served buffet-style with a variety of Korean dishes. I learned that it’s also common in traditional weddings for the couple to hold a pyebaek ceremony, where they bow to the groom’s family and receive words of blessing while tossing dates and chestnuts as symbols of children and prosperity.

The food was amazing, and the atmosphere was warm and joyful. Sadly, I couldn’t join the after-party because my oppa was already waiting to take me somewhere else, but that didn’t take away from the magic of the day.

Congratulations and best wishes, nae sarang Jini. I will meet your family and your firstborn baby soon. I miss you so much!