MORE ABOUT US?
Our relationship started with friendly conversations every day through online chats, or as I like to call it, a penpal relationship—a more classic and old-school type of courtship. These continuous conversations soon blossomed into a whirlwind romance. Then came the day we met for the very first time. It was a challenging start, as we navigated the differences between Filipino and South Korean cultures. We tried to stay in my homeland for a while to get to know each other personally. Every day, we were tested with culture shock and more. Many times, we thought this wouldn’t work at all because of our different upbringings. But together, we weathered every storm that life threw our way.
For us, life in the Philippines was all about learning how to navigate life as a couple, especially in an interracial relationship. I was young and had grown up in a strict environment, reliant on my family. I was like a kept bird, unaware of my own ability to fly. In contrast, my husband was raised to be responsible from an early age and had a thorough understanding of life. My then-boyfriend, now husband, returned to Korea, taking me with him. He had a choice to leave because we were not yet married, but he chose to bring me along, helping me find my footing and teaching me about the real world. That’s where my journey in life truly began. We married in Korea and had a smooth start in life. But despite life’s comforts, I battled depression as I navigated a new culture and struggled to understand the ways of the world. It was a very challenging time for me and for us.
During our second wedding anniversary, as a joke, we made a pivotal decision: to go hiking! Little did I know that this choice would ignite a spark within me. It felt like my soul awakened, giving me something to look forward to in the future. I started reading blogs about hiking and mountaineering, watching Alpine adventure videos, and eventually, we tried camping and backpacking. With each hike and outdoor adventure, my depression began to fade into the background. I found happiness and inspiration in the great outdoors, marking the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
Choosing our blog name was no easy feat. We aimed to encapsulate our love for hiking, camping, and travel while also reflecting our personal journeys. Residing in South Korea, we decided to incorporate ‘South’ into the name, symbolizing our location and adventurous spirit. ‘Nomad’ was the perfect companion, representing our desire to roam freely and explore new horizons.
South NOMADS is more than just a name; it’s a reflection of our mission. We’ve created this blog to share our travel tales and the remarkable moments we encounter with our readers. Our ultimate goal is to ignite the spark of wanderlust in both the young and the young at heart, encouraging them to venture beyond their comfort zones.
As the saying goes, you can always earn money, but time lost is irretrievable. Travel, for us, is the greatest risk and the most wonderful reward. We hope our adventures inspire you to embark on your own, creating a tapestry of memories that enrich your life beyond measure.
Blogging, the craft of weaving life’s stories with the power of words, is my passion. I’m Kris Madrazo, and I’m thrilled to connect with you through these digital lines. Life, it seems, is an extraordinary journey filled with moments that shape us. Through this blog, I want to share our experiences, insights, and passions.
I hail from the beautiful Philippines, a place I hold dear. From my early years to college, I was an active extrovert, curious about the world. While I wasn’t the outdoorsy type, a spark within me yearned for self-discovery. Writing, photography, and filmmaking have been my lifelong companions. They became even more vibrant when I shared them with my husband, who I introduced to the joys of travel.
Today, we roam different places, capturing memories and stories. We’re excited to share these adventures, along with our evolving interests, on this blog. Join us as we explore life’s facets, reflect on our experiences, and embark on new adventures. Together, we’ll uncover stories that define us and cherish the moments that make life extraordinary.
We’re eager to get to know you and share our stories along the way.
The art of storytelling through words, wouldn’t be complete without the unsung hero behind the lens—the camera person. This role, often concealed in the background, holds a profound significance, as it immortalizes life’s most poignant moments through the magic of photography and film. I am the guardian of that magic, and my name is Hong Kisang, a South Korean soul with an IT profession that took an unexpected turn.
My journey into the world of photography and filmmaking was ignited by a most cherished source—my beloved wife. I was once bound to the confines of an office: a creature of routine office hours, occasional camaraderie with friends over drinks, and obligatory family gatherings. I rarely ventured beyond that. I was not one for extensive travel, nor did the great outdoors beckon me. But destiny had other plans when I crossed paths with my wife. She breathed life into my world, awakening a dormant wanderlust within. Now, travel courses through our veins as a shared passion, enriching our lives in ways I could never have foreseen.
“In life, it’s not where you go, It’s who you travel with.”
Our blog serves as a vessel for our collective adventures and experiences, a portal to the extraordinary places we’ve explored, and a canvas for the stories we’ve captured through the lens. Join us on this exhilarating journey of discovery, as we share not just the beauty of our travels but also the films and photos that encapsulate the essence of our shared dreams and moments.