ABOUT OUR JOURNEY
Our story began without grand gestures or dramatic moments, just two people showing up for each other through words, day after day. It was a slower, more intentional way of getting to know someone, almost old-school in nature. Over time, those conversations deepened and quietly transformed into something more meaningful. Eventually, the day came when we met for the very first time. The beginning was not easy. From the start, we had to navigate differences in character and unfamiliar ways of thinking. Each day brought new lessons, misunderstandings and moments that tested our patience and resolve. There were many times we wondered if our differences were simply too great, if this relationship could truly survive. But together, we faced every challenge head-on and weathered each storm as it came. We believe that’s what happens when both people want the relationship to work, you outgrow the problems one by one.
That period of our lives was about learning how to exist as a couple, how to compromise, communicate, and grow together. I was still very young and proud then, shaped by a complicated upbringing. Often, I felt like a caged bird, unaware that I had wings of my own. My partner, by contrast, had learned independence early in life. He carried a strong sense of responsibility and a grounded understanding of the world. We lived in the Philippines for six months, fulfilling his dream of experiencing life in a tropical country, before eventually moving back to South Korea. At that time, there were no obligations, no marriage, no guarantees. He could have walked away. Instead, he chose to stay. That choice marked the true beginning of our journey as a couple. We eventually married, and the early days of our life together were relatively smooth. On the surface, everything appeared stable and comfortable. Yet beneath that calm, I was quietly struggling. Living a new life far from everything familiar, I found myself battling depression and uncertainty as I tried to understand my place in this new environment. It was an incredibly difficult season, one that tested not only me, but our relationship as well.
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, 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.
From my early university years, I was an active extrovert, endlessly curious about the world. While I wasn’t naturally drawn to the outdoors, there was always a quiet spark within me yearning for self-discovery. Writing, photography, and filmmaking have been lifelong companions, passions that became even more meaningful when I shared them with my husband, whom I later 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 Ki Sang, 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.