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Koreans I met on my Alaska road trip

By Ahn Kwang-yong (CEO, Jinmyu | 기사입력 2025/01/20 [10:03]

Koreans I met on my Alaska road trip

By Ahn Kwang-yong (CEO, Jinmyu | 입력 : 2025/01/20 [10:03]

Ahn Kwang-yong (CEO, Jinmyung Publishing Co.)



Hans Christian Andersen, a world-renowned children’s author, described travel as “a fountain of youth for the mind." Everyone grows old. This applies to both me and, of course, to all of you reading this. Perhaps that is why people instinctively search for ways to feel younger than their actual age. In that vein, Andersen might have seen travel as the very fountain that kept his mind youthful.

 

On March 23rd, 2025, I will turn 80 years old. For years, I have maintained and pursued a bucket list. Among the items on that list was an Alaska road trip. This trip was the second-to-last challenge on my list, and I would like to share part of the experience with you.

 

On July 1st, 2022, at the age of 77, I embarked on a month-long journey to Alaska with my companion, June — a Jindo dog. For about a year before the trip, I tried to find partners through advertisements, but it was not easy. The COVID-19 pandemic was in full swing, and the extended travel period deterred most people. I managed to gather four partners, but one by one, they dropped out, leaving only two of us.

 

In the end, we decided to proceed, just the two of us. We departed Seoul and arrived at my home in Murrieta, near Los Angeles. While there, we busied ourselves preparing for the trip, checking the vehicle, insurance, and itinerary.

 

However, another unexpected problem arose. My partner received a call from his Airbnb property in Jeju, informing us that unforeseen circumstances would prevent him from joining the trip. This friend, who is an Internet guru, was supposed to handle accommodation reservations and logistics. His withdrawal left me in a difficult situation. In the end, an old employee of my company, who now lives in Calgary, Canada, stepped in to assist remotely. With just June and me, the journey began.

 

I started driving along Interstate 5, passing through California, Oregon, and Washington without much trouble. After crossing Seattle and Vancouver, I entered Canada and headed toward the Rocky Mountains.

 

The Rockies presented several challenges. Heavy snowfall the previous year had left many roads impassable. It reminded me of how small and fragile humans are in the face of nature’s power. I often had to take detours, and to make matters worse, my cellphone lost signal in the middle of the Rockies. This caused considerable anxiety, but having June by my side was a great comfort.

 

While passing through a remote village in the Rockies, I came across a small supermarket and stopped to use the restroom. To my surprise, the store owner was Korean. Meeting a fellow Korean in such a remote place brought tears to my eyes. The young couple running the store had visited the area for a ski trip the previous winter, only to be snowed in. They decided to settle down there. Life is indeed unpredictable — some people choose to make their travel destinations their homes. The couple generously provided me with a place to stay, Korean food, and much-needed assistance.

 

 



Thanks to their kindness, I safely reached my destination, Homer, Alaska, a remote town at the end of the road. Exhausted and hungry, I searched for a restaurant. While I didn’t find any Korean establishments, I spotted a Japanese restaurant and quickly entered. To my astonishment, the owner, an Asian who greeted me warmly, turned out to be Korean. I was thrilled and amazed to meet yet another Korean in such a far-flung place. The couple went out of their way to serve me kimchi and Korean food, even though it wasn’t on the menu.

 

British literary critic William Hazlitt once said, “One of the pleasantest things in the world is going on a journey,...” I wholeheartedly agree with this sentiment. I would even add, “One of the greatest joys in life is traveling, but nothing beats the happiness of meeting fellow Koreans in a foreign land.”

 

Korea is truly remarkable. I have visited 66 countries, spanning Africa, South America, Europe, and across the United States. Wherever I go, I find Koreans who have settled and are thriving. Our people are truly extraordinary.

 

Bravo, Korea and Koreans!

 

Dear God, please bless Korea and its people!

 

 
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