Curiosity Over Fear presents
"Seoul Awakening”
a retreat in Seoul, South Korea
april 24th - May 1st 2024
An immersive retreat where you get to nurture not just your skin, but also your soul. We have meticulously crafted a rejuvenating journey where skincare meets mindfulness, where fashion embraces personal identity, and where cuisine narrates the rich tapestry of Korean culture. Dive deep into an enriching 7-day retreat that celebrates the vibrant and healing facets of Korean life in the bustling hub of Seoul
Where We’re Staying:
Airbnb 1:
Located right inside Old Seoul, this property is just a seven-minute walk from both the Gyeongbokgung Station on Subway Line 3 and the nearest Airport bus station, ensuring excellent connectivity to all parts of the city. Nearly every historic site, including Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanok Village, is within walking distance. Positioned beside the beautiful walking trail of the Fortress Wall of Seoul, and with multiple gymnasiums offering swimming, fitness clubs, climbing, and yoga all within a 10-minute walk, this is the perfect spot for both relaxation and recreational activities.
Airbnb 2:
This property is ideally situated just a two-minute walk from Myeong-dong Station, right near the bustling Myeong-dong shopping district and vibrant night market. It is in close proximity to major tourist attractions including Namsan Tower, Insadong, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Itaewon, and Dongdaemun Culture and History Park. Conveniently access all of Seoul's top hot spots within 30 minutes. Both Airbus and subway stations are located just 1 to 5 minutes away, making it easy to explore everything the city has to offer.
What’s Included in the price?
$1200 per personOn Day 1: Airport Pick-Up & Airbnb Check-in. Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted & presented with a welcome package filled with Korean beauty goodies & snacks
Airbnb accommodation: include WiFi, daily cleaning, bath-towels, hairdryer, safety box, washer & dryer (second airbnb only has washer)
All breakfasts & farewell dinner
Preplanned itinerary & attractions (ie.Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky, DMZ, N. Seoul Tower, Gyeongbokgung Palace)*
Korean Cooking Class + Food Market Tour: Learn to cook traditional dishes and visit a local food market to explore Korean ingredients.
Hanbok rental: traditional Korean clothes for a day.
A day at a jimjilbang (Korean Day Spa)
*attractions subject to change
Meet your Host
Sharmaine calls herself a “curiosity driver,” passionate about helping others rediscover the hidden wonders that often fade away after childhood. She loves seeking out new adventures that push her to grow and evolve. While she’s professionally a nurse, there’s a lot more to her story. Sharmaine’s passions include traveling, acroyoga, free-diving, and learning about how we can improve our overall health and wellness. Lately, she's been diving into Ayurveda and holistic medicine, eager to weave these ancient practices into her daily life. She’s also a proud new member of the Toastmasters group INNOVATIVEx, where she’s sharpening her public speaking skills to hopefully inspire others to embrace curiosity. For Sharmaine, it’s all about personal growth and building deeper connections with ourselves, others, and the world around us.
Our Retreat Program
Day 1 • April 24 • wednesday
Welcome Day
1100: Amanda checks out of airbnb
14 Changgyeonggung-ro 1-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-014, South Korea
1500: Check in at Airbnb 1 (43-3 Pirundae-ro 1-gil 101호, Jongno-gu, Seoul 110-044, South Korea)
1700: Explore area // dinner
Day 2 • April 25 •thursday
0700: morning yoga + meditation
0800: breakfast together
1200pm: Explore Dongdaemun
1810: TJ arrives from HNL. Taxi will pick TJ up from airport
Daily (End of the Day) Journal Prompts & Reflections:
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Day 3 • April 26 • friday
Fashion is not just what you wear but how it makes you feel. It's an outward expression of your inner self.
0700am: morning yoga + meditation
0800am: breakfast together
1030am: Rent & wear Hanbok for the day (127-14, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea)
1100am: Visit Gyeongbokgung Palace: Look inside deeply a history of Korea with wide knowledge and storytelling (Find out time for changing of the guards)
Time TBD: Visit Bukchon Hanok Village (a residential neighborhood in Jongno District, Seoul, South Korea. It has many restored traditional Korean houses, called hanok.)
Visit Changdeokgung Palace & Gardens
Daily (End of the Day) Journal Prompts & Reflections:
What was the most striking element you learned about Korean culture today?
How did the visit to the Gyeongbokgung Palace & Bukchon Village enhance your understanding of Korean heritage?
What was your impression of the traditional Korean dance performance?
How do you think understanding the culture will influence your perspective on Korean skincare, fashion, and food?
Day 4 • April 27 • saturday
0700: morning yoga + meditation
0800: breakfast together
1100am: Check out of Airbnb 1
11:30am: Drop off luggage to Airbnb 2
(Official check in for Airbnb 2 is at 3pm (13-17 Namsandong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-041, South Korea)
11:30am: Head over to SpaLand (jimjilbang) & spend a day at SpaLand
Daily (End of the Day) Journal Prompts & Reflections:
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Day 5 • April 28 • sunday
Food is not just sustenance; it's a narrative of history, geography, and culture. It's an art form that speaks to the soul.
0700: morning yoga + meditation
0800: breakfast together
10:00am - 12:30pm: Authentic Korean Cooking Class with Esda
Menu: Japchae[잡채] & Bulgogi[불고기]
Yum2lab, 2 floor of '27 Seonyuro51gil' '선유로51길 27' 2층 얌이랩
Time TBD: Check out Myeondong Shopping
5:00pm-1:00am:
Myeongdong Night Market
N. Seoul Tower
600pm: Head Spa at Park Jun Beauty Lab (Seoul, Jung-gu, Solaria Hotel 5th floor)
Daily (End of the Day) Journal Prompts & Reflections:
What was your favorite dish from today's culinary adventures, and why?
Was there a particular ingredient or cooking technique you found intriguing?
How has today's experience changed or broadened your perspective on Korean cuisine?
Do you see any links between the food culture here and the other elements of Korean culture you’ve explored so far?
Day 6 • April 29 • monday
0700: morning yoga + meditation
0800: breakfast together
1:00pm - 6:00pm: Lamiche Dermatology Appointment
7:00pm: Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky: the 5th tallest building in the world
Daily (End of the Day) Journal Prompts & Reflections:
While we've engaged in numerous skincare routines aimed at preserving our youthful appearance, it's important to recognize that such practices can sometimes reinforce societal pressures suggesting that women lose their beauty as they age. However, maintaining our skin and health should remind us that true beauty is internal. How do you interpret the concept of aging gracefully?
How do you see the connection between fashion and personal identity?
Day 7 • April 30• tuesday
0700: morning yoga + meditation
0800: breakfast together
Time TBD: N. Seoul Tower or Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky: the 5th tallest building in the world
4:30pm: Farewell Dinner Provided by COF. Location TBD
- Closing Ceremony: Reflect on the week's experiences
- Skincare and Fashion Swap: Share your favorite products or fashion items with others.
6:00pm: TJ leaves for airport
09:05pm: TJ’s flight back to HNL / Korean Airlines KE 53
Daily (End of the Day) Journal Prompts & Reflections:
As the retreat comes to an end, what emotions are you feeling?
Which aspects of the retreat had the most impact on you?
In reflecting on the week, how have your perspectives on skincare, fashion, food, and culture evolved?
What is one significant takeaway that you’ll be incorporating into your daily life post-retreat?
Gratitude: List three things related to Korean culture, history, or beauty that you are grateful for experiencing.
Departure Day • May 01 • wednesday
Farewell Day
0700: morning yoga + meditation
0800: breakfast together
10:00am: pack up
11:00am: Check out of Airbnb 2
1:35pm: Amanda flight departs for LAX
8:00pm: Angie departs ICN for Las Vegas via Korean Airlines
9:25pm: Sharmaine departs ICN via Hawaiian Airlines