Ruri Lee: Learn to make your own decisions by travelling solo
Ruri Lee, 24, South Korea, is a warm soul and a funny spirit. You can find her either cracking the jokes making others feel more comfortable or by herself, contemplating the infinite possibilities of the Universe.
Ruri has travelled all across the world, her count currently standing at over 25 countries. An impressive feat for some but when you meet her, you start to understand why. Her desire to explore, learn and meet new people emanates from her within her.
Travelling from an Early Age
Ruri’s early travel life was guided by a desire to improve her second language English and her parents wanting her to explore the world. Between trips to New Zealand, the US and Nepal, her view of the world was broad from the start. In particular, a trip to Nepal with her mother at 16 years old, where she spent two weeks supporting women’s rights, was perspective-altering and set Ruri on a path to explore the world and its people.
When she was 20, her travels took her to the US again but this time for a whole month. Initially Ruri stayed with friends, but as it sometimes does, it didn’t quite go to plan. She ended up travelling to LA to stay with a Korean friend.
But this event stuck with Ruri, as a defining moment in her adolescent and travel journey. It was here she discovered she could survive on her own and make decisions for herself. She went onto explore this new discovery with a long solo trip around South Korea and by enduring the loneliness she found there, Ruri became connected not only to Nature but to herself.
Studying Abroad
Ruri seized any travel opportunities which came her way. One of these was studying abroad for a semester in Switzerland. Now 22, Ruri was more sure of herself but during her time abroad the weather was cold and grey, which she felt reflected her state of mind. It was her first time to stay so long in a foreign country and Ruri struggled to make foreign friends.
Her goal became to improve her English so she could deepen the friendships she made as she travelled, which meant being brave once more and taking to the road alone. Leading Ruri to France to a Brotherhood Community, where she made friends from all over the world and began to connect in a way she hadn’t been able to before. With these special people, Ruri felt a sense of love and openness which allowed her to relax, and able to focus on just being herself.
After this amazing experience, Ruri pushed herself once more before returning to Korea. She travelled to Iceland for a work camp experience as an environmental volunteer. It was exhausting but she was determined to do it. Through this, she made even more friends on her wavelength. Ones she’s still in contact with today. Ruri even began to joke in English, which to anyone learning a second language knows is an incredible feat.
Looking for that Missing Piece
Back in Korea, Ruri focused on finishing her studies, whilst also holidaying to different countries. Always looking for a new experience, Ruri took a massage course in Thailand. Here she met some German friends who introduced her to the concept of a Digital Nomad. These very friends also introduced her to the idea of Bali, which inspired her to seek new adventures in this unknown place.
In Oct 2018 Ruri packed her bags and headed to Bali, but it wasn’t without some turmoil. Her family struggled to understand the path she was on. Worried for her future and work possibilities but Ruri knew she needed to go for herself, to find that missing piece. It was another defining moment. Her friend Daeun lent her some valuable advice. That it was time to be ‘Responsible for Herself’, so she went.
Arriving in Canggu, Bali, Ruri felt the fear. Asking herself what she was doing there. She felt underprepared and like time was running out but quickly she refound her spirit. She began to network and to explore her new possibilities. Joining a Digital Nomad coworking space, registered for an online HR course and started asking questions were just some of the things she took on. Knowing action becomes reality, Ruri’s determination pulled her through.
The Onion Collective
After taking part in a Startup Weekend in the nearby town of Ubud, Ruri made new friends and was introduced to another co-working space called ‘The Onion’. Sensing it was the right move, Ruri began to visit and work from the space. Getting to know the band and staff members. Something felt right and with fate playing its hand, Ruri was offered the role of Community Intern at the coworking space.
At first, she wasn’t happy with working at The Onion, as it didn’t seem like the one she was looking for. But as with all her other lessons, she surrendered to the experience to see what would happen. Seeing the opportunity as a gift from the universe.
Eventually, she learnt her real lessons. That there were things more important than shiny, new spaces. Things like openness, true friendships, and the way of following your heart. All things she learnt from the people she met at the Onion. Ruri also used her time to explore Ubud, getting to know the locals, learning the basics of the language and connecting with travellers from all across the globe. Soon though, Ruri began to make plans for her next steps, which she believed to be in Singapore.
A Korean in Singapore
It was a difficult decision for Ruri to move onto Singapore. Even though everything was stable and perfect in Bali. Such as getting a regular job offer and having family-like friends around, Ruri was once again faced with a defining decision. She knew in her heart she wanted her next adventure. So with a heavy heart, she said her goodbyes and bid the Onion a fond farewell.
Things turned out a little differently than planned. Ruri experienced difficulties in Singapore she didn’t expect. It was a complicated place, and Ruri felt her energy drain away as the weeks passed.
Whilst she began looking for work, Ruri also started to question herself again, “What am I doing here?” and “Is this the right place for me?”. Leading her to realise the dream she’d been holding onto about Singapore wasn’t her true dream. Ruri wanted something else, even if she didn’t know what that was yet.
Returning Home
After Ruri’s travels took her to India for a time before she returned to South Korea to take some time out to uncover her missing piece. It was a time to rest, as travelling so much had worn her out. Before her extended travels, Ruri was looking too broadly at life and the opportunities which came her way allowed her a chance to look deeper into herself.
Now she is ready to explore her passions and develop her work experience in Korea, and ultimately see where her life will take her, wherever that may be. Trusting once again that fate will show her the way.
Ruri’s biggest lessons: “Surrender to what’s happening. Travelling is practising life. Meeting people from different backgrounds shows you there are so many lives going on and your life is only one version of life. So always be true to yourself. Learn from travelling alone and make your decisions.”
Ruri’s Links
- Linkedin — www.linkedin.com/in/rurilee
- Instagram — www.instagram.com/ruri_ruuri
- Email — ruri.olivia.lee@gmail.com
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