And just like that, I’m on the shuttle bus and in the strikingly beautiful Incheon airport.

These marvelous balloons drive around overhead, while evocative cello music fills the air.

The flight was direct to Auckland and not very full, so I was next to an empty middle seat. My seat mate once removed was all too happy to claim that middle space (“piece of work” Exhibit A: the platform Crocs) so it wasn’t quite as luxurious as it could have been, but overall not too bad.

I’m really glad I got the chance to go… it was a fun professional experience, and a really neat place to visit. I don’t know that I would recommend Seoul for a straight up vacation, but if one had some reason to be there it seems like it would be a great place to spend time.