How aiming to research locations for a novel led me to discover the vibrant Seoulshare community.

Some people join group activities to have fun and meet new people. I, on the other hand, needed to find a place to hide a body. Maybe now is a good time to clarify that the crime I plan to commit is entirely fictional and the victims are a bunch of shady side characters in a novel. Ideally, somewhere very unassuming but close enough to some characteristic sights. As a newcomer in town, I found myself pondering, ‘Where do I even begin?’

To my surprise, finding the answer was easier than expected.

I’ve always been fond of running. It’s not just about physical exercise; it’s my ticket to escaping the confines of my cozy couch and immersing myself in the beauty of the outdoors. And it is great for my mental health. So, joining a running club seemed like a natural choice. Little did I know that it would not only help me explore Seoul but also introduce me to a community of incredible individuals who enriched my entire experience in this vibrant city.

Just two weeks into my Seoul adventure, I eagerly donned my running shoes and workout clothes – which almost didn’t make it into my nearly-exploding suitcase. Admittedly, my nerves were palpable as I navigated my way to the meeting point where I was scheduled to join a group of strangers for a Sunday morning run. Naturally, I arrived way too early, leaving me with ample time to sip on a coffee to calm my nerves and familiarise myself with the surroundings. Anxiously, I kept checking the time, hoping that I would not end up missing my group. Was I nervous? Let me tell you, I’m no extrovert. As an INFJ, social interactions often leave me feeling like a fish out of water. I am the most socially awkward introvert you will meet in your life! My knees were shaking at a speed I’m still surprised didn’t measure on the Richter scale.

But it was not only my fear of meeting new people that had my heart pounding like a bass drum. Although I love being outdoors and running, I consider myself a natural-born couch potato. While others dream of reaching new running records, I call it a personal success if my lungs are still working after a snail-paced 5 Kilometer jog. But I need not have worried. The group that welcomed me was open-minded and very warm and welcoming. The warmth and openness of the group quickly put me at ease, and it was easy to fall into conversation and a bit of banter. After a quick warm-up, we embarked on our run along Cheonggyecheon, and I could not help but marvel at the beauty surrounding me. The stream itself is something no visitor to Seoul, whether long or short term, should miss; the path is wide and even — perfect for someone in need to get adjusted to the much higher humidity. It didn’t feel like running in a big city at all but rather like a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Not only did I fall in love with the trail, but I also found the perfect research setting for my novel. I also found a supportive community that celebrated every runner, regardless of their pace or experience level. While this group has its fair share of Usain Bolts who are training for marathons, any level of runner is welcome. No one is anything but encouraging, supportive, and the camaraderie among the Seoulshare runners was truly infectious. I soon found myself eagerly looking forward to our weekly runs and post-run gatherings. What truly sets Seoulshare apart is its diverse and inclusive nature. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a novice looking to improve, there is a place for you in this community. There are always some other, slower runners to have a little chat with while working out. This unique mix of dedicated running time, followed by a social get-together with fun people, was the one thing that turned my Seoul experience from awesome to truly magnificent. Seoulshare Runners was the first running group I ever joined that had me running in minus-degree weather. Voluntarily. And it felt great! So great that I almost forgot about the location research I wanted to conduct, as I simply enjoyed being part of the group. Grabbing a meal together is another treasured experience. It allowed me to sample the extensive exquisite culinary scene. (And trust me when I say so: the peeps of Seoulshare, in or outside the running club, have the best recommendations.)

After each running session when I should have been tired, exhausted, sticky, sweaty, and disgusting, I felt rejuvenated. In fact, I had more energy than before. And with each running session, I started to feel happier, healthier, and most importantly: I soon experienced the feeling that I have truly arrived in Seoul. Although it had only been a few weeks at this point, I felt as if I truly belonged here.

Whereas I had arrived in town with a severe case of writer’s block, I found myself brimming with new inspiration, eager to pour them onto the pages of my novel. I could not wait to open my laptop after each and every run, when my rapid-fire fingers could not jot down my onslaught of ideas quickly enough. And Seoulshare offered the perfect environment for that, too. In addition to the running club, they host a weekly remote working event and provided the perfect environment for me to channel that creativity in three hours of dedicated working time while being surrounded by my newfound friends. You will not be surprised to hear that I started to crawl out of my little shell at breakneck speed.

Community is in fact a too distant word to describe my experience. Seoulshare became more than just a running club, a remote working session, or a handicrafts club. Whichever event I attended, I discovered at least one or two familiar faces, and there were always some like-minded people to talk to. Whether we were exploring hidden gems of the city or simply sharing stories over a meal, I felt a sense of belonging. This motley crowd, consisting of locals, foreigners, tourists, expats, and everything in between, soon became a second family in Seoul.

No matter where you are from or how old you are, you will find like-minded people, new friends, and incredible and inspiring life stories. Whether you are an outdoorsy person, a handicrafter, or a geek, or you simply want to enjoy this incredible city to the maximum, there is a number of exciting events happening every week. Not only did this community add so much quality to my time in Seoul, but thanks to their vast knowledge of the city, I found myself in areas, markets, and restaurants that I would have never discovered by myself. And in short, I felt as if I spent most of my time living life to the fullest and embracing every moment like a local.