My Story

Paul and his wife Elisa were the second guests to stay at Mario House after I began hosting international travelers in my home in Seoul.

They originally booked the Bunk Bed Room. However, when I learned that they were traveling as a couple, I decided to upgrade them to the more spacious Master Room at no additional cost. I wanted them to feel comfortable and enjoy their time together during their stay in Korea.

From the beginning, Paul and Elisa were warm, friendly, and open to experiencing Korean culture. They told me that they enjoyed Korean food and were excited to try new dishes, and fortunately, they had no food allergies.

One evening, they joined me and my friend in the living room for drinks and conversation. On another evening, we also shared a dinner party with Ben, my first guest, and enjoyed the Korean food I had prepared. It was a relaxed and cheerful evening, with guests from different countries sharing food, drinks, travel stories, and laughter together.

I also shared several suggested travel routes with them, including Jogyesa Temple, Insadong, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang Market, Dongdaemun Design Plaza, Eunpyeong Hanok Village, and other places around Seoul. I was happy to help them discover both famous attractions and local places that many tourists may not easily find on their own.

We also discussed visiting the DMZ and several museums. I checked ticket availability, spoke with the local ticket office, and helped them plan transportation and possible sightseeing routes. Although our schedules and travel conditions did not allow us to complete every plan together, I was glad that the information helped them organize their own Seoul itinerary.

Unfortunately, the weather was quite cold during their stay, and both of them became unwell. Elisa also had pain in her ankle, so they had to cancel a hiking plan and spend about two days resting at home instead of sightseeing.

I felt sorry that they could not enjoy every day of their trip as planned, but they told me that they were able to rest comfortably at Mario House. I prepared meals for them and made sure they could relax without feeling pressured to go outside.

After they recovered, they continued exploring Seoul using some of the travel information I had shared. They told me that the recommendations were useful and helped them enjoy their remaining time in Korea.

Before leaving, Paul and Elisa said that although their stay had been short, they had made many happy memories at our home. They also said that if they returned to Korea in the future, they would like to stay at Mario House again.

After arriving safely back in Kassel, Germany, they sent me a photo of themselves and let me know that they had returned home. Elisa wrote that staying at my home had been a good experience and that they already missed my cooking.

“It was nice to meet you and a good experience staying at your home. We are already missing your food. It was very tasty!”

Receiving that message made me very happy. Hosting Paul and Elisa reminded me that a homestay is not only about providing a room. It is also about sharing meals, offering help, caring for guests when they are tired or unwell, and creating memories that continue even after they return home.

Paul and Elisa will always be remembered as the second guests of Mario House and as a kind couple who brought warmth and positive energy into our home.

I sincerely hope we will meet again in Seoul someday.