🎊 A Celebration of Women Empowerment and Sisterhood

A dynamic celebration of women’s empowerment through travel made its highly anticipated debut in the vibrant city of Busan from September 27-29. Building on the success of previous festivals in iconic cities like Paris and Seoul, this year’s theme, “She Can Travel Busan - NomadHer Festival Global Edition,” attracted an inspiring and diverse community of women from all corners of the globe. The festival brought together seasoned solo travelers, adventurous explorers, and women eager to step into the world of solo travel, all united by a shared passion for freedom, adventure, and self-discovery. With an emphasis on connection and empowerment, the event created an inclusive space for like-minded women to exchange stories, forge new friendships, and find support in their shared journey of independence, courage, and self-expression.
Whether they were seeking inspiration for their next solo adventure or simply wanting to meet others who understood the unique joys and challenges of traveling alone, the festival became the perfect place to nurture the spirit of women empowering each other through travel.
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🇰🇷 Why Busan? A Safe Haven for Solo Female Travellers

Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is not only renowned for its stunning coastlines and cultural landmarks but also for its reputation as one of the safest cities in Asia—making it an ideal destination for female solo travellers. With its welcoming community, picturesque beaches, and tranquil temples, Busan provides a unique space for self-reflection, adventure, and growth.

Whether you're strolling through the bustling markets of Jagalchi or relaxing by the scenic shores of Haeundae, the city offers both security and inspiration, allowing women to explore the world around them and within themselves. For those seeking a blend of excitement, safety, and beauty, Busan is a destination that encourages every woman to feel at home, no matter where her journey may take her.

💡Planning a trip to Busan? The Visit Busan Pass is your key to exploring the city’s top spots with exclusive discounts and special offers!

🐚 A Scenic Setting : Songjeong Gemstone

The NomadHer Festival took place at Songjeong Gemstone, a beloved local café located on the breathtaking Songjeong Beach. With panoramic ocean views, this picturesque venue provided the perfect backdrop for an event centered around travel, empowerment, and sisterhood. From every corner of the café, attendees were greeted with the vast beauty of the Songjeong coastline—an inspiring reminder of the endless possibilities that await those who dare to follow their dreams.
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🌏 Day 1 : She Can Travel Anywhere

The festival opened with a warm and gracious welcome, greeting women from over 20 countries, including the U.S., Italy, France, Singapore, and more. Some of our guests were familiar faces who had attended previous NomadHer events, while others were experiencing the festival—and the vibrant city of Busan—for the first time.

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Regardless of whether they were returning or new to the community, the excitement and anticipation were palpable as we came together to celebrate the power of travel and the strength of women from around the world.

🎁 Welcome Gifts: A Celebration of Women Empowerment

As attendees arrived, they were presented with a carefully curated welcome gift bag designed to enhance their festival experience. Inside each bag was an eco-friendly tote featuring the exclusive “She Can Travel Busan” design, created specifically for this edition of the festival. 

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The bags also contained luxury beauty products from L'Oréal Group, Giorgio Armani lipstick, and other delightful surprises—thoughtfully selected to celebrate and empower women while encouraging them to travel in style. 

These gifts were a token of appreciation for the powerful women who gathered to share their journeys and create lasting connections.

🌸 I. Women’s Empowerment Panel Talk Show : Inspiring Voices

The panel talk show at the NomadHer Festival was a powerful gathering that not only celebrated women’s empowerment but also highlighted the importance of allyship in advancing gender equality. One of the most impactful moments of the festival came from a thought-provoking discussion moderated by Kim Hyo-jung, CEO of NomadHer. The panel explored how travel—especially solo travel—can catalyze personal growth and serve as a tool for breaking boundaries, both personally and professionally. It was a celebration of women who dare to step out of their comfort zones, whether traveling alone or as part of a group, to create their own paths and redefine what’s possible for themselves.

This year’s panel was particularly meaningful, featuring a diverse lineup of speakers. Among them was Raphael Rashid, a male freelance journalist based in South Korea, who passionately advocated for women’s empowerment. Rashid's presence on the panel underscored the important role that men can play in supporting gender equality.

His advocacy for allyship was a key takeaway from the discussion, reminding the audience that empowering women is a collective effort that requires support from all corners of society.

The esteemed panel also included Kim Hyun-jung, Head of the Seoul Global Startup Center; Tess, founder of Ufulu Swim; and Laura McLuckie, founder of WellMi, a wellness content and consulting agency. Each speaker shared their personal journey, illustrating how travel, particularly solo travel, had shaped their careers and empowered them to break through barriers. Their stories were not just about adventure but about how traveling solo—often outside their comfort zones—helped them build resilience, confidence, and success.

During the discussion, Laura McLuckie shared a particularly moving anecdote about her journey as a woman entrepreneur in South Korea. Quoted by The Korea Times, McLuckie reflected on the challenges she faced when launching her business:

"I was told, ‘You can’t do this. You’re a foreigner, a woman, a mother. You can’t make it happen.’ But I didn’t let that stop me. I took it one step at a time, pushing forward, and here I am. I think, as women, we can have it all."

Her words resonated deeply with everyone in the room, embodying the core message of the panel: women have the power to redefine their futures, no matter the barriers they face. McLuckie’s journey as a solo traveler and entrepreneur is a testament to the strength and determination that arises when women refuse to be limited by societal expectations. It was a powerful reminder that the path to success is often paved with challenges, but those challenges are what make the victory even sweeter.

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The panel discussions were rich with insight, as the speakers shared their perspectives on how travel can be a transformative tool for developing resilience and confidence. Kim Hyun-jung emphasized the importance of embracing setbacks as opportunities to learn and grow, while Tess shared how her entrepreneurial journey was shaped by her travels. Tess recounted how stepping into the unknown during solo trips helped her build the courage and confidence needed to launch her swimwear brand, Ufulu Swim. Each speaker encouraged the audience to trust in their own abilities and to see travel—not just as a way to see the world—but as a way to explore and redefine one’s own limits.

For women considering solo travel, the speakers highlighted the profound impact it can have on self-discovery and empowerment. They spoke about how traveling alone challenges you to trust yourself, embrace uncertainty, and navigate the world on your own terms. Solo travel, they explained, can be an incredibly empowering experience, allowing women to step into their power, take ownership of their decisions, and find strength in independence.

The messages shared during this session were both uplifting and motivational. The pane speakers encouraged every woman in the audience to believe in their inherent strength and to embrace the transformative power of travel. It was a call to action for women to take control of their lives and careers, to trust in their inner strength, and to use travel—not just as a form of escape but as a means of empowerment and growth.

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II. 🫶 Networking & Connection: Building Community

Following the talk show, the festival turned its focus to fostering connections among participants. Our team facilitated a vibrant networking session designed to create an open and supportive space for women to share experiences and forge new friendships.

A lively bingo game served as a fun icebreaker, allowing attendees to mingle and discover shared interests.

The first ten winners of the bingo game were awarded beautifully crafted bags, sponsored by Harlie K, a brand that champions women, particularly those who retire.

This was a powerful reminder of the festival’s commitment to empowering women at all stages of their journey, and it provided a meaningful way to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women from all walks of life.

As the room filled with conversation and laughter, it was clear that the festival was more than just an event—it was a space for real connections to take root. The bonds formed here would last long beyond the festival, and attendees left the session with a renewed sense of motivation and support for the paths they would pursue.

III. 🌟 Evening Live Concert : A Night of Sisterhood

The day culminated in a breathtaking evening live concert, set against the stunning backdrop of Songjeong Beach. The concert featured the soulful voice of Lim Jung-Hee, a celebrated South Korean artist whose powerful songs deeply resonated with the festival's themes of strength, resilience, and empowerment.

With a performance that included hits like “Golden Lady” and “Not4$ale”, Lim’s music celebrated the strength of women, uniting the audience in a shared moment of collective empowerment.

In a heartfelt moment, Lim shared that she had carefully curated the song list to inspire and uplift the NomadHer community, intentionally choosing tracks that would empower every woman in the room. Her performance not only showcased her immense talent but also underscored the festival’s spirit of solidarity and sisterhood. The evening was an unforgettable celebration of music, strength, and the incredible power of women coming together.

Jazz pianist Cho Soo-im also graced the stage with a special piece she composed for the festival, inspired by the confident, independent women of NomadHer. Her music captured the festival’s spirit of solidarity and empowerment, reminding the audience of the power of art and community to uplift women everywhere.

🌌 A Day of Empowerment, Connection, and Shared Travel Stories

The first day of the NomadHer Festival was a powerful testament to the strength that emerges when women come together, united by a shared passion for adventure and mutual support. Through thought-provoking panel discussions, vibrant networking sessions, and moving live performances, attendees experienced a collective journey of empowerment, inspiration, and sisterhood. The festival created a unique space where women could learn from one another, uplift each other, and, most importantly, recognize the incredible strength within themselves.

She Can Travel Busan wasn’t just a celebration of travel—it was a call to action. It reminded us that no matter where we are in the world or where our individual journeys may take us, we are all capable of achieving our dreams. It was a celebration of the transformative power of travel and the indomitable spirit of women who are bold enough to embrace it.

Together, we are unstoppable. Together, we can go anywhere. Yes, she can travel anywhere.

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Busan Metropolitan City, Busan Tourism Organization, Busan Center for Creative Economy & Innovation and Loreal Groupe.

We are incredibly grateful for your support and partnership. Your contribution has played a crucial role in making this festival possible, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for believing in our mission and helping us create something truly special!

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🇫🇷 Mark Your Calendars : The NomadHer She Can Travel Paris 2025 Festival is Coming!

After the success of 2024 She Can Travel Busan, NomadHer Festival Global Edition , we’ve been flooded with questions from excited NomadHers eager to know when and where the next festival will take place. Well, the wait is over! NomadHer is thrilled to announce that the She Can Travel Festival will be heading to Paris in 2025!

Taking place in the heart of the City of Light, this exciting festival will bring together a dynamic mix of activities and experiences designed to inspire female travelers from around the world. Whether you're interested in thought-provoking talks, creative workshops, or outdoor adventures, there’s something for everyone at this unforgettable event.

📌 Get Early Access to Tickets for the Paris Festival!

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