On March 8, 2025, NomadHer, in collaboration with Park Hyatt Busan, hosted a truly transformative International Women’s Day celebration in the vibrant city of Busan, Korea. This event offered more than just a gathering—it was an empowering experience designed to foster connection, empowerment, and the nurturing of solo female travelers from all over the world.

The event created a safe space for women to step into their power—whether that meant embarking on solo travel, pursuing new career opportunities, or having the courage to speak up for their aspirations. In a world where solo female travelers face unique challenges, this gathering stood as a beacon of hope and empowerment, guiding women to confidently chart their own paths.

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Fostering Local Opportunities: Empowerment Beyond Capital Cities

A core focus of this year’s event was recognizing that regional boundaries should not limit a woman’s growth or dreams. While larger capital cities often dominate the conversation, women in non-capital regions continue to excel and create a global impact.

This event made clear that opportunity is not determined by geography, but by the access and support women receive. We were proud to provide a platform for local women in Busan, showing that women from all regions can rise, lead, and make a difference in the world.

Creating a Safe and Empowering Space for Solo Female Travelers

NomadHer has always strived to create a safe, inclusive space for women dreaming of exploring the world, whether through solo travel or pursuing personal and professional growth. On this Women’s Day, we embraced the theme of safe empowerment, offering women the tools and support they need to step confidently into their power—both at home and on the road.

The event drew solo female travelers from around the globe, each bringing her own unique experiences, dreams, and challenges. The energy was palpable as women connected, shared stories, and supported one another. The day fostered an environment where women not only connected with each other but also rediscovered their inner strength, making this event a meaningful experience for all who participated.

I. NomadHer’s Iconic Women’s Panel Talk Show: Leading with Purpose

The event kicked off with a thought-provoking Panel Talk Show, featuring trailblazing women leaders across a variety of fields—from tourism and sports to business, creativity, and global leadership. These women are shaping the world, breaking barriers, and creating global change.

We were honored to have Naeun Kim(Surfbay CEO), a long-time NomadHer partner and the only female surf shop owner in Busan’s Songjeong, share her powerful journey.

As the lead instructor at Busan’s Women Surf Retreat (formerly Busan Surfing Camp), Naeun’s personal story of overcoming fear and helping others do the same resonated deeply with our participants.

Her drive to help women conquer their fears and catch their first waves was truly inspiring. (NomadHer can also meet Naeun at 2025 Busan Women Surf Retreat April-October)

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In the world of global leadership, we welcomed Lucinda Walker, Chief Executive Officer of the British Chamber of Commerce in Korea (BCCK). Lucinda shared her own journey navigating a male-dominated industry, drawing strength from female role models like Michelle Winthrop, the Ireland's Ambassador to South Korea.

Her insights into female leadership and the importance of soft power left everyone inspired to lead with confidence and compassion, regardless of the challenges they may face.

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In tourism and hospitality, Minkyung Jeong (Jessica), Director of Human Resources at Park Hyatt Busan, shared her journey of breaking barriers in an industry once dominated by inequality.

Jessica’s commitment to empowering women within her team and her leadership in creating a more inclusive environment at Park Hyatt Busan is an example of how opportunity can be created through intentional support and mentorship.

In food production, Sooryun Han, CEO of Rice Studio, spoke about her dedication to empowering women in the local food community. As a key figure in Busan’s Michelin-recognized food scene, she’s pushing boundaries in an industry where male chefs often dominate.

Sooryun shared her vision of a future where female chefs are recognized for their skill and creativity, and she is determined to be part of that change.

Lastly, Hooyoon An, Head of Creativity at NomadHer and a passionate film music composer, shared her journey of navigating the challenges that come with limited creative opportunities outside of major cities.

Despite these obstacles, she has worked relentlessly to bridge the gap between the creative industries while proudly residing in Busan, her hometown. Through her work in music and her commitment to amplifying women’s voices through creative expression, she demonstrates that a woman’s ability to lead, create, and inspire should never be restricted by her location.

Hooyoon highlighted the pressing need for greater visibility for women creators in all fields, emphasizing that true empowerment arises when women are given the platform to share their stories and shape the world with their unique perspectives.

We also held a Q&A session where NomadHer participants shared their personal stories and exchanged valuable insights.

We deeply value their motivations, the struggles they face in their own lives, and the opportunity to learn from one another and support each other in meaningful ways.

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Mindful Reflection: The Self-Reflecting Journaling Class

The Self-Reflecting Journaling Class, led by Laura McLuckie (CEO of Wellmi), offered women a valuable opportunity to pause, reflect, and realign with their inner selves.

In today’s fast-paced world, we often neglect the time needed for self-reflection. Journaling serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery, allowing participants to focus on their breath, clear mental clutter, and gain clarity on their next steps. It was a time to connect deeply with one’s thoughts and emotions, rediscover personal strength, and set intentions for the future.

Throughout the session, a diverse group of women came together to share their stories, struggles, and dreams. Each participant brought a unique perspective, and the collective energy created a safe, open space for deep reflection.

Women of different ages, backgrounds, and life stages embraced the opportunity to share their experiences, and it was evident that the power of journaling created a bond among them.

They found strength in their shared vulnerability and were inspired by one another’s personal growth.

During this session, a mother and daughter duo shared their touching experiences. The mother shared how, for the first time, she was able to focus on her own needs and reflect on life beyond motherhood.

The daughter, too, gained insights into her personal growth, revealing and sharing with her mother how she had processed her thoughts and built meaningful friendships at school. These moments were deeply touching, highlighting how this journaling class allowed both participants to connect with themselves and each other in a profound way.

The class also provided a transformative space for other women, who expressed their gratitude for the chance to connect with themselves and their fellow participants.

One woman shared how journaling helped her reconnect with her aspirations after years of putting her dreams on hold. Another participant, reflecting on her solo travel journey, discovered the strength she didn’t know she had.

The beauty of the session lay not only in the individual reflections but in the shared experience of growth, empowerment, and mutual support.

Nourishing the Body: A Curated Dining Gathering

A NomadHer event is never complete without a nourishing experience, and our Private Dinner Gathering, curated by the talented chefs at Park Hyatt Busan, was the perfect way to end the evening. The dinner was crafted with locally sourced, exquisite ingredients that nourished both body and soul.

Whether you were a vegetarian or enjoyed exploring new flavors, the curated menu ensured every guest felt valued and deeply appreciated.

As women shared stories over their meal, the dinner became a celebration of self-care, reinforcing that true empowerment begins with nourishing the body.

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Raffle: A Special Opportunity for 2025 NomadHer Experiences

After the dinner, we held an exciting raffle to select three lucky women who won the opportunity to join any of NomadHer’s expereicnes throughout 2025. These expereicnes include Busan Women’s Surfing Retreat, Bali Surfing Camp, and the Jeju Haenyeo Camp.

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The winners were chosen by our wonderful NomadHer volunteers, who were the heart and soul of this event's operations (Noemie, Veronika, Lada and Meli).

When you join a 2025 NomadHer any experiences, you'll have the chance to meet one of the Women’s Day Event winners, and continue the journey of empowerment and connection.

Cleansing the Mind and Spirit: Mindfulness Floating Sound Zen

The final experience of the day was the Mindfulness Floating Sound Zen session—a serene practice designed to reset the mind and spirit.

As participants floated in the tranquil waters of the ocean-view pool, they were guided by the soothing sound zen(led by Team WellMi), helping them focus on their breath and embrace stillness.

This was the perfect way to end a day of empowerment, offering a peaceful moment for women to clear their minds and set intentions for the journey ahead.

As the unique Floating Sound Zen session surrounded their minds and bodies, participants were able to calm their bodies and focus solely on their inner voice.

Laying on the floating bed, they allowed the gentle waves of sound to deepen their relaxation, guiding them into a space of complete peace. This experience not only relaxed their bodies but also gave clarity of mind, allowing them to let go of mental clutter and embrace a renewed sense of purpose. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of stillness and self-connection in the pursuit of personal growth and empowerment.

The Power of Partnership

This unforgettable Women’s Day event was made possible through the powerful partnership between NomadHer and Park Hyatt Busan. This collaboration exemplifies the importance of supporting women, whether locally or globally, and how community and partnership play a critical role in nurturing empowerment.

Roman Kardashov, the General Manager of Park Hyatt Busan, played a pivotal role in the event. As a father and husband, Roman shared his personal commitment to supporting female empowerment. His dedication to inviting female leaders and guests to this event reflected his belief that empowering women benefits everyone.

Looking Forward: Continuing the Journey of Empowerment

As we reflect on this incredible event, we are reminded that the journey of self-empowerment is not a solitary one. It is a shared journey, where women support women every step of the way. Together, we are creating a world where women are empowered to lead, explore, and thrive—on their own terms.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this unforgettable 2025 Women’s Day celebration in Korea. We look forward to continuing this journey together, creating more opportunities for women, and building a community where we can all thrive—together.

You missed this Women’s Day event in Korea? Don’t worry! NomadHer’s Women’s Day event in Paris is waiting for your registration on the NomadHer app. This extension of the Women’s Month celebration will be held on March 31st, and we are proud to announce that we’ve teamed up with Apple and HEC Paris for this exclusive event. Please check the NomadHer app for more details and to register for this incredible experience.