Verdant Solar's 2024 Annual Trip: Winter Ski Experience in Korea
Every year, Verdant Solar rewards its employees with an annual trip, giving us a chance to unwind, explore new places, and make amazing memories together. For 2024, we packed our bags and headed to Korea! An exciting destination, especially for those of us who had never experienced winter before.
For some, this trip was filled with first-time experiences—first time flying, first time feeling the cold winter air, and first time stepping foot in Korea. It was exciting, nerve-wracking, and unforgettable all at once.
Since we still needed to keep things running back home, we divided into two groups to keep operations smooth.
Even though we weren’t all together, we followed the same itinerary and had just as much fun.
Our first stop was COEX Mall, home to the stunning Starfield Library, a massive book-filled space straight out of a movie scene. Of course, we couldn’t miss snapping pictures at the iconic Gangnam Style statue, a fun tribute to the viral K-pop hit.
Next, we explored Bukchon Hanok Village, where traditional Korean houses (hanoks) stood beautifully against the modern city backdrop. Walking through these historic alleyways felt like stepping back in time. After a long day of exploring, we ended our night with a comforting warm seafood soup, the perfect way to fight off the winter chill.
From Seoul, we took a 3-hour bus ride to a ski resort in Gangwon-do. For most of us, it was our first time skiing, and let’s just say… it wasn’t as easy as it looked! We slipped, we fell, we tumbled like snowballs, some of us even looked like lost penguins on the slopes. But that was all part of the fun, and by the end of it, we managed to get the hang of it (well, sort of). Despite the struggles, the laughter and memories made it all worthwhile.
After conquering the slopes (or at least surviving them), we headed to Myeongdong Shopping Street, a paradise for skincare lovers and shopaholics alike. Korean beauty products? Check. Street food indulgence? Check. Wallets emptied faster than we expected? Also check.
Day three was all about personal adventures. Some went sightseeing, some hunted for souvenirs, and some got hilariously lost in Seoul’s massive subway system—an unintentional but unforgettable part of the experience.
On the fourth day, we visited Gyeongbokgung Palace, one of Korea’s most famous historical sites. We even got to dress up in traditional hanboks, which made the experience even more special. Walking through the grand palace grounds in colorful outfits felt surreal, and we took plenty of pictures to remember the moment.
Later, we went to Hongdae, a lively area filled with street performances, unique shops, and creative arts. It was a great place to soak in the youthful energy of Seoul before wrapping up our trip (and yes, more food).
As the trip came to an end, we boarded our flight back to Malaysia, exhausted but incredibly grateful. This journey wasn’t just about exploring a new country—it was about bonding, experiencing new things, and making lifelong memories together as Verdiants.
A huge thank you to Verdant Solar for making this adventure possible. Here’s to more exciting trips in the years to come!
