The First Rodeo.

©️Jason.

Met a friend and had coffee this afternoon. Korea is having the most beautiful autumn ever. He has been asking me to write a short life advice on his note.

When I was younger, I thought I’d be knowing things and much wiser by my age now. But I don’t feel like that at all. So I have been thinking about the advice. That one impactful short powerful advice. There were many cool-sounding quotes that popped up in my head and disappeared.

Have you visited the palace yet in Seoul? Have you seen the auspicious animal stone statue at the entrance of the main gate of the palace? It’s called Haetae, and it’s supposed to protect the palace from fire. Or also the guardian of the law.

I’m like a Haetae of this tea room. I host people and handle communication, but more importantly, I take care of all the diplomacy and relationships with people.

Met a friend today and had some coffee. I finally found a quote and wrote it on his note. It went like this, “Take the high road, always.”

I am not noble. I’m not better than anyone. I’m not fortunate or luxurious. I’m also hungry, in a hurry, and need to be somewhere quickly, just as much as others do. That’s exactly why I try to take the high road.

Often times, to be honest, all the time, the high road is the fastest way. The only way and the right way. All the shortcuts we think they are, are not really shortcuts and never lead anywhere.

I’m not naive. I’ve met people. I’ve seen stuff. I’ve been around. I started working at a very young age. I traveled. I learned languages. I lived and worked in different cities. I survived.

When I was younger, I thought I would be much wiser at my age now. I don’t know about that, but I’m glad I could write a short quote for my friend this afternoon.

I could’ve taken the other way. I could’ve done things differently. This is not my first rodeo. I’ve seen tricks, lies, and betrayals. That’s why. That’s exactly why.

So next time when you see me sitting across the table doing the translation, see me through. I hope I’ll be taking the high road then as well. And if not, please be disappointed. Because I really don’t want to disappoint you.

Met a friend, had some coffee, and walked a bit.

I take the high roads.

I learned that’s the only way.

I’ve seen people disappear. I stayed.

I just want to be a good friend, a good father, and a good person.

I always stay.

Jason.

Jason runs Heesum, a traditional Korean tea room in Seoul where guests can experience a Hands-On™ Korean tea ceremony. With a background in journalism and past work as a writer for a global Fortune 10 company, he brings both storytelling and hospitality to the tea table. A passionate painter, photographer, and long-time tea lover, Jason now co-hosts Heesum’s tea sessions with certified tea master Songna, who guides each ceremony with deep knowledge and warmth. If you’re looking for an authentic Korean tea ceremony in Seoul, Heesum offers a personal and culturally rich experience.