Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Our Wedding

Chung-ha and Olivia’s story began in an unexpected place: a genetics classroom. As teaching assistants, they bonded over lesson plans, grading marathons, and a shared sense of humor that made even the longest days more enjoyable. What started as easy conversation slowly turned into something more. Not long after, the world slowed down during the 2020 pandemic—and in that pause, their relationship blossomed. With nowhere else to be, they spent countless hours together, turning ordinary days into something meaningful. What could have been an isolating time instead became the foundation for a deep and lasting connection. Since then, they’ve discovered one of their favorite ways to spend time together is exploring the California wilderness on multi-day hiking trips. Chung-ha happily takes the wheel and prepares the meals (with minimal interest in planning), while Olivia enthusiastically plans every detail of the adventure and focuses on what she does best: enjoying the food and the views—preferably without driving. Together, their complementary strengths make every trip, and every day, better than it would be alone. Chung-ha finally popped the question during golden hour in the beautiful Santa Cruz Mountains. Olivia insists she was completely shocked—despite the fact that they had gone to look at engagement rings just a few months earlier. Chung-ha is thankful that Olivia kept the moment magical. To celebrate, they shared a $75 lobster roll topped with caviar—and it was absolutely delicious. From lab benches to trailheads to forever, Chung-ha and Olivia are so excited to continue their story together.

Our Story

Photos

Saturday, September 5

Thank you for sharing in this special moment with us. We can't wait to celebrate together!

Ceremony Location

Financial Supervisory Service (금융감독원)38 Yeoui-daero,Yeongdeungpo District, Seoul, South Korea Naver Map link: <a href="https://naver.me/Fk7VciZG" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://naver.me/Fk7VciZG</a>Google Maps link: <a href="https://maps.app.goo.gl/LeFRftgXKKdJbCDZA" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://maps.app.goo.gl/LeFRftgXKKdJbCDZA</a>

Timing & Where to Go

Guests are welcome to arrive between 12:00 and 12:30 PM and should head first to the restaurant on the 20th floor, where food is expected to be available starting around 12:30 PM. Please plan to be on the 2nd floor by 1:00 PM for the ceremony. The ceremony will include both a Western-style portion and a traditional Korean portion, and is expected to last about one hour. Afterward, guests are welcome to return to the restaurant on the 20th floor, which will remain open until around 3:00 PM.

Attire

Semi-formal or formal attire is welcome. Please wear something you feel comfortable celebrating in!

Wedding Day Details

For directions in Korea, we recommend using Naver Map, which tends to work better than Google Maps for navigation, walking routes, and public transportation. Naver Map can be used in English, and we recommend downloading the app before your trip. Uber also works well in Seoul and can be used to request local taxis through the Uber app. Seoul’s subway and bus systems are also very convenient. For public transportation, visitors may want to purchase a rechargeable Tmoney card, which can be used for subways and buses and is available at many convenience stores and subway stations.

Transportation

Gyeongbokgung Palace / 경복궁

One of Seoul’s most iconic historic sites and the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. This is a great place to experience traditional Korean architecture, palace grounds, and nearby museums. Guests may also enjoy renting hanbok nearby for photos. Hanbok wearers can receive free admission to the royal palaces under official guidelines. Website: <a href="https://royal.cha.go.kr/ENG/contents/E101010000.do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://royal.cha.go.kr/ENG/contents/E101010000.do</a>

Bukchon Hanok Village / 북촌한옥마을

A beautiful historic neighborhood known for traditional Korean hanok houses and narrow streets. It is located between Gyeongbokgung Palace and Changdeokgung Palace, making it easy to pair with a palace visit. Website: <a href="https://english.visitseoul.net/attractions/Bukchon-Hanok-Village/ENP000261" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitseoul.net/attractions/Bukchon-Hanok-Village/ENP000261</a>

Insadong / 인사동

A walkable neighborhood with traditional tea houses, galleries, restaurants, cafes, crafts, and souvenir shops. Ssamzigil / 쌈지길, a multi-level shopping and arts complex, is a fun place to browse for small gifts and Korean crafts. Insadong is also easy to pair with Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Cheonggyecheon Stream. Websites: <a href="https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=87748" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=87748</a><a href="https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=44678" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/whereToGo/locIntrdn/rgnContentsView.do?vcontsId=44678</a>

Cheonggyecheon Stream / 청계천

A restored urban stream and walking path that runs through central Seoul. It’s a peaceful place for a stroll, especially in the evening, and is easy to visit before or after exploring nearby areas like Insadong, Myeongdong, or Gwanghwamun. Website: <a href="https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?menuSn=351&amp;vcontsId=94002" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?menuSn=351&amp;vcontsId=94002</a>

Myeongdong / 명동

A lively shopping district known for beauty stores, fashion, cafes, restaurants, and street food. It’s fun to visit during the day for shopping and cafes, or in the evening when the street food vendors and bright storefronts make the area especially energetic. Website: <a href="https://english.visitseoul.net/shopping/Myeong-dong/ENP000067" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitseoul.net/shopping/Myeong-dong/ENP000067</a>

N Seoul Tower / Namsan / N서울타워 / 남산

A classic Seoul viewpoint with panoramic city views. Guests can enjoy the views from Namsan Park or go up N Seoul Tower for an even higher observation deck experience. The area can be reached by bus, a walk through Namsan Park, or nearby transit options. Website: <a href="https://www.nseoultower.co.kr/eng/index.asp" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.nseoultower.co.kr/eng/index.asp</a>

Museums

National Museum of Korea / 국립중앙박물관A large museum in Yongsan with Korean art, history, and cultural artifacts. General admission is free, though special exhibitions may require a ticket. This is a great option for guests who want to learn more about Korean history and culture in a spacious, easy-to-visit setting.Website: <a href="https://www.museum.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.museum.go.kr/ENG/main/index.do</a> National Museum of Korean Contemporary History / 대한민국역사박물관Located near Gwanghwamun, this museum focuses on Korea’s modern and contemporary history, from the late 19th century to the present. It pairs well with a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace, Gwanghwamun Square, Insadong, or Cheonggyecheon Stream.Website: <a href="https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=78636" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?vcontsId=78636</a> The War Memorial of Korea / 전쟁기념관Located in Yongsan, this museum and memorial covers Korea’s military history, with a major focus on the Korean War. It includes both indoor exhibitions and outdoor displays, and may be especially meaningful for guests interested in history.Website: <a href="https://www.warmemo.or.kr:8443/Eng/index" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.warmemo.or.kr:8443/Eng/index</a>

Hangang River / 한강

A relaxing place to walk, picnic, or enjoy views of the city along the Han River. This is a nice low-key option if guests want a break from busier neighborhoods. Website: <a href="https://english.visitseoul.net/area/HangangRiver/ENP015060" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitseoul.net/area/HangangRiver/ENP015060</a>

Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Tour / 비무장지대 투어

For guests interested in Korean history, a DMZ tour can be a memorable day trip from Seoul. The DMZ, or Demilitarized Zone, is the buffer zone between North and South Korea established after the Korean War armistice, and remains one of the most closely watched borders in the world. Tours often include sites related to the history and division of the Korean Peninsula, and availability can vary, so guests should book in advance. Website: <a href="https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/thingsToDo/subDmzTours.do" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/thingsToDo/subDmzTours.do</a>

Things to Do

Your presence at our wedding is the greatest gift. For those who would like to contribute, we would be grateful for a gift toward our future together. Because our wedding will be in Korea and we do not yet know what our U.S. address will be in September, we kindly ask that guests not bring physical gifts to the wedding. If you would like to give a gift, a cash contribution or Venmo would be most helpful. Venmo: @OhChungha Thank you so much for celebrating with us and for being part of this special time in our lives!

Chung-ha & Olivia

Chung-ha & Olivia

C&O

Wedding Day