About Periplum
Periplum is a weekly newsletter that explores the art of finding home in every corner of the globe. As a lifelong nomad who has called over a dozen cities across three continents home, I've learned that belonging is not about putting down roots, but about learning to find beauty and meaning wherever you are.
What you'll find in Periplum:
Immersive stories that blend personal anecdotes with cultural insights
Musings on the joys and challenges of the nomadic life
Tips for finding community and connection in new places
Recommendations for off-the-beaten-path experiences in well-known cities
Reflections on the books, art, and ideas that inspire my travels
Whether you're a fellow globetrotter, a curious armchair traveler, or simply someone who wants to see your own city through fresh eyes, Periplum offers a unique perspective on what it means to belong in a world that's constantly in motion.
About the Author
I'm Susie Kim, a writer, artist, and lifelong nomad with a chronic case of wanderlust. Born in Seoul and raised across three continents, I've been collecting passport stamps since the age of three, always wondering, "Where to next?"
My global adventures have taken me from moving to an island in Canada alone at the age of 12 to exploring 52 countries and counting. Along the way, I've picked up degrees in Art History at UCLA (go Bruins!) and a knack for hunting down the best street food in any city. When I'm not writing about my travel experiences, you can find me scouring local used bookstores, hunting for the best bakery, or studying one of the many languages I've picked up over the years (currently tackling Arabic, mostly to decipher menus in the souks of Tunisia).
These days, I call Seattle home – or at least, my current basecamp. Here, I've traded the stresses of delayed flights for the challenges of running a media nonprofit focused on social issues and policy education. But my love for exploration remains constant, whether I'm hiking in the nearby Cascades, discovering the city's vibrant music scene, or sampling the latest craft brews (a hobby that's been known to expand both my mind and my waistline).
Periplum is my attempt to share the joys and insights of a life spent embracing the unfamiliar. Through a blend of immersive storytelling, practical tips, and musings on art, culture, and the meaning of home, I hope to inspire fellow adventurers (both armchair and actual) to find beauty and belonging wherever their journeys lead.
Join the Journey
In each issue, I share stories, reflections, and practical insights from my ongoing adventures as an "almost local" — someone who stays in each city just long enough to understand its rhythms and quirks, but not so long that the sense of wonder fades. From the vibrant arts scene in Seattle to the hidden hiking trails of the Pacific Northwest, from the cozy cafes of Copenhagen to the bustling streets of Seoul, I invite you to join me in discovering the extraordinary in the everyday.
Subscribe to Periplum to get weekly doses of inspiration, storytelling, and practical advice delivered straight to your inbox.
I believe that home is not a place, but a way of being in the world — and I'm excited to explore it together with you.
Finding home in the world's corners,
Susie
