Oops, I Left the Door Open—Then Got My Heart Opened Too

🚕 “You must be from Japan,” the taxi driver said with a chuckle.
I had left the door wide open for a few seconds after hopping in at Yeouido.

He was spot on.

Turns out he visits Japan often—for onsen and golf.
(Side note: Golf is apparently cheaper in Japan than in Korea.)

He usually picks up 5 groups of Japanese customers every day via the Uber app.
But what stood out wasn’t just his experience—it was his energy.

He was beaming. Laughing. Genuinely having a good time.
So I asked, “Sir, you seem to really enjoy this.”

His reply?
“I’m having the time of my life.”

At 46, he took early retirement from a bank, where he was a middle manager.
The stress, he said, came from being squeezed from both ends—managing up and down.

When the bank offered a retirement package, he took the leap.
Spent 140K USD on a taxi license.

“I like driving. I like talking to people,” he said, smiling.

What about late-night customers? Any trouble?

“Not really. Most rides now come through apps either kakao or uber—people behave better when their names are attached.”

Before I knew it, my hotel came into view.
A 15-minute ride that felt like 5.

As I stepped out, I told him,
“Your joy is contagious. I’m leaving this cab happier than I came in.”

And I meant it.
It’s powerful to be served by someone who loves what they do.
You feel it. You carry it with you.

Left a 5-star review:
“The driver was so happy with his work, I became happier too.”