When I heard that a relative from Korea was coming to Houston, I grabbed the car keys early in the morning.

I've driven this route so many times that I feel like I could do it with my eyes closed, but I still get a bit nervous every time I set out.

The distance from San Antonio to Houston is about 200 miles. It takes roughly 3 to 3.5 hours.

In Korean terms, it's like the distance from Seoul to Daegu, but here it feels like just a quick trip to the "next town over."

This is all part of the strange confidence that comes from living in Texas.

As I cut through the morning air heading east, the horizon stretches endlessly before me.

Interstate 10 is a long freeway and a major artery for Texas logistics, with large container trucks lined up on the road.

When driving with family, the biggest concern is maintaining a safe distance between these trucks.

After about an hour, I pass Seguin and reach Luling, where the highlight of this stretch is undoubtedly Buc-ee's.

The massive rest stop in Luling boasts the cleanest restrooms in the world, even in 2026.

After picking up a few bags of Beaver Nuggets for snacks and grabbing an iced coffee for myself, it feels like the real start of the Texas journey.

As I pass Luling and head toward Columbus, the scenery begins to change.

The area around San Antonio has red soil, but as I go east, there are more trees and the air becomes more humid.

And when I start to see the 'Katy' sign, I feel a slight tension. This is where Houston begins. Katy in 2026 has grown much larger, with endless shopping malls and apartments.

The lanes widen to an unbelievable 12 lanes, yet there are still plenty of cars.

Entering Houston, when I hit the 610 Loop or Beltway 8, I have to stay alert as cars merge from all directions.

Finally, I arrive at George Bush Intercontinental Airport. "Is this Texas? The land is really huge," my uncle says when we meet at the airport, and I can't help but feel proud. As I put the luggage in the trunk, I think to myself that it was a good decision to get a big car.

A round trip of 400 miles. My body was a bit tired, but it was a great day to show my family from Korea the vastness of Texas and share a warm dinner together in Houston's Korean community.

In Texas, where you can't do anything without a car, I am reminded once again that it also creates paths that connect family and memories.