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NEW BEGINNINGS: MY PERSONAL JOURNEY IN AMAZING SOUTH KOREA

If you’re curious about life in South Korea, you’ll want to read this! I’ll share my experiences and thoughts on adapting to such a new, amazing and different culture!
For me, moving to another country brought a mix of emotions: excitement, a bit of fear due to the uncertainty of the future, and curiosity about the new and long-awaited experience. But when you move to a country with a completely different culture, all those feelings intensify. Now, after living in South Korea for three years, I can confirm that it transformed me in ways I never imagined…

MY DECISION TO MOVE TO SOUTH KOREA

I decided to move to Korea after experiencing it as a tourist. That visit made me think, “I love this place, I have to live here.” So, I did! South Korea is a fascinating place, with a mix of ultra-modern cities, ancient temples, rich history, and a captivating culture.
But from the moment I set foot in this country, everything I once considered “normal” stopped being so. Living here forced me to reevaluate many of my beliefs and adapt to a completely new reality. The most important lesson I learned was to accept and respect cultural differences, which I believe, it helped me grow as a person.

THE IMPORTANCE OF OPENNESS AND TOLERANCE

Coming from South America, everything in South Korea felt different, including the food, customs, language, and social interactions. My initial response was to compare these differences to what I was familiar with, categorizing them as “better” or “worse.”
Over time, I came to understand that differences are simply that—differences, not necessarily something negative. This shift in mindset is only possible if you’re willing to experience and question your own beliefs.

RESPECTING LOCAL CULTURE

One of the most valuable lessons I gained in Korea was respecting other cultures. When you live in another country, you can’t expect to behave as you would back home. You’re in their territory, and it’s your responsibility to adapt to their culture, not the other way around. This doesn’t mean you need to stop being who you are, but you should be aware of how your actions affect the locals.
In a homogeneous country like South Korea, it’s impossible not to stand out physically as a foreigner, and because of this, you get many looks on the street, especially if you live in a city other than the capital, Seoul, where this is more noticeable.
What I learned from long-term residents is that, even with perfect language skills and cultural adaptation, you will always be seen as “the foreigner.” This realization felt both fascinating and unsettling for me. Similarly, in South America, we tend to view individuals with Asian features as foreigners. So, in a way, I can understand that perspective.
If you want to know more about Korean customs and traditions, you should check Cultural Insights on South Korea.

EXPECTATIONS VS. REALITY IN SOUTH KOREA

Personally, I moved to Korea mainly because of the fantastic culture, the respect between people, the order, the organization, and the efficiency with which things work—always with so much professionalism! Having watched many documentaries about Korea, I knew a lot about what I would face, both the good and the bad. If you’re planning to come, I highly recommend doing thorough research and reading as much as possible beforehand!
I didn’t move because of K-pop or Korean dramas (although I do enjoy them!), as many people do. I think this saved me from feeling disappointed. I’ve seen many people come to Korea with an idealized vision, influenced by what they see on Netflix or social media, expecting a life like in the dramas: romantic, vibrant, and perfect. The reality is that South Korea, like any country, presents challenges. Many people struggle to adapt and ultimately return home.
Korea was once very poor. However, society worked hard to improve. Through collective effort, people studied and labored intensely. As a result, the economy grew rapidly in a short period. This transformation showcases the dedication of its citizens. I admire this deeply, but it’s also a reason they lost focus on gender equality and LGBTQ+ rights—issues today. Many arrive searching for an idealized version of the country, only to face a much more complex reality.

THE CHALLENGES OF BEING A FOREIGNER IN KOREA

Integrating into Korean society is one of the biggest challenges I faced, and many other expats encounter the same difficulty. Despite speaking the language and adapting to customs, an invisible barrier always remains. Koreans are very kind and always willing to help, but the idea of “us” and “them” is deeply ingrained. 
I know several foreigners who are married to Koreans, yet their closest friends are often other expats rather than Koreans. This isn’t because Koreans are unfriendly; rather, the cultural differences and social structures can make it challenging to break into more intimate, long-term relationships.
Korean society strongly distinguishes between “insiders” and “outsiders.” No matter how well you adapt, you’ll still be viewed as an outsider. Accepting this reality requires humility and emotional resilience, especially when aiming for deeper integration into the local community. Even if you speak the language fluently and embrace the culture, you might still find yourself on the fringes of social circles.

CHANGE IS COMING

Despite the challenges, it’s encouraging to see that South Korea is changing. The influence of globalization has brought new ideas and values to South Korea. Topics like women’s rights and LGBTQ+ rights are now being discussed more openly than in the past.
While progress in South Korea can be slow due to a strong emphasis on tradition, younger generations are experiencing a noticeable shift. They are more exposed to global perspectives through travel, media, and the internet, leading to broader discussions on contemporary issues.
I’m sure this country will continue to evolve, finding a balance between its rich traditions and the demands of the modern world. The fact that these issues are being openly discussed now is a positive sign of change, and I’m hopeful that in time, Korea will continue to evolve into a more inclusive society.

PERSONAL REFLECTION

Living in South Korea has been one of the most enriching experiences of my life. I didn’t just learn about another culture; I learned about myself. It taught me that true wealth lies in diversity and in learning to accept what’s different and having an open mind.
If you’re ever considering traveling or moving to South Korea, or any other country with a culture different from your own, my advice is this: do it! The experience is amazing! But go with an open mind, ready to embrace the unexpected and to learn—not just about the country, but also about yourself!
Those are some of my thoughts and reflections about living abroad in South Korea!

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