There is a huge difference between visiting a country and living there. I visited Korea three times before deciding to move there, and I thought I knew what I was doing. I was wrong.
‘Instagram Korea’ as I call it, is where life is portrayed as an endless round of cute coffee shops, sunset views, riverside picnics and fabulous food.
Yes, all that exists, but it's not a realistic view of everyday life. If you visit as tourist you can of course do all that!
A lot of these Instagram accounts are run by students in Korea in their 20s. Maybe that's what their life is like, but as a student myself (albeit a LOT older), I know that most Korean language courses are intense, and a vast amount of time is spent bent over a book rather than enjoying sunsets.
The perspective also depends on your situation. Some content creators are living in university dorms, their parents are paying their fees and accommodation, and it provides a kind of bubble.
My perspective is slightly different. I'm older. I rent an apartment. I have a child and two cats. I’m using my savings. I’m not out clubbing in Hongdae on a Saturday.
There are a few things that I have struggled with since moving here, even though I'm usually quite good at adulting.
Things that have been Unexpected
Grocery shopping
In the UK I just hopped in the car and went to the store, or ordered online delivery. Simple
When I first came to Seoul I realised that without a Korean bank card you can’t order online.
I found the service offered by Go Wonderfully really useful (this is not an advert for them). You pay an amount of money for their time, and they do tasks for you, such as order your groceries from a list, buy tickets, provide a translator, or anything you need help with.
Generally I still go to one of the big supermarkets such as Emart or Homeplus by bus or subway. I know the ones that are closest to the stops. I limit my purchases to 2 shopping bags as I have to carry them, or 4 if my son is with me.
A lot of items are sold in bulk, so you might get a 24 pack of toilet roll rather than a 4. #
1 +1 or 2 + 1 deals are everywhere. Whilst this saves on trips to the supermarket, it makes shopping via public transport more difficult.
Cat food is weirdly expensive here, and my cats are not keen on it. They like chicken and beef based food and here it is mainly fish and seafood. I spent a fortune on cat food and also on raw chicken for them.
(Once I receive my Alien Residence Card I can have the glory that is a Korean bank account).
Paying Bills
I rent an apartment, and with that comes a maintenance fee and bills. Again, without a bank account here I was confused as to how to pay my bills as there were bank transfer details on the bills. My UK bank flags every Korean transfer as fraudulent despite my phone calls to tell them its not (thanks Lloyds).
It took me ages to discover that I can just go to a bank and pay the bills in cash. You would have thought my realtor knew this info but apparently not.
The language
I am studying Korean language. Whilst it may be easy if you are in your 20s, its not so easy when you get older. Retention of information is a problem, and I don't learn as fast as I used to.
So I’m working twice as hard as the younger students on a course that is clearly only designed for them. There is no room for falling behind, and the education culture here is ‘you need to study harder,’ if you are struggling to understand something. It is seen as a personal weakness in the student, not the fault of the course or teacher.
Everyday use of Korean is a struggle. I try to use as much as possible, but often I am not understood (even though I know it's correct), or they immediately speak English. It can get very frustrating when you are trying so hard.
My top tip if you are thinking of living here is LEARN KOREAN before you get here. It makes life 100% easier.
Being a Foreigner
As I have mentioned in a previous post, being a foreigner here can be difficult. Most Koreans will assume you are a tourist of course, and treat you accordingly. Most are lovely, and the charm of the Korean people is one of the reasons I wanted to live here.
However, racism exists like it does anywhere in the world, and it is an uncomfortable thing that most blogs don't mention. I have been blatantly ignored, had Koreans served before me even though I was there first, sneered at when I sat down on the subway next to someone, and had my weight commented on by multiple people. It happens. Sometimes it gets me down.
The body issue is a cultural thing, and despite the fact my body type and frame is vastly different to Koreans, all are judged by the same standards. Commenting on someone's weight is normal, although it may seem rude to a foreigner.
Daily Life
Most people who live here do not spend all day in cafes or shopping in Hongdae. If they are student they will study damn hard, and if they have a job they will work their asses off.
Yes there is time for noodles by the Han and socialising and cafe hopping, but it's not the idyllic life social media is peddling. Illusions will be shattered if that's what you expect.
It is worth it, and as a country Korea is incredible. I love it.
But be realistic if you are thinking of moving here.
If you come here on a visa you will have to maintain that visa. There is currently not a ‘Floating around aesthetic places and drinking coffee Visa.’
If it ever gets issued, I will be the first to apply…..
If you need Go Wonderfully:
https://www.gowonderfully.com/
(This is not a sponsored link-I get no compensation)