Influencers In Korea I: Four Influencers Talk About Their Experiences And Share Living Tips For Korea

South Korea is a country that has steadily been garnering the love and attention of many people for many years. With multiple diverse offerings in every aspect including culture, technology, travel, and more, Korea appeals to the tastes of many. Hallyu (the Korean wave - including K-Pop, K-Drama, K-Beauty, etc.) has also made a significant contribution to the growing spotlight on the country.

Additionally, some of the everyday heroes who have contributed to igniting this love are none other than the influencers who are living in and making content about their lives in Korea. Influencers in Korea cover a diverse realm of topics, shedding light on the intricacies of the country. This includes the glitz, glamor, and even the grit that they might go through.

Since many of our readers are curious about Korea as a whole, we at Kpopmap started an interview series called "Influencers in Korea". We hope that by highlighting the experiences of influencers and everyday people living in the country, Hallyu fans and Korea enthusiasts alike can quench their curiosities and gain more insights.

Stay tuned for the rest of the series for which one part will be released every Thursday KST: PART 2 (Student Life in Korea) | PART 3 (What To Do In Korea) | PART 4 (Married Life in Korea) | Part 5 (Work Life in Korea)

 

Introducing Influencers in Korea

We asked each influencer to please introduce themselves and their social media accounts. Here's what they had to say. 

Alyssa

Hi! I am Alyssa from "Alyssa in Wonderland". I moved to Korea last year together with my puppy Auri, and together we are discovering life in Korea. Coming to and living in Korea has always been an obvious goal for me and I am happy that I am able to fulfill this goal of mine every day now. I have a background in Korean and American studies and Korea has been a huge part of my life since I was 12 years old. Right now I am mostly working as a webtoon translator and K-Pop expert, but I also have experience in other fields such as teaching and social media.
My blog "Alyssa in Wonderland" is separated into three parts:
1) My blog (mostly Instagram) where I post recommendations of places I have been to in Korea and write generally about my experiences in Korea.
2) Shorts / Reels where I try to introduce newer K-Pop fans to songs they may not know yet because they were released some time ago.
3) Videos (longer videos) where I talk about my experiences in Korea, K-Pop and answer questions about Korea. I am working hard to restructure Alyssa in Wonderland and have a broader variety of content, including series such as teaching easy Korean and an interview format introducing foreigners living in Korea. Please look forward to the projects I have planned and working hard on.
Alyssa

Social Media Accounts 

Blogging about life in Korea and more (in English): Alyssa in Wonderland Instagram | Alyssa in Wonderland YouTube

Where Alyssa lets her creativity unfold (in Korean): Instagram | YouTube

"theauriboy" a personal blog about Alyssa's dog: Instagram | YouTube

 

Eliza

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live in Korea? To walk the same streets you saw in K-Dramas and visit the same places your idols went?
Well, it’s not exactly as glamorous as all that, but I’m here to tell you the reality is even better than I could have imagined. My name is Eliza, and I’ve lived in Korea for two and a half years. I work here as an English teacher at a public elementary school in the provincial city of Asan. If that doesn’t sound familiar, it’s located about 30 minutes south of Seoul via the high-speed KTX. Life here isn’t as fast-paced (as Koreans say ‘palli palli’) as in larger cities like Seoul and Busan, but here, I’m fully immersed in Korean life and culture. This small city has become my beloved home. It’s a relaxing place to return to after exploring this beautiful country. For the first two years I lived here, I simply consumed Korean and expat content. After being an observer for so long, I decided to put all the information I’ve learned living here and all the knowledge and experiences I’ve had to use. I created my account to open an honest and realistic window into what life in Korea is like. The good, the bad, the unexpected, and the amazing. My TikTok is Eliza’s Diary 엘라 @elizainkorea. I chose the name to reflect how my account is an open book, a diary of sorts, about my life here in Korea, as a mix of Eliza, the 25-year-old from the US, and 엘라 (Ella, because Eliza is SUCH a mouthful in Korean), the young woman who is building a life in Korea and learning more about this country and herself every day.
Eliza

Social Media Accounts 

Eliza's Diary TikTok | Eliza Instagram

 

Melissa

Hi Kpopmap readers! My name is Melissa Limes and I’m a 1993 baby, which makes me 30 years old! I have been living in Korea for almost 4 years. I am currently an English teacher at two public schools in Changwon, Gyeongnam, where I have spent my entire time in Korea. I started my social media around late 2020/early 2021 as a way to stay connected with my family and friends back home. My mom encouraged me to vlog my experiences here. Initially, I started with a blog but I realized taking photos and videos was more my forte. My content focuses on life in Korea, being a teacher, skincare, and makeup, and finally, some of the more interesting and obscure things about Korea. I also focus on life outside of Seoul as many content creators are based there, which means most people know about Seoul but not much about other, smaller cities that have their own charms. I am planning to move closer to Seoul because there are many opportunities in the capital and I am trying to transition out of teaching. If you are interested in my content, I go by Melissa Limes (YT) and melissalimes on Instagram and TikTok!
Melissa

 Social Media Accounts 

Melissa Limes YouTube | Melissa Limes Instagram | Melissa Limes TikTok

 

Sungkun

Social Media Accounts 

Sungkun Instagram | Sungkun TikTok

 

Interview with Influencers in Korea

Where do you come from?

I am from Germany.
Alyssa
I’m from Minneapolis, Minnesota. A medium-sized US city near (and by near, I mean a 6-hour drive from) Chicago. I’m an only child, and growing up, my parents always put a high value on travel. I was lucky enough to travel a lot when I was young. But we never made it over to Asia, so my adventure in Korea has been entirely new to me.
I credit their love of travel and their support for giving me the confidence to study abroad in Italy for a year during my junior year of college and then, two years later, to commit to working abroad in Korea despite having never stepped foot in the country.
Eliza
I am from Cape Town, South Africa. I grew up there and did all my schooling in Cape Town. Thanks to South Africa’s diversity, I grew up around so many different cultures and people with varying backgrounds. I studied Sport Management and have a Master’s degree in Sport, Recreation & Exercise Science from UWC. I also worked for Western Province Rugby and SA Rugby for a number of years after graduating, so I have a great deal of experience in sports administration.
Melissa
It is hard to say because I am half Korean and half Pakistani with Korean nationality. I spent most of my childhood in Pakistan and came permanently to South Korea in 2019. So, when it comes to where I am from, I would say I came back home in 2019.
Sungkun

 

How long have you been in Korea? And where have you lived during your whole stay in Korea?

I have been in Korea since September 2022 but I have visited Korea six times before. I visited Korea for the first time in 2013.
Alyssa
I’ve been in Korea for about two and a half years. I moved here in May of 2021, after graduating from college in the middle of the COVID lockdown in 2020. I have lived in Asan the entire time I’ve been in Korea.
Like many, I initially wanted to live in Seoul (simply because I was unfamiliar with the rest of the country). But I have come to love my ‘rural’ city. Asan is small by Korean standards, but the metro area (combined with the larger Cheonan) has a population of over half a million. So I never run out of places to see and things to do!
Eliza
I have lived in Korea since February 2020, just as the covid pandemic hit. In February 2024, it’ll be exactly 4 years in Korea (exclusively in Changwon).
Melissa
I moved to Korea back in 2019 and currently just living in Seoul (The heart of Korea).
Sungkun

 

Have you always lived alone while in Korea? Or did you ever have a roommate?

When I visited Korea in 2015 I lived in a goshiwon - a small room with a bathroom that was less than 4 sqm. We had a shared kitchen and I had my own fridge that was hanging over my bed. I was always so scared that it would fall down on me while sleeping! Haha. When I came back for a second time in 2015 I stayed in a bigger goshiwon and had 10 sqm. That already felt so luxurious at that time.
This time I had a roommate in the very beginning but it was very stressful, so after one month I had my own place. I am living in a one-room apartment with my puppy Auri now.
Alyssa

I have always lived alone in Korea. And I hate it! I am very social (MBTI E-type), and living in Korea is the first time I’ve ever lived alone. I can’t lie. Korea can be an isolating country as a foreigner, especially when you first arrive and don’t know anyone. Before I made my close-knit group of friends, living alone made me feel very lonely.
These days, I spend most of my time outside my apartment. After work, I go to dinner or cafes with my friends or take pilates at the gym. And I spend nearly every weekend with my boyfriend at his apartment.
Eliza

In my entire time in Korea, I have lived alone. It has come with many challenges such as loneliness but I have learned to become independent and think for myself. Before Korea, I had lived with my parents my entire life. Living alone here taught me how to run a household and to care for myself. After returning home for vacation in August 2022, I realized how much I enjoy and bask in my own space. I don’t think I could return to a shared space.
Melissa

Well, since I am from an Asian background, I have lived with family my whole life. When I came to Korea, I was living with my family, but as of 2023, I started living with my girlfriend from the US.
Sungkun

 

What is your main occupation at the moment? And have you ever studied in Korea before?

I am currently working as a translator, mostly for webtoon companies. I attended the 12th Kyujanggak Korean Studies Summer Workshop at the Kyujanggak Institute of Seoul National University in 2018, but I haven’t studied as a regular or exchange student in Korea yet.
Alyssa
I am an English teacher at a public elementary school. Technically, two schools. Although teaching wasn’t (and still isn’t) my dream career, I find it really fulfilling to work with my students and see them learn and grow.
I never studied in Korea, but I’m often envious of those who did. I love my life here, but working abroad is a different ball game, with different responsibilities, than being a student.
Eliza
I am currently an English teacher through EPIK (English Program in Korea) and I teach at two schools. It has honestly been the most incredible experience. I have had the most amazing and understanding co-teachers, colleagues, and lovely students. I think my experience is quite rare as I cannot think of any obstacles I have faced with regard to my schools. I have never studied in Korea but I have taken short, online university courses in the Korean language.
Melissa
My main occupation is teaching. I am an ESL teacher in Anyang. I teach kindergartners and elementary students English, and I am currently a Health Science student at a university in the US.
Sungkun

 

Do you speak Korean? If yes, how long did you study and how did you learn?

I started studying Korean in middle school by myself but at that time there was a general lack of resources online and the books that were available to me at that time really didn’t teach me a lot besides vocabulary. So I just blindly memorized sentences to somehow understand and communicate haha.
I then had to erase everything from my brain because I learned Korean again from scratch at Ruhr-University Bochum during my Korean Studies degree. The Korean Studies Department of the Ruhr-University has intensive language training focusing on contemporary Korean, complemented by introductions to both Middle Korean and Classical Written Chinese. So I had to learn not only Korean and Hanja but also had intensive classes on grammar and translation.
However, during the several COVID-19 lockdowns in Germany, I lived in isolation for an extended period of time; which was a huge setback for my Korean skills that I am only slowly regaining now. These days I am especially working on gaining confidence and sounding more natural while speaking Korean.
Alyssa

I would say that I have an intermediate grasp of Korean, and I’ve been studying on and off for about three years. Shortly before I moved to Korea, I began self-study on Duolingo. When that didn’t work because Duolingo for learning Korean is terrible, I used other websites, like 90 Day Korean and Talk to Me in Korean. I also had a few lessons with a private tutor before I left and while in quarantine (oh, COVID times) after I arrived.
In Korea, I have mostly learned through listening to my co-teachers and students in the classroom and through daily life. I study by taking online module classes on Coursera and the King Sejong Institute (I cannot recommend them enough. They helped my Korean improve dramatically). But the biggest catalyst in my language learning curve was meeting my boyfriend who didn’t speak a word of English to me the first few months we dated. Our communication, even now, is nearly 100% in Korean. I can’t believe how far my Korean has come since meeting him.
You know what they say: the fastest way to learn a language is to fall in love.
Eliza

I speak beginner conversational Korean but I understand way more than I speak. It has been incredibly hard to improve my speaking as making Korean friends has proved to be challenging. I recently wrote TOPIK I and scored level 2. I have studied on and off since 2018 when I attended the Cape Town Korean School but I want to take a university-level course if I end up moving closer to Seoul. My aim is to get a Level 3 or 4 in TOPIK II which will make me eligible for other kinds of jobs here.
Melissa
Well, I do speak Korean, but I am not fluent in it since my upbringing happened in Pakistan. I only learned it from my mother.
Sungkun

 

Why did you want to come to Korea? How did you prepare for it?

I get this question a lot! It is very funny to me because I cannot actually pinpoint the reason why I chose Korea. I grew up with Koreans and Korean culture and it has always been a huge part of my life. Korea is so deeply rooted in my everyday life that I cannot imagine myself living anywhere else. I think I was 13 years old when I told my mom for the first time that I wanted to move to Korea and it still hasn’t changed. When I arrived in Korea for the first time in 2013 I was only 17 years old and still, it felt like I was coming home. It is a feeling I have whenever I am in Korea and I cannot really explain it.
I did prepare for my move for about one year. Especially because I came with my puppy Auri, I wanted to be 100% sure to get everything right. Then a few months before I quit my job in Germany and applied for the visa, started training Auri on what traveling feels like and to not be afraid, and also did a lot of research on what I should do. Just three months before leaving I gave notice on my apartment, sold my car and furniture, rented a storage unit for the rest of my things, and moved everything in there. It was a really scary and stressful time and I think if I tried it in a shorter time I would have probably cried a lot because there was a lot more to do than I initially expected.
Alyssa
I decided to come to Korea in the middle of 2020. I had just graduated from college with a degree in Mass Communication, but I was living with my parents again, with little job experience and no career prospects to speak of. I had a friend teaching English in France and another preparing to come to Korea. The opportunity to go abroad, work, and travel seemed so appealing. I had a growing interest in Korea due to K-Dramas and my quarantine introduction to K-Pop, so I decided to take a leap of faith.
The preparation was mostly in the form of studying Korean, reading up on Korean history (and getting very confused in the process), and getting my documents together for the visa. It was a long process, and up until the day of my flight, I was questioning if this was the right decision. I can now confidently say, "Yes, it was."
Eliza
Initially, I was interested in K-Pop as many people were and that was my first introduction to Korea. Funny enough, when I arrived here, I completely lost interest in K-Pop. The more I learned about Korea, the more the culture, food, and traditions intrigued me. It was also the first country I ever traveled to and I did it all by myself. I actually never saw myself going to Korea at all but I was at a Korean Culture Day in Cape Town and saw GoldKey Education (an EPIK recruiter) who told me about teaching in Korea. I never knew it was even a thing but I was intrigued. A few years later, I had a few friends who made the journey to Korea to become English teachers and they encouraged me to do the same. The journey to get here was not easy, especially the EPIK process. I did my in-class TESOL in October 2017 - two years before I eventually applied. I applied for EPIK in August 2019, quit my job in December 2019, and only received my contract in February 2020, leaving me with just a few weeks to get my visa, flights, and everything in order. I had to prepare a lot of documents and tie up loose ends with my bank, cell phone provider, etc. It was pretty arduous.
Melissa
My dad had a business in Korea, and I did not have any plans to come to Korea; however, due to my dad’s health, the whole family decided to go to Korea.
Sungkun

 

Does living in Korea meet your expectations?

I would say yes and no. For most people life could always be better, so I think it’s normal to struggle, especially with such a big change. I am leaving my comfort zone almost daily and I had to learn to adapt a lot. So right now I am focused on working hard and hoping that everything will be better soon. But one thing I can say is that it’s really not easy and full of constant challenges.
Alyssa
I don’t even know what my expectations of Korea were to be entirely honest. I think I initially came in with the same mindset I had when I studied abroad in Italy. I loved my experience abroad and the instant friends, travel, memories, and ease that came with it. Moving to Korea was a lot more stress and work than I expected.
But I was able to adapt quickly, and I love it here. I have responsibilities. Unlike my study abroad experience, where I was in half-vacation mode. In Korea, I am just living a regular life here. Some days are super fun and exciting, and I get to travel. On other days, I’m tired from work, the weather is crappy, and I just go straight from school to the convenience store to buy kimbap for dinner before holing away in my home. It’s just life, life in a super cool country, but life.
Eliza
Believe it or not, I had no expectations before coming to Korea. I didn’t watch videos about expats living here or travel videos. In fact, when I was told my placement after the EPIK orientation, I had no idea where Gyeongnam was, let alone Changwon City. I’d never heard of either of those places. I knew about Seoul and Busan and what I had been taught at the Cape Town Korean School. I knew if I had expectations and they weren’t met, I would have had a less positive time. I believe the fact that I had no expectations is the reason I stayed so long. I treated Korea the same way I would any other country.
Melissa
Living in Korea has its own advantages and disadvantages. The living standards are relatively higher. The healthcare and transportation systems are impressive. People are pretty friendly and respectful; however, the only drawback is that, as a fruit lover, all fruits are expensive.
Sungkun

 

What do you like about living in Korea? Do you have a favorite location where you’ve lived?

I love how Korea makes me feel. My life here is not perfect and I am facing many hardships but I feel great here. One thing I really love is my puppy Auri and how people interact with him. I have so many options to go to dog cafés or even a dog swimming pool with him where we can meet and play with other small dogs. Compared to Germany he found so many friends here that he is genuinely excited to meet. I feel like, despite the lack of running and walking locations outside, his quality of life really improved and you can see that he really became a happier dog.
For a place to live, I would recommend Hanam which is a new city next to Seoul. It is very close to Seoul and you can go there quickly and by public transport but you can also enjoy the pretty recreational spaces like the big park for example. Also, it is nice that you are located so close to nature.
Alyssa

Something I like about living in Korea is how, despite the culture and language differences, living here is very convenient and comfortable. Once you have an ARC (Alien Resident Card), phone plan, and bank account, you are set to go!
Every mode of transportation has an app. Unlike the US or Italy, where everything (and I say this with love) is never on time and can be so hard to navigate, in Korea, you can just open an app and easily access timetables, tickets, and real-time ETAs.
For online shopping, I can use my card, my bank account direct transfer, or even Kakao Pay to buy anything, and it will be at my door in less than a week, often within a day or two.
There is a reason why so many people can live here without ever really learning the language. Many things are online, making it convenient and comfortable despite not speaking Korean.
Eliza
I absolutely love how convenient Korea is. It’s so convenient it’s made me lazy and impatient. When I was in South Africa, waiting an hour or more for a bus or taxi or another service didn’t bother me because that was what I knew and grew up with. If I got stuck in the rain without an umbrella, too bad, I'd get drenched. However, everything runs on time in Korea to the point where I get annoyed if a bus is a few minutes late, or I have to wait more than 5 min for a taxi. If it rains unexpectedly, I can quickly run into one of the hundreds of convenience stores and grab an umbrella. Which is why most people here have at least 3 or more umbrellas! Another thing I will always be grateful for is safety. It cannot be understated. People back home cannot believe that I can be out alone at midnight and no one will bother me. People lose their personal belongings all the time. I myself have lost my phone twice and a bag in a taxi and was able to retrieve it from a police station in less than 5 hours. I wish that for all South Africans. Safety really improves one’s quality of life. I no longer have to fear someone breaking in to or robbing me on my way home - things that have happened to me multiple times back home. My favorite place in Korea is definitely Changwon with Busan coming a close second.
Melissa
As a foodie, no matter what time it is, you can always order food. Korea is a small country with a lot of history and culture, which is one of the best things about Korea. I really like the convenience Korea provide to its people.
One of my favorite locations is in Pyeongtaek; it is a cafe next to the sea and the cafe’s name is 'Rodeo 0'.
Sungkun

 

What is the one thing that makes you love Korea so much?

Whew… this is hard! I think it is impossible to choose only one thing that I love. Every country has its pros and cons and I also think it depends on where exactly you live within that country (and other factors as well of course…). The great thing about Korea is that I found my own way to enjoy Korean culture and incorporate it into my life. While studying Korean studies I learned a lot about the culture, history, and traditions of the country and I think everything I learned and everything I experienced has left small little pieces in me that made me who I am today. Of course, there have been other influences as well but since my connection to Korea has been so intense for more than half of my life now, I think Korea had the biggest influence overall in my life so far.
Alyssa
The thing that makes me love Korea is the people in it. I would not be here without the friends that I have made. My city is small, and there aren’t many foreign English teachers here, so we have formed a close-knit group. Everyone knows, or knows of, everyone else.
And, of course, my boyfriend is wonderful. We travel together, and he gets joy from introducing me to new things in Korea, so we often go to museums and watch Korean movies that I otherwise would have never seen. His family and friends have been so, so lovely and welcoming as well.
Many Koreans are shy to talk to foreigners, but once you become friends, the country seems to open up. They are so welcoming and kind, and they really love sharing their culture and seeing foreigners making an effort to speak Korean and learn about Korea.
Eliza

As I’ve said above - convenience and safety. On top of that, I have met really kind people in my time here. Another thing that makes me love Korea is the melting pot of foreigners that you’ll run into. South Africa is a rainbow nation but I met people from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Australia, the USA, England, Canada, Trinidad and Tobago, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Mongolia, China, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Uganda, Morocco, and so many other countries. I have learned so much about the world through meeting these people.
Melissa
People here are nice and respectful and respect personal spaces. One of the things I really like about Korea is how open they are to different food cultures and try to make fusion which is quite admirable.
Sungkun

What is one piece of Korean culture that you really like or admire? Do you practice this bit of culture now?

I think there are several customs I have adapted over the years. One thing I am struggling with a bit recently is that I have transitioned from being the maknae (the youngest) in most of my friend and work groups to actually being the eonni / nuna (older sister) of most new people I meet - or even the imo (aunt) haha.
These new roles come with a lot of responsibility and I have noticed that my attitude changed a bit. Nowadays a lot of people around me come to me for advice or help and often expect me to be a leader in groups and take care of things. This is still a little bit weird for me because it feels like the transition happened so suddenly - but then I realize I am already 27 years old. So, nowadays I am really trying to improve my leadership skills. What is surprising to me is that even young children in my area will come to me and call me “imo! Please help me!” and then expect me to tie their shoes or ask me for a tissue. I love it when this happens because, to them, I look just the same age as their mothers so it comes naturally to them but I am still caught off guard sometimes haha.
Alyssa

I once told my boyfriend how shocked I was when I traveled outside Korea, and everyone was very outspoken about my looks, my skin, and my hair. As someone who hates being in the limelight (I know, contradictory for an aspiring ‘influencer’), while I was flattered, I was also uncomfortable. I almost felt like I was under a microscope. In Korea, I haven’t felt it as intensely. I pondered that maybe Koreans are just shy, but he disagreed. Many Koreans might have the same curiosity or thoughts about foreigners. But they just don’t want to make me uncomfortable by speaking it out loud.
It’s deeply rooted in the culture to be considerate of others. People in Korea rarely cause a scene or act disruptively in public areas. Speaking at full volume on public transportation is something you only see tourists doing and those who talk on their phone on the bus or subway are often glared at with annoyance. If a particularly annoyed ahjumma is present, she might even tell the loud party to keep it down.
In America, everything is very “me” centric; “I can do whatever I want, this is a free country, you can’t tell me what to do,” etc. In Korea, they feel a responsibility and obligation to their relations and society at large to be considerate and aware of how their actions affect others around them.
I try to practice this when I can, not to be labeled as the ‘loud, rude American’. Consideration for others makes life more pleasant for everyone, especially in a place as crowded and busy as Korea.
Eliza
I’m not sure if it would be considered cultural but I’ve taken on a lot of Korean mannerisms such as crossing my hands or fingers to signify no, saying 응 as yes, or saying 어 어 during conversations as well as some Gyeongsangnam-do dialect. I practice these in everyday life as I interact with Korean people 99% of the time.
Melissa
The efforts and struggle Korea made to be where it is now. As Korea was a poor country it struggled a lot and made a lot of effort to improve the livelihood of people. Their constant hard work is something I really admire.
Sungkun

 

Do you remember the first culture shock you experienced when you arrived in Korea?

Toilet paper is so expensive! I was so shocked the first time. Fruits, as well. So now I really understand why people would give toilet paper and fruits as gifts.
Alyssa
My first experience with culture shock in Korea was how much they trust others not to steal. I went on a weekend trip with my friend to Jeonju the first month I lived in Korea. It was a hot summer day, and we both had luggage, but our guesthouse check-in wasn’t until 3 PM. My friend is half Korean, and when she said she felt comfortable just leaving her bags in the hallway of the guesthouse, I was shocked.
I was so used to traveling in the US or Europe, where people will take your bag right off your body, let alone if left unattended in a public hallway for several hours! But she said there was CCTV and it would be fine. And she was right. When we went back to the guesthouse after an afternoon of exploring, our bags were untouched right where we left them.
Now, I will regularly leave my purse or phone, sitting on a cafe table to reserve a seat while I order, without a second thought about someone taking it. I even had to remind myself not to do that when I visited home!
Eliza
Indeed! The fact that personal space is nonexistent. If you’re in a line, people will be on top of you. When walking on the sidewalk, no one really says excuse me so I’ve often had people kind of elbow me to get through. I was also shocked by ahjummas just randomly touching my hair or skin even though it's been mostly positive (them complimenting my hair and skin). It’s really weird to just touch a stranger so that was pretty shocking to me. Another thing is random Korean people introducing themselves to me so they can say something in English and then disappear within seconds haha.
Melissa
My first culture shock was how fast life is in Korea and people do not stop and apologize that often if they bump into someone as they’re walking. I found it rude and disrespectful. The way I was raised was if I was ever bumped into someone I should apologize because it is just common decency but I see a lack of public respect in Korea, for instance opening the doors for people, or bus drivers not stopping even if they see you running for the bus, or people not being communicative with strangers. In the country I grew up in and the countries I have traveled to, strangers would usually nod or say good morning/evening, or have a nice day to strangers, but it is considered weird in Korea.
Sungkun

 

Speaking of cultural differences, what is the one you had the most difficulty adapting to?

Catching the last train. It may sound mundane but, in Germany, public transport is running 24/7 so this is really hard for me to adapt to. Also, the first train. If I have to be somewhere by 6 AM, I have no chance of taking public transport because even the night buses only operate until 2 AM / 3 AM. So instead I have to take a taxi a lot here when I forget about the last train. I am living quite far away from my friends so this happens more often than I’d like to admit haha.
Alyssa

Something I still have difficulty adapting to is how readily Koreans go to the hospital. In the US, you only see a doctor if you think something is seriously wrong with you. You would only go to a ‘hospital’ if you were actually dying (only kind of being hyperbolic).
But in Korea, people go to the hospital for a simple cold. They get medicine, maybe an IV of vitamins to feel better, all for less than half of what even just stepping inside the doctor’s office in the US costs.
Going to the doctor is something I don’t even think about doing when I feel unwell. Every time I complain about having a stuffy nose or sore throat, my boyfriend tells me to go to a doctor, which just seems insane from an American point of view. Maybe someday I’ll get to the point where I, too, can go to the hospital for a runny nose, but I’m not quite there yet.
Eliza
I’ve had difficulty adapting to the indirectness. Especially in the work space. For example, instead of saying “Melissa, could you take over the 5th-grade class next week when I’m on leave,” they would say something like “I’m on leave next week, it would be nice for the 5th graders to see you again,” leaving things very open and prone to miscommunication. One such incident was at my 2nd school which started at 8:30 AM. I arrived at 8:30 and my colleague said, “The other teachers come at 8:20,” so I took this as ‘I guess I’m late and should come earlier?’ So the next day I arrived at 8:20 AM and the same colleague asked me why I was there so early and I was stumped. I was like, what do you mean? You told me the other teachers came at 8:20 AM…and she was like “I didn’t mean you should too.” So this truly confused me as I didn’t understand why she told me about them anyway. So yes, a lot of miscommunication and misconstrued words.
Melissa
Most people in Korea follow the same fashion style which mainly consists of black, grey, and beige color items. However, when I first came to Korea I had a lot of colorful clothes. I am already stared at for being a different ethnicity in Korea, so wearing bright clothes and patterns made people stare at me more. Because of that, I adopted the Korean style of dress.
Sungkun

 

 

What do you dislike about living in Korea?

Like I said before every country has its pros and cons. I think I was really prepared for the bad sides of Korea due to my background, but one thing I hadn’t thought about much before that I struggle a lot with now is 'being a foreigner'. Well, actually, I don’t really struggle with the foreigner part because that’s obvious to me and everyone I meet but what I mean is living in another country as a foreigner. There are just some things that are hard when you come to a new country. You have to take care of everything you do back home (work, friends, bank, insurance, housing, etc.) but twice. And on top of that, you have to think about your visa almost constantly. I know it’s normal if you are living in another country but I never thought about it that much before. Your visa, no matter how good it is, will never be as good as in your home country. And your responsibilities? Well if you want to have a sense of security you just have to do them double: one time for your home country and one time for Korea. For example: I have health insurance in Korea, and I also have health insurance back in Germany and I even have one more which is travel health insurance. Maybe this is very German style, I don’t know, but it gives me a sense of security that if I go back to Germany I am insured right away and I don’t have to worry about that.
Alyssa
Of course, there are some hardships that come with living abroad. First and foremost, I miss my family, and I’ve missed a lot of important moments because I’m not home. Marriages, births, illnesses. Friends getting new jobs, new apartments, missing out on many things that would have been part of my daily life were I at home.
The other hard part about living here is that I’ll always be a foreigner, socially and legally. No matter how well I speak Korean, if I have lived here for years, if I have a Korean partner or Korean friends. I will always be an outsider. Korea is very homogeneous, so it can be hard to be fully accepted as an outsider. When people see me, they will always see a foreigner first and me second.
Eliza
There are no anti-discrimination laws so it’s hard for foreigners to get any justice when instances of racism, homophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, etc. happen. Many laws side with Koreans in the cases of assault and other crimes so it’s also hard for foreigners to successfully get a case against perpetrators. The other thing is how restrictive the visas are and how difficult it is to move up the ranks as an English teacher - which is why I’m looking to transition out of it.
Melissa
The thing I dislike is how expensive the products are. For instance, watermelon in Korea would cost around $20, or a pack of five tomatoes, $10. As most of the prices go up the salary seems to be the same. Another thing I dislike is how expensive housing is. I live in a one-bedroom apartment with a size of 29 sqm and my monthly rent is $700 along with a deposit of $10,000. In other words, the expensive living standard is something I dislike about Korea.
Sungkun

 

Are you planning to stay in Korea or leave the country? Why do you say this?

If I could choose my ideal scenario I would stay in Korea, probably forever. As of right now, I cannot imagine living in another country. Maybe my view will change in a few years, maybe not. I will go wherever it feels right and right now, nowhere I have been to felt this right to me.
Realistically it depends on several factors though: visa, job, security, health, etc.
Alyssa
That’s the question, isn’t it? If you had asked me when I first arrived in Korea or even after my first year here, I would have given the same answer: Just one more year. Then I’m going home. But now, I don’t really have a plan. There are a lot of factors to consider: my career, my family, my friends, and my relationship.
And currently, I have no answer. I still have eight months left on my current contract, so I have some time to figure it out haha.
Eliza
Currently, I am undecided. I feel like I have put in a lot of effort here with regard to studying the language and Korea becoming my second home. I can definitely see myself living here long-term if I could get the right visa. However, I know other countries may have better opportunities so I’m also looking at those options too.
Melissa
I see myself living in Korea for a few more years. However, since I am planning to get married, I would want to move somewhere where I can have my own house with a garden.
Sungkun

 

Have you noticed any changes in Korea since you’ve been here?

I have noticed a lot of changes over the years. For me, the Korea I arrived at for the first time doesn’t exist anymore. Korea develops and changes so fast that you just cannot compare it ten years later.
Alyssa
Other than the taxes going up? Just kidding. Kind of.
I’d say the biggest change that’s happened in Korea since I’ve been here has been the natural shift in life from COVID-times to now. When I first arrived, masks were required indoors and outdoors. My first summer, we had curfews where businesses closed at 9 PM and restrictions where no more than four people could meet at any time, and no more than two people could be together after 6 PM. It was a real downer.
My first impression of the country was wildly different from how we live now. I’m definitely glad that all of that is over. For a while, it seemed like life would never go back to normal.
Eliza
I have noticed the most changes in my city as I live here, of course. Every month a store closes and another one opens. My city is also currently building an S-BRT system for buses which will improve transportation. There are now also KTX/SRT trains straight to Suseo (where there were none before). The other change I’ve noticed is the decline in population. I went from having five classes of each grade to four and in 2023, some of my grades only have 3 classes each. The change from COVID-era Korea to post-COVID Korea has also been interesting to note. It went from being taboo to almost everyone contracting COVID-19 to the point that it became daily life.
Melissa
The only change I noticed was how there aren’t many events happening after COVID. Even though Korea did an amazing job containing the virus. But, it is something that will take more time.
Sungkun

 

What is a little-known tip about living in Korea that you think first-timers in the country should know?

There are lots of blogs and informative sites in English about Korea these days, so I would definitely recommend doing research before coming to Korea. Don’t feel bad about looking for nice places! Koreans often discover new cafés and pop-up stores through Instagram, so be sure to look there for good recommendations! K-Pop festivals can be booked through travel websites if you want to have more guidance (they provide a bus to the location and often little tours around the area), but if you don’t need that you can often book tickets for a small booking fee (often only 2,000KRW ~ 5,000KRW) directly on the booking site of the event. However, if you book through the event website you have to be quick because tickets are often sold out in minutes.
Alyssa
I actually have a series on TikTok where I talk about random, surprising facts that many people may not know about Korea! Many of the tips I have learned in Korea aren’t huge or life-changing. It’s the little things that I’ve learned not to be surprised by anymore.
Eliza
The so-called rural areas in Korea aren’t THAT rural so a tip for people who are placed in these areas is to embrace them, learn as much as you can, and get close to the locals. The rural areas are so much more interesting than the big cities, especially if you’re looking for a new experience, different from what you’re used to.
Melissa

The very first tip you should know is to use the subway/busses instead of riding a taxi. The Seoul subway system is one of the best in my opinion and it will definitely take you to your destination or near it at least. Also, do not believe what Google says, use either Naver or Kakao maps, and you will thank me later.
Sungkun

 

When it comes to the cost of life (food, rent, etc.), do you think it is more expensive in Korea than back in your home country?

Germany has changed a lot within the last year so I actually cannot give a good answer to that. I think that depending on where you live, rent is more expensive in Korea but the general cost of living (outside food, electricity, water) is lower than in Germany. Groceries and drugstore items are definitely more expensive in Korea, and I also feel like there is a much broader variety in Germany. If you live on campus, your expenses will be way lower than having an apartment by yourself in Korea.
However, I think in Korea, especially in Seoul, you are more likely to spend more money. You often meet at cafés or restaurants with your friends and a lot of leisure activities cost money like karaoke, photo booths, or even picnics or bike tours because you will rent the necessary equipment. In Germany, I would often meet my friends at each other's apartments and we would cook together. Other activities would be watching a movie at home, going to someone’s garden, or taking a walk. I love both - but one lifestyle is definitely more expensive than the other.
Alyssa
It depends on the person and their situation! In my case, rent is included in my contract, so I only pay 60,000 won ($45) each month for my apartment maintenance fee and wifi. I use a cheap monthly phone plan 알뜰폰 instead of a “permanent” phone plan, which costs me 18,000won ($14) a month. My electric and water bills are also very cheap. The most expensive part of living here (for me) is fresh food. Buying fresh vegetables and fruit can be very expensive in the off-season, so I don’t cook often. It’s often the same price or cheaper to buy pre-made food at the convenience store or order out and eat leftovers for a few days.
But overall, I think the cost of living compared to the quality of life I have is much better than it would be at home. I do not need a car because of how reliable public transportation is here. My apartment, bills, and other expenses are low. I can go out for dinner with my friends, eat multiple dishes, have several drinks, and never pay more than 40,000 won ($30). Compared to dinner and a single glass of wine in the US, which costs $80.
I feel confident saying that my lifestyle here would be more expensive in the US. I can go out, travel, and spend my “fun money” pretty freely while still saving a sizable portion of my income, which would require stricter budgeting in my home country.
Eliza
I used to think it was more expensive in Korea than back home until I went back home for vacation and prices had increased to almost the same as in Korea. Fruit and vegetables are cheaper back home but electricity and gas are cheaper in Korea. I would say everything else is pretty much similar.
Melissa
Yes, housing and food are quite expensive in Korea. I spend around KRW 300,000-400,000 every month on groceries. Most of my groceries include fruits and vegetables. I believe they are expensive due to the fact that most of the produce is imported from other countries. However, I think the government should subsidize produce since they are one of the basic things people need.
Sungkun

 

In conclusion, please tell us one of your favorite memories in Korea.

Again, it feels hard to just choose one! The first thing that came to my mind was the first week I moved into my new apartment and took my puppy Auri to the Han River in the evening and we just walked alongside it for a few hours. It became night and I was just so happy at that moment.
There are a lot of other memories I treasure a lot but one I often get asked about is the BTS concert last year. It was a true adventure for me because I didn’t know if I could attend that concert until a week before and even then I was unsure until the very night before. Finally, when I held the concert tickets in my hand, I went home and didn’t sleep for one second. I had to get up at 4 AM to take the first train to Pangyo in Gyeonggi-do, where I rushed to the travel bus because I was already the last one to arrive. We then drove to Busan, exchanged our tickets, and got this little paper bracelet. At that moment, we suddenly became so tired that we chose to go get food and a coffee and rest for a while. It was really amazing how many people worked to transform the whole area into a celebratory area for BTS. It was so wholesome. We watched the concert and it was so incredibly beautiful. It was mesmerizing to watch, the whole crew did such a great job - it was truly a once-in-a-lifetime event. After the event ended, however, the chaos started. Because there were so many people there was no chance to get any signal and on that very day the kakao servers went down for a short period of time. As a result, we weren’t able to contact anyone from our travel bus and also couldn’t find the bus. It was such an adrenaline rush and we weren’t sure if we would make it in time. Finally, one message came through which was a Kakao Map link to the location of the bus - but of course, we couldn’t open it! So after a while, we were able to find the bus which was parked on top of a hill. We walked up that hill for 20 minutes or so and were so exhausted when we finally arrived at the bus, only to discover that a lot of people were still missing. It was so funny. After a while, everyone arrived at the bus and we made our way back to Pangyo. And then I stood in a parking lot in Pangyo at 2 or 3 AM. I looked around and was confused - Should I wait here until the first train came? When I tried to call a taxi my request was declined because the destination was too far. But finally, one taxi came and picked me up and brought me safely back to my house where my puppy Auri greeted me (he had been taken care of by a pet sitter that day). And when I looked at the clock I realized that everything I experienced today, from leaving my house to arriving back at it, all happened in 24 hours.
Alyssa

 

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I don’t know if I can choose just one. But one that comes to mind is seeing the Nakhwa Nori Festival in Haman.
The festival is held every year on Buddha’s birthday and wishes for a good harvest during the coming year. Traditional fireworks are hung over a small river, and as darkness falls, they spark a bright red color and create the illusion of a stream of fire over the water.
Last May, my boyfriend and I took a trip down to Haman to see the festival. The festival area was packed with people, but we found a place right along the barricaded river bank. We had a front-row view of the lighting of the fireworks and the two-hour show that lit the river. After the fireworks ended, we drove an hour down to Busan, where we got sashimi and sat at Gwangalli beach until sunrise. It was one of the most memorable nights of my life.
Eliza

One of my favorite memories has to be starring in a Gyeongnam MBC show 4 months after I came to Korea. The show was about foreigners living in Changwon and experiencing different aspects of the city such as travel, technology, and culture. It allowed me to meet some amazing people that I’m still friends with to this day. I also was able to experience what the filming and editing process looks like, too.
Melissa

One of my favorite memories in South Korea was back in 2021 when I visited The Garden of Morning Calm with my family. It is one of my dearest since that was the last family trip we had with our dad.
Sungkun

 

Finally, do you have some recommendations or words of encouragement for our readers who dream of coming to live in Korea?

It’s a journey. What is right for someone else may not be right for you. Take your time to figure out what your style is and what you feel comfortable with. Find your own way to enjoy Korea and Korean culture.
Alyssa
Living abroad is difficult. It has its ups and downs. But the highs in Korea will make you forget about the lows. If coming to live or study in Korea is your dream, absolutely make it happen! Whether it’s only for a few months or a few years, the experiences you will have are so rich!
Don’t be afraid to reach out to the expat community in Korea online before coming, and once you’re here, put yourself out there and use the resources available! There are so many people, including myself, who love to offer help and advice. We have all been exactly where you are and have learned along the way. I recently met up with a follower who reached out to me during her application process, and once she was in Korea, we met and became good friends!
Put yourself out there, and don’t be afraid of big change!
Eliza
To the readers who are interested in living in Korea, remember that Korea is nothing like K-Pop or K-Dramas. Leave your expectations at the door and treat the country like you would any other. Kores can be a lot of fun, but it also has its problems. Some are minute and others can break you. Try to learn how to read Korean at the least to help you in the beginning. Lastly, enjoy yourself and if times get tough, surround yourself with the expat community as there are many resources at hand. Enjoy!
Melissa
As every country has its own good and bad things, I personally believe Korea has so much to offer. Such as amazing history, culture, food, and cafes, of course. Korea is one of the safest countries in my opinion and if you are planning to visit Korea, I would say just buy the ticket already and come and you will not regret it.
Sungkun

Thank you, once again, to the influencers who participated in this special interview series. Readers, make sure to give each influencer a follow on their social media platforms to see more of their adventures in Korea!