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WHY EXPATS LOVE TO LIVE IN SOUTH KOREA

5/14/2015

42 Comments

 
The ideal place for me is the one in which it is most natural to live as a foreigner.
- Italo Calvino
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View of Seoul from N Seoul Tower
With the popularity of the song "Oppa Gangnam Style", South Korea was put into spotlight overnight. All of a sudden, everybody is interested to know how South Korea truly is. As you all know, we have been living abroad for the past 10 years and is currently living in South Korea. For us, the best part of living in a foreign country is you get to know the country for what it truly is. You get acquainted with the locals, their way of life and their traditions and eat local cuisines. For us, the most exciting part of living abroad is the endless surprise of "learning something new" and you get to immerse yourself in the unknown. 

We love living here and that is why we asked other expats like us (lived and is currently living here) the reasons why they love South Korea. 
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The DMZ or the Demilitarized Zone running along the 38th parallel that divides North and South Korea.
 Photo Credit: Danielle Segui Photography

BECAUSE IT'S SAFE HERE
By: Tangerine, A Travelogue by Brock and Tanj

This is the most common misconception of people when they found out that we are going to live in South Korea. South Korea is number 4 on the list of top 10 of the world's safest countries. Mind you, the United States is ranked number 88 based on crime rate variable. Yes, even if, North Korea is just around the corner.  I feel very safe going around the city and outlying areas with my husband or by myself.  One reason may be the fact that everywhere is monitored by CCTV. I never feel that I am going to be pick pocketed crowded or worse.  As a matter of fact, a stranger tapped my back when my money accidentally fell to the floor and didn't noticed it. You may call that lucky but I am thankful Koreans are honest and respectful. 
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BECAUSE IT'S SO BIZARRE THAT YOU NEVER GET BORED
By: Katrina, The Two Week Traveler

There's a lot you can say about Korea, but one thing you can never say is that it's boring. There is endless possibilities of indoor and outdoor activities you can experience - from hiking in the city or outside, camping, laying at the beach, going to amusement parks, outdoor swimming, skiing, and the list goes on. One thing for sure, you will never get bored with your free time. 

As an English teacher, no two days were the same, which was nice because right when you would get bored teaching a lesson, you'd be on to the next one and never look back. Outside of school, everyday you would encounter something interesting or weird. I got a pedicure where fish nibbled the dead skin on my feet; I had coffee at a cat café several times; I used to eat at a Chinese restaurant that had a pet monkey named Richard by the front door; I went to a children's amusement park that played LMFAO's "Shots" full blast on one of the rides-unedited! I often passed by a store that sold nothing but umbrellas, including umbrella hats for those who can't be bothered to hold their umbrella. You can go drinking and sing in private karaoke rooms with your friends, or for a more intimate night out, go to a DVD room and lounge around in your own private movie theater on a bed. I loved that you could sit down at a makgeolli (native beverage) restaurant and share a kettle of rice wine with old Korean men who you couldn't converse with but were glad to raise their glasses with you. Korea gives you the opportunity to experience so many unique and weird things that you would never find anywhere else!
About Katrina: Katrina lived in South Korea for a year teaching English to elementary school students. She is also the author of The ESL's Teacher's Guide to South Korea. While living in South Korea, she has stepped foot into North Korea at the most heavily fortified border in the world. 

You can also find The Two Week Traveler here:
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BECAUSE THE FOOD IS AMAZING
By: Chanel, Cultural Xplorer

Prior to visiting South Korea, I had only eaten Korean food about one or two times. Living in South Korea for two years and working in a Korean public school, I ate Korean food every day and became slightly addicted to it. Now living back in the United States, I am constantly craving my favorite Korean dishes such as Tuna Kimbap,  Bulgogi, and Barbecued Beef. Korean food has a very distinct flavor as compared to other Asian flavors. Korean food relies heavily on fermented bean paste and fermented chilli paste. 
About Chanel: She lived in South Korea from 2010-2012 as a public school teacher. As a part of the EPIK program, Chanel lived in the city of Cheongju in the Chungcheongbuk-do province, where she taught elementary and middle school students as well as Korean English teachers. In addition to teaching, Chanel wrote about her experiences in Korea on the blog Coco in Korea, she served as a Regional Moderator for the Regional Professional Development Program in Cheongju, lectured at the August 2012 EPIK Orientation in Jeonju, and was featured in EPIK's School Culture Episode about the Challenges of Working in Korean Schools. 

You can also find Cultural Xplorer here:
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Photo Credit: Expat Love Connections

BECAUSE OF THE VARIETY THAT CAN BE FOUND HERE
By: Jesse and Lauren, Expat Love Connections

Say whatever you want, but South Korea has all sorts of international conveniences, music, food and cultural events. Koreans are curious about different customs, traditions and cuisines, making life more comfortable for expats. What’s not to love about that? When Jesse first arrived, he became hooked. He has always loved to go out and have a good time. He especially enjoys Korea’s drinking culture in which the locals work hard, and will keep you celebrating all night long. 
About Jesse and Lauren: Jesse and Lauren are both American; originally from Maryland and Delaware, respectively. They made the same decision at different times - where they dropped their corporate lifestyles to start something new. They eventually found each other teaching young learners in South Korea. 

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BECAUSE IT'S QUITE SIMILAR TO THE WESTERN WORLD
By: Chris, One Weird Globe

For many expats, this is their first real stop, either their first travels away from home or their first time living in a different country. It's first-world, similar to the Western world in many ways, and the country has a lot to offer whatever you're into. The country has a very metropolitan feel.  South Korea has clean tap water, exceptional public transport and offers a lot of cultural. indoor, outdoor or any activity that tickles your fancy. In South Korea, they have civilized laws and are mostly followed. 
About Chris: Chris Backe is the blogger behind One Weird Globe, a travel blog that focuses on the weird and offbeat destinations around the world. He taught English in South Korea and has lived in Asia for 7 years. He is currently traveling through Northern Africa and Europe. He's written about 20 books and itineraries, and recently published a guidebook about offbeat Thailand in April 2015.

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BECAUSE THE SOCIAL ETIQUETTE OF KOREA FOSTERS BETTER RELATIONSHIPS
By: Natasha, Artist Explores the World

While Korea is one of the leading countries in new technology, most Koreans are still very traditional when it comes to social etiquette. Koreans are typically very respectful, even to foreigners, especially if you show them basic respect. I’ve had Koreans strike up conversations with me on the subway, in parks and at restaurants. They genuinely wanted to welcome me to their country. They are not only respectful, they also value good relationships, and while you’re here that can influence you in a good way. Even something as simple as handing over money at the store is done respectfully with two hands. Gift giving is also an important aspect of Korean culture and building relationships. When you’re invited to a friend’s home it is customary to bring a gift. My favorite aspect of Korean relationships is found around the dinner table. If you go out to eat, you’ll notice most people share food. Servings are based per table, and everyone picks and chooses what they want from all the dishes. It’s a wonderful way to get a unique meal and to share the experience, and flavors, with others. Another proper and respectful tradition around the dinner table is for the youngest person to pour the water. That is just one example of how friends, coworkers and family respect each other in their everyday lives. It reminds you to be a respectful person and to foster better relationships with the people around you.
About Natasha: Natasha Raymond is a twenty-something traveling artist who blogs and creates artworks based on the things she sees and does while traveling. Currently, she is working on expanding her blog and creating an illustrated travelogue that she hopes to get published in the future.She has been calling South Korea a vacation home in between trips so that she can visit her husband who lives there.

You can also find Artis Explores the World here:
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BECAUSE IT'S RICH IN HISTORY AND CULTURE
By: Danielle, Danielle Segui

About Danielle: She is a 26 year old travel addict, currently living in South Korea. Her husband works for the US military while she enjoys being a local English teacher in South Korea. She is a also a lifestyle portrait photographer serving the Osan and Pyeongtaek area. 

You can also find Danielle Segui here:
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One of my favorite things about living in South Korea is that it's rich in it's culture, traditions and history! You could go exploring every weekend but still see and learn something new every time. One of my favorite historical outings was to the DMZ, the border between North and South Korea. It’s rare to experience such an important piece of history as it’s actually happening. North Korea is arguably the most oppressed country in the world and to see it in person, along with a dozen North Korean soldiers, is an eye opening experience. South Korea is also littered with religious temples and palaces, all of which encompass their own unique beauty and history. Some Buddhist temples even offer a “Temple Stay”, where you participate in their every day practices, wear traditional Buddhist garments, eat a traditional Buddhist dinner, and stay overnight in the Temple. You can almost always find a big celebration or festival happening around the country too! In the springtime Korea is overflowing with flower festivals, my favorite being the Cherry Blossom festivals! I just attended the Lotus Lantern Festival, which is a big celebration honoring Buddha’s birth. Speaking of birthdays, did you know that in Korean culture the day you are born you are already considered one year old? Fascinating!

You might also enjoy:

  • A Glimpse of Our Life in Qatar
  • Our Brief Expat Life in Djibouti

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THOUGHTS?

  • Have you lived abroad? 
  • Would you dare to live in South Korea?
  • If you are currently living here, do you hate it or love it?

Categories: Asia, South Korea, Blog Collaborations
42 Comments
Chanel | Cultural Xplorer link
5/14/2015 03:17:24 pm

Thanks for allowing me to participate and share my love for Korean food :D

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Tanj
5/14/2015 07:58:37 pm

Our pleasure Chanel!

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Joanne T Ferguson link
5/14/2015 11:46:47 pm

What a great blog post that brightened my day! I know little about South Korea, but I bet it would be a place that I could enjoy and stay!

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Tanj
5/15/2015 12:40:13 pm

It really is a nice country to live at. We have no complaints... so far!

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Christy Maurer link
5/15/2015 02:07:54 am

I am so envious! Living in a place like South Korea would be amazing. You've really highlighted all of the reasons to love living there! There is so much to love about it :)

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Tanj
5/15/2015 12:40:37 pm

Yeah so much to love about it!!!

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Michele link
5/15/2015 02:37:33 am

Truthfully I never knew much about South Korea--but now I do and what I have just learned makes me happy! There really seems to be lots to do there.

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Liz Mays link
5/15/2015 07:19:37 am

I would love to make it to South Korea some day. I know my daughter is excited to visit the country and these solidify my interest.

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Fi Ni Neachtain
5/15/2015 07:25:28 am

I have to admit that I've never even thought of living or even visitng South Korea one day. It looks like such a great place though..

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Tanj
5/15/2015 12:41:03 pm

It such a great place and we really love it here. We will be sad to leave.

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Alanna link
5/15/2015 07:40:25 am

What great photos! Would be neat to travel to Korea! Thanks for sharing your experience!

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Tanj
5/15/2015 12:41:31 pm

Our pleasure!

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tami link
5/15/2015 10:06:07 am

My husband would go for the bizarre. I would go knowing it's safe. The food is what would bring us together. Lol

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Tanj
5/15/2015 12:42:04 pm

Well, that is true! We travel for food too... so coming here was an easy decision. A very easy one, actually. Haha!

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Vera Sweeney link
5/15/2015 02:29:50 pm

These are amazing pictures from South Korea. Sounds like an amazing place to live and work!

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Brittanie @ Simplistically Living link
5/15/2015 05:45:34 pm

Wow I didn't think there was that much to do in South Korea. Love the buildings at night, so pretty!

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Amby Felix link
5/15/2015 10:44:01 pm

I will be in South Korea next year. The DMZ is so crazy to look at. I watch a lot of docs. on North Korea so I know a lot about both countries. Such stunning photos.

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Victoria link
5/15/2015 10:49:25 pm

Such amazing culture! Love all the pictures and an incredible experience!

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michele d
5/16/2015 12:50:01 am

Your pictures look lovely. South Korea looks beautiful day or night. Would love to visit one day.

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Amanda Zeisset link
5/16/2015 05:10:55 am

Great contributors posts. It's really useful to read a bunch of different opinions.

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Carol Colborn
5/16/2015 05:19:36 am

for me, also because shopping for fashionable items is the best there!!!

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Tyra
5/16/2015 07:02:01 am

I have read 3 or 4 posts on South Korea lately. I had never really thought of it, but it is starting to pique my interest. Will look into it more.

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Tami link
5/16/2015 08:08:27 am

The more I read, the more I appreciate all the places and cultures I haven't visited. Enjoyed this post very much.

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Laura Lynch link
5/16/2015 10:06:22 am

I don't think I had the same experiences in South Korea that every seems to love. I found it difficult to get around. Maybe I just wasn't travel savvy enough at the time. You've made a really good case here for it. I need to try again, I guess.

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Dana link
5/16/2015 10:10:18 am

You're convincing me to try South Korea as a home base for awhile.

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Meg Jerrard link
5/16/2015 02:32:33 pm

I've heard all of these amazing things about South Korea, but haven't yet managed a visit. EVERYONE has been talking about it recently - teaching English abroad there seems to be a really big trend, so I may just consider following a similar path soon. Thanks for the extra push!!

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Mary's Marbles link
5/16/2015 03:57:02 pm

I just love hearing about all the culture and traditions each country has. It is something that fascinates me. Thank you so much for covering that part too!

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adventureinyou link
5/16/2015 04:25:21 pm

The food looks amazing! Definitely want to visit.

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Elaine J. Masters link
5/16/2015 05:13:55 pm

Wonderful collection of experiences and wisdom. I so look forward to visiting one day.

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Remell link
5/16/2015 07:34:24 pm

All of these are so true! Korea is definitely a unique country and I had some rather interesting experiences during my stay. A must-see for any travel junkie.

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Lisa @bitesforbabies link
5/17/2015 01:56:34 am

Makes perfect sense! I have a good friend who has been teaching and living there for over 10 years and my cousin just moved there and he loves it!

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Miranda (Myrabev) link
5/17/2015 02:20:13 am

When I was visiting korea few weeks ago now and my friend who is currently living there said korea is the safest place to live and that everyone is honest I didn't quite believe it until I was there and saw it for myself. It is such a beautiful country with so much to offer

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Natalie Deduck link
5/17/2015 03:40:10 am

Great Post!!
Never been to South Korea, but heading to Asia in two months, so definitely put the country on my travel radar. It´s always good to have different perspectives from a country before visiting it.
Happy travels,
Nat

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Cathy link
5/17/2015 04:16:29 am

Great article! I lived in Korea from 2000 to 2003 amd my experiences are similar. I met my husband there while he was in the US military.

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CourtneyLynne
5/17/2015 05:03:43 am

omg what amazing photos!!!! I really wanna visit Korea! When I lived in Orlando they had a Korean bbq restaurant... I have always wondered if the food is like that for real in Korea because it is amazingly delicious

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Jenna link
5/17/2015 04:56:29 pm

Love all the tidbits of info from everyone! South Korea sounds like a wonderful country--would love to visit one day!

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Elena link
5/18/2015 03:24:56 am

Incredible photos. I have never been to South Korea (or anywhere in Asia really) so look forward to adding it to my adventures in the future.

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Jessica link
5/19/2015 05:35:44 pm

Agree with all of the above! I lived there for 7 months and fell in love with Seoul, especially the food and the kindness of the people.

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~ carmen ~ link
5/21/2015 03:49:19 pm

Amazing photography. I'd really love to get some handmade authentic Korean food & see all those bizarro sights. :]

// <b> <a href="http://www.itscarmen.com">▲ itsCarmen.com ▲ </a></b>

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Christine
5/22/2015 04:29:06 am

Wow. I have really thought deeply and for years about living in korea and working there. Its 2015 now and I still have this dream. I wanna travel too and make a lot of money. I wanna live in korea for 10 years too. Hopefully things can go well since I am a gyopo!! So it will be easier for me to speak english and korean ^^

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Aline
10/29/2017 03:26:28 am

Yeah sure all of that sounds amazing but what about the racism tho. The xenophobic thing beats all the good amazing things you mentioned imo. Also the fact that it is difficult getting around here if you only speak English.

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Mike Bran link
12/5/2017 01:20:50 pm

Korean food is the best. I had no idea how safe it was there. Great to read such useful information on the places I'd like to visit as well someday.

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