The Stages of Living in South Korea

In this video, I break down the stages that expats go through while living in South Korea and why many leave after only a short time here.

[machikr]

Well, a South Korean living surrounded by White America here. You complain Koreans ask too many private and personal questions to you, which annoy and frustrate you. Hard to believe, since no one is all that interested in others' lives in general, esp. in a non-celebrity, English teacher who looks extremely ordinary. It takes efforts to ask questions, efforts take energy, and most Koreans are too tired to move a finger after long work. (Btw, if someone asks your age, that has nothing to do with personal curiosity; it merely means that person is wondering if he/she should use deferential/honorific (존대말) or normal manner of speech when speaking to you.)

After my long stay in the U.S., I realize the opposite of love is not hatred but indifference. No White Americans seem ever curious about the Asian country I am from, what I am thinking. White Americans treat me (and most colored people for that matter) with polite indifference, as if we are invisible or transparent, while they seem to have such great laughter and fun among themselves. Zone of interest, perhaps, but trust me, a silent treatment is far worse than nosy intrusion into your privacy. I would be so glad if only Americans here asked me something personal and private, for that would at least evidence my existence.

[petrp]

I hope your video gets the views it deserves. I lived in KR for a year and after coming back to Europe I realized how superficial, status based and in general horrible is the society there. I'm not even talking about working culture, that's so disrespectful to employees considering this is a first world country.

[요셉-rl]

Before watching the video, as a korean, I wholeheartedly agree with the title.

[FullBellyTravels]

I didn’t know you had a channel! Nice dude!

[DissidentNomad]

All very true. It's about time the myths are done away with and people knew the reality of life in Korea instead of all the social media sugar coating that goes on.

[tmoon]

There's pros and cons of living in Korea. There's gross superficiality and genuine kindness. The convenience is on another level. You have to have a balanced view. Whether you decide to stay or leave will be down to your subjective preferences.

[tmoon]

The people who enjoy the Korean experience are the ones who love the positives of Korean culture and actually learn Korean and engage the people. If your closed-minded and don't want any changes in your life, then you're better off staying in your own country.

[UbermanNullist]

1:15 This feeling, in my opinion, is what Koreans felt in the 1980s and what Americans feel now. Koreans enjoyed American movies and pop, even though most of them didn't know any English.
Just Imagine the culture shock that Korean diplomats felt when they first visited the United States on July 15, 1883.
We, as human beings, had a similar system and values, but it was a completely parallel world. It took us 100 years to reintegrate and modernize it. Now SK fully understand Western perspectives. This was made possible by the sacrifices of those who came before you. And the same kind of feelings you having since you staying in Korea.

[rranft]

Hate to say it...
You're right, but this actually applies to literally any new place you move to. In fact, it applies to any major life change, not just where you live.
The main thing here is that people let the hype really push their decision to move to Korea and then the hype turns out to be exactly what it is. The crash hits hard because they let themselves build it up so high.
I was assigned to Camp Casey and returned after I got out of the Army to teach ESL for another four years. When I first got my orders my section sergeant said "don't listen to anyone; just go and see. You might love it, you might hate it, but go with your eyes open and make that decision yourself". Best advice ever. I really enjoyed my time there and moved back to the States because my Korean wife wanted to. Oddly enough, she dislikes Korea while I still really like it. I plan to retire to the suburbs of Seoul eventually and will likely move forward with one of the new "digital nomad" visas in spring of 26.

[coleslow]

This video is more informative and precises unlike other videos that goes on 20 minutes. You did a great job. However, it could have been even better if it showed the life experience can be varied depending on ones career in south korea, and teaching english isn't a respectable job in south korea (and japan too) any more.

[moriarty]

I live in South Korea and love the country and people, but I don't understand the hype. It's a beautiful and safe country, but it's not some magical place and it has its own problems just like any other country.

[strongbad]

This is pretty much everywhere overseas

[jaredcraig]

While there is a honeymoon phase to living abroad, I do still think the pros of Korea outweigh the cons. While the society has a strict hierarchy and superficial aspect, as a foreigner you are not held to these expectations. So you get to enjoy the benefits of a safe society that is cheaper than America while not experiencing the stress of conforming to the societal expectations.

I had no expectations when I arrived though, maybe people who arrive with the delusions of kpop and k-dramas would find living here stressful and a let down overall.

[soggymoggytravels]

This is all very subjective and I'm afraid I can't finish this video. I'd say that it all depends on your job (there are many terrible English teaching jobs there) and where exactly in Korea you are located. But added to that, if you learn the language and make friends there, it can be a great place. I love Korea and could readily live there long-term with the right job and right accommodation.

[cooliipie]

Pros: the girls
Cons: everything else

[ashokgogineni]

Kpop fans must accept this reality!!!!

[adurasarangheyo]

i used to be married to a s.korean. haven't been there for a long time, but it was terrible when i lived there for several reasons. they are very very rude ppl and often dont know how to even say a simple thankyou. maybe because i used to live in japan, by comparison, s.korea was abysmal

[NAIR]

I love China and South Korea the most and my India also

[pessoinhacansada]

This deserve more views, is way more direct and informative tha the majority in this subject ❤

[psforever]

that's the life of any expat in anywhere in the world. Do you think it's easy for Koreans to settle in the US??