10 Years as a Foreigner Living in Korea 🇰🇷 Pros and Cons of Living Here

Summary

In this reflective video, the creator shares their experience living in Korea for the past decade, highlighting the country's rapid development and the cultural shifts they've witnessed. They discuss the challenges and joys of adapting to Korean life as a foreigner, including the initial loneliness, the importance of language skills, and the warmth of being embraced by a Korean family. The video also touches on the realities of work, visas, and societal pressures, offering insights for those considering a long-term stay in Korea. With personal anecdotes and cultural observations, the creator paints a vivid picture of life in Korea, reflecting on both its progress and the enduring aspects that make it a unique place to call home.

Takeaways

• 🏪 The speaker reflects on the transformation of a prominent store, Home Plus, in Korea over the past decade, noting its change from a visible landmark to a less noticeable building amidst new developments.
• 🌳 The speaker's old neighborhood in Osan has seen significant urbanization, with open skies replaced by buildings and trees, altering the rural feel to a more urban setting.
• 📸 The speaker discusses the rapid cultural and urban changes in Korea since their arrival 10 years ago, highlighting the impact of phenomena like 'Gangnam Style' on global perceptions of the country.
• 🏘 The initial experience of living in Korea was marked by loneliness and cultural adjustment, especially in the quieter, less foreigner-populated areas.
• 🌐 The video aims to help viewers decide if Korea is the right place for them to live long-term, considering the cultural and lifestyle changes one might experience.
• 🗣 The speaker emphasizes the importance of language and cultural understanding in integrating into Korean society, noting that efforts to speak Korean and follow customs are appreciated.
• 🍽️ Korean culture values collective activities and roles within social settings, such as meals, where individuals take care of each other in a structured manner.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The speaker feels embraced by their Korean family, suggesting that becoming part of a family can help one feel less like an outsider and more integrated into society.
• 💼 Employment opportunities for foreigners in Korea can be limited but can improve with language proficiency and specialization in a particular field.
• 📜 Visa regulations and types play a crucial role in determining the kind of work one can do in Korea, with options to advance or diversify one's career being more accessible with certain visas like the F visa.
• 🏙 The speaker finds Korea an appealing place to live long-term due to its combination of city life, access to nature, and affordability, despite acknowledging the competitive and fast-paced nature of Korean society.

Q & A

What is the main theme of the video script?

The main theme of the video script is the personal experience of living in Korea as a foreigner over the past 10 years, highlighting the changes in the country and offering insights into the cultural and lifestyle aspects of living there long-term.

What significant change has the speaker noticed in their old neighborhood in Osan?

The speaker noticed that their old neighborhood in Osan, which used to have big open skies and feel like the countryside, now feels more like a big city with buildings covering the sky and train tracks that were once visible.

What was the speaker's initial experience like when they first arrived in Korea 10 years ago?

The speaker's initial experience was quite challenging as they arrived on a Sunday night and started work the very next morning without any training or time to adjust to jet lag. They also felt lonely during the first six months due to the lack of other foreigners in their area.

How has the cultural phenomenon of 'Gangnam Style' impacted the speaker's perception of Korea?

The release of 'Gangnam Style' marked the beginning of a cultural upswing in Korea that the speaker experienced firsthand, making them feel like they were in the country at the start of a significant cultural shift.

What is the speaker's view on the common saying 'You will never be Korean' as a foreigner?

The speaker acknowledges that as a foreigner, they do stand out in Korea due to the homogeneity of the population. However, they also note that making an effort to understand and adopt Korean customs and language can lead to acceptance and a feeling of belonging.

How does the speaker describe the cultural aspect of dining in Korea compared to the West?

The speaker describes dining in Korea as a group activity where people take care of each other, often sharing the same dishes and having specific roles, such as younger individuals grilling and pouring drinks for the elderly. This is contrasted with the more independent dining style common in the West.

What has been the speaker's experience with marriage in Korea?

The speaker feels very much a part of their Korean wife's family, noting that they have been accepted and cared for as if they were not an outsider. They emphasize that being part of a Korean family can help one feel more integrated into Korean society.

What advice does the speaker give regarding job opportunities for foreigners in Korea?

The speaker advises that job opportunities for foreigners in Korea are often limited, with English teaching being a common option. They also mention that specialization and proficiency in Korean can open up more opportunities, such as freelance work in fields like filmmaking.

What are some of the challenges the speaker has faced with the police in Korea?

The speaker recounts an experience where they felt the police were not helpful or willing to assist them in a scam situation, suggesting a difference in the police system compared to what they experienced in Canada.

Why does the speaker choose to continue living in Korea long-term?

The speaker chooses to continue living in Korea due to various factors such as the low cost of living in their favorite neighborhood in Seoul, easy access to public transportation, diverse nature for outdoor activities, and the convenience of traveling to other Asian countries.

What are some of the downsides the speaker mentions about living in Korea?

The speaker mentions that Korean society is highly competitive, leading to stress and overwork. They also note potential issues with job benefits and the unpredictability of certain aspects of life in Korea, such as housing contracts and police assistance.