My second act as an expat began in South Korea.

Before we dive into my adventures in Seoul, we need to rewind to my time in Chicago. During that time my daughter and I had various experiences that fueled a passion for Korea. These moments ignited the desire to visit Korea in the first place. Let's take a nostalgic journey through some of those experiences.

Food Adventures

First up, the food! My time spent working at a taekwondo studio with coworkers who would become friends, coupled with Korean restaurants and markets in Chicago introduced me to the flavors of Korea with dishes like kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi. Korean cuisine became a staple in our lives, and we couldn’t get enough of it. The vibrant, spicy, and savory dishes were a culinary adventure that transported us to the streets of Seoul with every bite. This was also the perfect time to practice using chopsticks.

Love Language

I never imagined that my English degree would lead me to teaching. My new friends at the studio initiated a language exchange, which proved to be both educational and a great way to bond. As these relationships deepened, they expanded our world beyond the English alphabet and Korean hangul. My daughter and I began practicing and studying through various apps, songs and shows.

Entertainment Obsession

Korean entertainment also played a significant role. We were hooked on shows like "Running Man," "Knowing Bros," "Weekly Idol," and "Roommates." These shows were our window into Korean culture, humor, and everyday life. They made us laugh and sparked a curiosity about the world they depicted.

YouTube Influences

YouTube was another gateway. Influencers like SisiLessThanThree, Megan Bowen, The Korean Englishman, Mike Coleman and World of Dave inspired us with their stories and experiences in Korea. Their vlogs, tutorials, and daily life videos painted a picture of an exciting country that was calling our names. We were able to virtually explore Korea through the lens of Seoul Walker, who strolled through various areas, revealing the country's everyday life as well as its vibrant and stunning scenes.

K-Drama Fever

Ah, the K-dramas. Who could resist the allure of "Boys Over Flowers," "Heirs," "You Are My Destiny," “Strong Girl Bong-soon” "Mr. Sunshine," and "Romance Is a Bonus Book"? These dramas had us glued to our screens, swooning over the romance, drama and beautifully crafted stories. They weren’t just shows; they were an emotional rollercoaster that made us fall in love with Korea even more.

K-Pop Mania

And then there was K-pop. EXO, GOT7, Super Junior, TWICE, SHINee, Girls' Generation, f(x)—these groups were the soundtrack of our lives. I remember the thrill of attending a BTS concert, sitting so close to the stage that I could see the sweat on the idols' temples. It was an immersive, exhilarating experience, all for a reasonable $600 total for three tickets, a far cry from today's skyrocketing prices.

These were the experiences that set the stage for our journey to Seoul. They planted the seeds of fascination and longing that eventually grew into a full-blown adventure. Stay tuned for the next part, where I dive into my actual experiences in Seoul and share the highs, lows, and everything in between. Korea will forever have a special spot in my soul.

Have you visited Korea? Yeah? Tell me all about it in the comments! If not, no worries I can guide you :)

Until Next Time

Follow me on Instagram @secondactexpat for more stories and updates and my podcast Second Act Expat. Keep exploring my friends :)

A Special Place in My Seoul