What’s it Like Living in South Korea?

I get a lot of questions in my Instagram DMs and YouTube comments, but these are the ones that come up the most often. “What’s it like living in South Korea?”

And honestly, it’s the hardest one for me to answer out of them all. My experiences in Korea don’t speak for everyone, and my fans come from all over the place. I’m not sure if they’re asking me in relation to their home country (because they may not realize that even though we share English as a common language, the culture in America is vastly different even regionally.) Nonetheless, I’m going to try and answer it as best as I can.

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If you’re just finding this post, (or you’ve been here awhile) hi and welcome! My name is Gina and I’ve been an expat living abroad in Asia for the past seven years. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago and spent a lot of time in the Windy City. Since I was 12, I dreamed about one day living in Japan. However, I kept secret because it wasn’t cool to like anime or anything Asian.

I loved to party in my early 20s and had the same stereotypical college experience as everyone else. I laughed, I cried, I chain smoked with my roommates and their boyfriends. I fell in love without fear. I was guilty of drinking one too many and waking up in my bed alone pant-less with someone else’s hat.

Unfortunately, I was also diagnosed with anxiety and depression my senior year (and the why is still not something I’m comfortable with talking about publicly). Throughout my entire life, writing has always been my escape and my treasure. That part of me has always been a way to help myself and eventually help others who come across and read my blog. I always wanted to touch or reach out to people through my words and videos.

Though my experiences have made me strong, I’m actually a very sensitive person who gets hurt quite easily. Which is why in my adult life, if something or someone hurts me, I cut it out of my life immediately. Life is too short to dwell on jobs, people, or things that don’t make you happy.

Most of my 20s have been spent abroad and the expat experience has taught me so many things college or living near a big city never could. For example, in Okinawa, I learned how to rig the fan to dry my clothes a lot faster despite the humidity and not having a dryer. I also discovered I enjoy star fishing and stealing fuzzy blankets from my friends at sleep overs on tatami mats.

I learned never I’m not the kind of person who gives up on their dreams. Despite people telling me my little blog would never go anywhere, I’ve grown to 30,000 views per month, my YouTube channel has reached a family of 16k, and my Instagram account has a clan of 47k.

Please don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying this to brag. I’m just incredibly honored 93k of you want to follow along on this crazy journey I started over seven years ago.

So here’s me, Gina, attempting to explain what it’s like living in Korea (and a little bit of Japan) through my eyes.

In Comparison to America

My life in America… Well, it was boring and not so boring at times.

I honestly didn’t spend a lot of time doing much besides working, partying and studying in America because I left when I was 22. But here’s what I know and remember about the homeland.

Related: Advice For Moving To Korea

On culture…

In America, there is a big culture of going to the movies. I love staying up to date on the latest flicks and quoting great lines from my favorite films. It’s kind of essential to know a lot of pop culture references because people drop subtle ones in conversation from time to time. Meanwhile in Korea, we don’t get every film unless it’s a huge blockbuster; however, I’m able to watch most Marvel superhero movies before everyone else because we’re a day ahead.

In America, we also just tend to hang out at each other’s houses, play video games, have bonfires, drink and sleep over. I don’t really see that here in Korea. (Of course if we’re foreign friends we do that, but Koreans don’t.) Friends usually hang out at cafes or cool new Instagrammable locations in Seoul. Which I’m totally fine with because it’s a great excuse for getting cute and getting out of the house.

I’d also like to note age is EVERYTHING here. For those of you who don’t know, Korea is a hierarchal society. Age changes the way you speak with someone and the way they speak with you. If you have no idea what you’re doing, it’s very easy to insult someone. You’ll especially see this when you eat out. Typically, the oldest person there should eat or drink first. Once they begin, everyone else can. In addition, this hierarchy system means that the eldest person or the person with the most power (like a principal) will foot the bill.

One unique part of Korean culture is also “saving face”. This means the desire not to cause someone embarrassment. In some ways, Americans can be more blunt than Koreans. Most people (myself included) would rather know the truth than stay in the dark—even if it hurts. Most Koreans will ghost the situation or avoid the problem entirely to avoid causing disharmony in their social circles or work places. Which is why I highly encourage you to pick and choose your battles wisely.

Also, if you date in Korea, ghosting will have an entirely new meaning because you may think things are going well, but then you find yourself drinking alone with Casper. I highly encourage you that if you get into a row with your Korean coworkers that you pick and choose your battles wisely.

On weather…

I come from Chicago which can get disgustingly cold in the winter. Chicago winters are no joke. I find it very funny when people complain about it being the tundra here because have you ever gotten windburn through your jeans? If not, you don’t know pain is.

However, one of the bright sides to living in the Midwest is we get four distinct seasons. I especially love Summer and Autumn in the suburbs where my parents lived. Also, there’s nothing like going to the beach out on the lake and enjoying a good Italian ice as you troll on all the high school kids sneaking drinks of vodka from coke bottles. I’m literally smiling as I write this because I’m also remembering all the handsome and shirtless boys playing some beach volleyball.

In Korea, I noticed that the pollution is getting worse and worse year round. Last year, we had a hovering cloud of shit over the the country and it didn’t even go away until late spring. It literally blows my mind I have to buy a vogmask or an air purifier just to survive it. I feel like clean air should be a right and not a privilege.

We even also have bad air days in the summer and I’m so thankful when it rains because it clears some of the crap out of the air. In addition, Korea has a rainy season over the summer where it gets sweltering hot and riddled with humidity. I promise you, it’s not a fun time.

On food…

When it comes to food, eating out in America is super expensive because we also have to pay tips and the server also comes and checks up on us a lot. For me, it just gives me anxiety. In Korea, they ignore you unless you want something, which I can totally get behind. I’ve also done the math… It’s cheaper to eat out at Korean places than it is to actually cook at home. Some food for thought.

Since I’m half Mexican and half Italian, I grew up eating very rich cuisines with delicious tastes in my house. I’m not saying that Korean or Japanese cuisine isn’t tasty, because it is. I’m saying that the flavors we use are quite different.

And what do I really miss about food in America? Probably the wide selection of vegan food, Mexican food, and pizza that isn’t coated in sugar. While Korean food is hella good, everything that isn’t Korean just plain…. sucks. Unless the joint is run by a foreigner.

I also miss how much easier it is for me to watch my weight in America because I can read what’s on the package a lot easier than I can in Korea…

On public transport…

As for public transport, if you lived in the city [Chicago], it was expensive af. If you live outside the city, you need a car to get anywhere or do anything. Gas prices continue to go up (worldwide) because of our need for the consumption of oil. In Korea, it’s no different.

But I can tell you that public transport is really cheap and efficient. If you live out in the country anywhere, you’re gonna need a car, but if you’re in Seoul or Gyeonggi, you don’t. It will take you time to get from point A to point B on public transport, but at least it’s cheaper than a car. I can get from one side of the city to the other for less than $5 and I’m all about the cheap life when it comes to traveling.

P.S. Beware the delivery scooters who will LITERALLY run you over as you walk on the sidewalk. Some of the driving here in Korea has downright scared me because people honestly don’t watch what they’re doing at all times.

On the fashion…

In my opinion, many Americans don’t dress up unless absolutely necessary. Most women go to the grocery store or run errands in their sweats and I TOTALLY miss that at times. There’s nothing like putting on a pair of stretchy pants and sneakers in order to get your errands done. (Am I the only one who hates running them?) I’ve seen women at the supermarket in Korea dressed really well with a face full of makeup.

When it comes to fashion here, I don’t really follow it. There are some things I find cute and will probably wear, but the majority of it is really ugly for me. Asian style is mostly boxy and flowy up top with no shoulders or cleavage showing. While on the bottom, wear your skirts, dresses, and shorts as short as you want.

I’m completely comfortable with my body and my size. I have no reason to be ashamed of the shape my body wants to live in. I’m a US size 12 (which depending on who you ask is plus size, in between, or normal). However you label me, I don’t care. I wear what looks good on my body and in case ya’ll haven’t noticed, I have curves. I don’t look good in tiny little cheerleader skirts or oversized shirts. I have a small waist and I like my shirts to accentuate that. In Korea, I buy most of my clothes from American Eagle, H&M, and Hollister. I occasionally shop online on ASOS as well.

On beauty…

I gotta hand it to Korea for being so forward thinking in their beauty techniques. If you’ve dreamed about it, it’s probably sitting on the shelf somewhere. I know a lot of women who have had their skin clear up because the beauty products here really vibe with them.

Alternatively, the pollution here has also caused other women to have the worst skin of their life (myself included). But what’s cool about Korea is you can get Korean facials at Whoo Spa and be privy to the techniques used to give Kpop Stars their beautiful and glowing skin.

If you love makeup, you can also get custom lipstick at Etude House where they will match your skin to the perfect shade. You can even get the Acure Laser treatment to fix your acne. I’ve had so many great and wonderful experiences with trying new beauty techniques that help me.

On dating….

And as for dating… Depending on you, your personality and your looks, it will depend on how well you do here. While there are men here who are curious about other cultures and don’t care about skin color, race, ethnicity, body type etc., there are men who do.

Just remember. It doesn’t matter the man’s culture, race, ethnicity, or country—if he likes you, he will pursue you.

For example, I once met a Korean man on a trip who told me that he fell madly in love with an American girl. He couldn’t speak English well so he decided to study English every day to communicate with her. When he was finally conversational, he plucked up the courage to ask her out, and he eventually became her boyfriend. Unfortunately, it didn’t work out, but he still studies English so that one day when he does meet another woman he falls in love with, he will be able to tell her about his heart.

And in all honesty…. It’s the most damn romantic thing I’ve ever heard in my life and I hope that one day I can find a man who will love me that much he would try that hard for me.

Also, Koreans tend to be really couply with their couple outfits, shoes, phone cases, and Korean couple rings to name a few. Dating in Korea is legit a culture within itself. If you want to know more about dating in Korea, check out the dating section of my blog.

On friendship…

When I lived in America, I was on an entirely different train in my life. I was really into partying and getting into all sorts of dramatic situations. Because I was going out every weekend, I was making friends at every bar and house party I ever went to. And believe me, I had the huge contact list in my phone to prove it. I also had a bunch of young co-workers that I buddied up with while I worked retail at Kohl’s Department store. For me, it’s always been easy to make friends.

However, the older I get, the more selective I am about who I let around me. I only want good vibes and zero drama. Since I am a blogger/YouTuber, that brings plenty of it, so I want to hang out with friends who have the same passions and can understand what it’s like to be in the semi-public eye. Even here in Korea, I’ve had no problem making friends. I’ve met friends of friends and connected with people that way. I’m also part of YouTube and blogging groups. Another way I’ve made friends is by traveling and going on trips. Luckily, it’s just the kind of person I am.

In Korea, I have also found some Koreans have ulterior motives when they befriend you. They want to have the cool foreign friend or practice their English. Unfortunately, when they’re done with you, they’ll ghost so that’s honestly pretty sad. This isn’t to say I don’t have Korean friends because I do. However, if they are my friends, they’ve usually lived abroad and are pretty fun people in general.

On the cost of living…

This is another one of my most frequently asked questions in my DMs and comments. Is it expensive to live in Korea? And honestly, it’s not that expensive. If you’re not going out and drinking like a hooligan all the time and spending your money on useless stuff, I’m almost 100% sure you’re gonna be fine.

If you’re teaching English in Korea, I can guarantee that you’re living in free housing and getting some awesome raises and bonuses for extending at your school.

The only thing that is expensive in Korea is housing because you have to put down a large sum of key money in order to live rent free or pay a small amount of rent per month. Buying a car is relatively cheap, but gas is also expensive.

As for traveling, I have an entire Seoul Budget Travel Guide that will teach you how to travel cheaper in Seoul for longer.

On healthcare…

This is one of the things I’m most grateful for living in South Korea. While I had amazing health insurance until I was 26 thanks to my dad, I no longer enjoy that privilege. Last year, while I was washing dishes, I sliced open my finger and had to get seven stitches. For the medical care and antibiotics, it cost me a grand total of… Wait for it… $35. I shudder to think how much that kind of doctor’s visit in America would have cost me.

My health insurance here covers the dentist, my eyes, and even a yearly check up at the gynecologist. It seriously gives me a peace of mind to know that if I’m sick or something is wrong, I can get help.

On the low crime rate…

One of the things I most enjoy about South Korea is being able to leave my personal belongings on the table and no one will take them. I like the fact I can walk home late at night (with the exception of some places).

I also like how the police take matters very seriously if you report a crime like something being stolen or defamation. I’ve had great experiences with getting my stolen phone back and getting justice for being openly slandered on the internet.

I am also a firm believer in very strict gun laws which is something Korea does very well. You can own firearms, but you have to follow a strict protocol to have them. Unlike in America where I could be trying to teach peacefully in my class and have a crazy person walk in, shoot me, and my kids. I honestly have a peace knowing the chances of something like that occurring here in Korea would never happen.

Let’s be real kids, you would NEVER catch me walking alone after midnight in Chicago. That’s just asking for trouble. I would also never leave my laptop on the table at Starbucks because you bet your pretty little head it will be gone as soon as I turn my back. And never in a million years would I never not hide my money or phone in my undergarments at a music festival either.

But… Is it safe to live in South Korea?

For the most part, this is one of the safest places I’ve ever lived in world behind Japan. (If you didn’t know, I lived in Okinawa, Japan for three years before I moved to South Korea.) I promise you North Korea is not a threat. America installed THAAD and whenever they throw temper tantrums to “engulf the world in fire” it’s only to get attention and aid because they can’t feed their people.

Most people here think Kim Jong Eun is a giant joke and I do too. There’s no reason to fear the fat little “rocket man” up North.

On racism…

This is kind of a difficult topic for me to talk about since it makes me uncomfortable and things I say can and will be misconstrued. But I’m going to attempt to talk about my situation and I hope that you can all understand where I’m coming from and that things are different in Korea.

As you all know, I am half Italian and half Mexican. Apart from the summer where my skin gets pretty tan, I look pretty light year round. While in America, most people would probably catch on I’m not 100% white, that’s not the case in Korea. I’ll be completely honest and transparent that I do benefit from “white privilege” here. While my sisters of other races and colors have been attacked for no reason or spat on for being black or overweight, nothing of the sort has happened to me. In fact, I’ve gotten lots of compliments (maybe they’re insincere idk) on my looks and fashion. I’m not negating there are some very racist Koreans in this country, or that racist shit doesn’t happen, but there’s also racist assholes in every country.

I’m also not sure if it’s because I have really good RBF, I’m tall, or because of the way I look, but Koreans have treated me pretty well for the most part. I consider myself very lucky in that aspect.

Please don’t take this as me saying I think I’m better than everyone else because of those “benefits”. I’m not. I’m actually offended when people call me white (and just to reiterate there’s nothing wrong with being white either). I’m very proud of who I am, I can speak multiple languages because of how I grew up in a culturally rich family, and am the child of a Mexican immigrant.

Again in comparison to my life in America, thanks to my last name, people have also treated me well. It’s Italian in origin so people automatically assume I’m only of European descent. When it comes to my mom; however… I’ve watched people talk down to her because of her accent—even though she’s lived in the United States for over 25 years and is fluent. I’ve had to go to bat for her because I literally do not tolerate anyone being rude, racist, or cruel to my mother just because she was born in another country. And believe me when I tell you, I have a mouth on me and I will fight if I know something is wrong.

At this point in time, I feel like being Mexican in America is actually a danger because immigration is tearing families apart. Because of this, I don’t really have a desire to go back. The fact America is putting children in cages at the border literally blows my damn mind. I feel like Trump is using Mexicans as a scapegoat to fuel white supremacy the way Roosevelt allowed Japanese-Americans to be put in internment camps because of Pearl Harbor. I think my happy ass is gonna sit in South Korea a bit longer and eat some more kimchi.

What do I miss about America?

I’m gonna be really basic and say I miss American fashion. Since there are so many different body types in America, there’s more inclusive sizes, and more unique pieces. In Korea, since it’s more homogenous and if something is in fashion, everyone wears it. *yawns*

I also miss the really beautiful Autumns back home. In Illinois, when I used to attend community college, there was an arboretum close by. When I would drive up in the mornings, I would be privy to the giant oaks changing the most stunning colors of red and amethyst I’ve ever seen. I miss Pumpkin Spice Lattes from Starbucks. I miss all the cute and cozy fashions around that time too. I especially pine for pumpkin picking and spooky hay rides during Halloween.

Of course I miss my family and spending a beautiful Thanksgiving or Christmas with them. I especially feel homesick during the holidays and I really hate it here in Korea because of it.

But what is the thing I miss most of all? Clean air.

Related: My Biggest Struggles in Korea

My Daily Life in Korea

While you may think I’m living this crazy wild life in Korea, going to parties, cafe hopping and seeing beautiful things every weekend, I’m actually not. I plan my Instagram feed weeks in advance and I don’t post very often because of the algorithm. Some of my photos have been taken months prior to the fact I post them.

My daily life actually consists of waking up at 7:10am every day and taking Honey out for a morning walk. After we get back, I brush her and clean her tear stains. Once that is accounted for, I then make myself breakfast or pour myself some cereal if I’m lazy. I make my lunch (I don’t eat the one provided by the school) and bring it to school with me by 8:40am.

I teach anywhere from 2-5 classes per day and I lesson plan in the middle of it. When everything is planned and accounted for, I usually work on my blog, YouTube channel, or study Korean online with Korean Class 101.

After school, I go for another walk with Honey, run on my own (or go to the gym depending on the season), and make dinner. P.S. If you’re bored, you can also side hustle and teach online classes with VIPKid for extra income to travel and save.

Every Tuesday and Thursday I travel into Seoul to attend KIIP courses from 6:30-10:30pm. Your girl Gina Bear has got goals and one of them is to speak Korean pretty well.

On the weekends when I have time, I’m chilling with my friends, checking out new and cool cafes, or going to a huge influencer event. Or being the boring ass grandma that I am inside and staying home all day. LOL.

Related: Why I Prefer Living in Korea Over Japan

In Conclusion

I just want to put out a disclaimer that my experiences don’t speak for everyone here in Korea. I’m just one American chick who happens to have a blog, an audience, and people who actually care about what she says. Take everything in here with a grain of salt because we could have shared experiences or completely different ones in the same country.

I hope that this post has helped you figure out life in Korea from an American perspective and why I’ve chosen to stay here so long. I truly do love this country and have felt at home here since the first day I moved. Knowing me, I’ll probably be adding more as time goes along, but I hope I’ve covered all categories. If you’d like to know anything else, drop me a comment or send me a DM on Instagram and I’ll answer it here!

This post contains affiliate links which means at no additional cost to you, I make a small commission to help keep Gina Bear’s Blog running. Thanks for your support!

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