It’s been awhile since I’ve written a post like this. Honestly, it feels like a tribute to when baby Gina started blogging and sharing travel adventures. These are blog posts I truly love to write since I enjoy connecting with my audience. I feel like you get to know the blogger behind all the expert travel blog posts and get a peak into my life. Not only that, I feel like you get to see my real insight and knowledge into traveling places.
In addition, it’s been quite some time since I updated my YouTube channel. I feel because YouTube is such a niche platform, if I deviated from Korea and Japan content, it didn’t do so well. So here I am posting about my adventures in Seoul hoping to inspire you to travel to Korea.
Table of Contents
Blog Posts You Might Like
- A Week in My Life in Korea
- My Biggest Difficulties in Korea
- Ten Ways Korea Changed Me
- Why I Left Korea
Why I Decided To Go Back
If I say I went back because I felt like it, I know it wouldn’t be a good enough answer. But that’s partially the reason. The other parts were because a good friend of mine was getting married and I went to her wedding. In addition, my job put me on nights. I screwed up on my bid, so I got the crap shift no one else wanted. Not seeing the sun is depressing. So… I decided to go where there was daylight to keep my sanity and mental health in check.
In addition, I was living with my parents. As much as I love and care for them… They drive me absolutely insane and were always bitching about me going places instead of saving money (which I was). So… I may have kinda sorta lied about going to Seoul by omission.
I Wanted To See How I Felt About Korea
Returning to Korea after two years made me realize a few things. I did miss a few aspects of my life there. Some of the things I missed were:
- The ease of public transport.
- Quality services like eyelash extensions and nail art.
- The coffee and cafe culture.
- The ease of going to other Asian countries.
- The affordable cost of living making the American dollar.
What I found most riveting is how easily I slipped back into my life back in Korea. Because I knew how to easily get places, it wasn’t a headache. Since I can still speak the language, I don’t have that barrier and can communicate my wants, needs, and questions.
In a strange way, I felt like I was coming home after a very long time. It kind of felt like when I went back to Chicago in 2021. It was a feeling of belonging and familiarity.
In addition, I always knew my life would forever be changed after living abroad. It’s weird being a third culture kid with her feet in two completely different places. I don’t quite belong in either world but I’m a part of both.
Going Back To Why I Left Korea
In my very large blog post, “Why I Left Korea” I detail some very personal reasons on why I made the decision to leave. I’d like to address a few lest someone think I’m being a hypocrite. Besides, I believe people are always entitled to evolve and change.
I’m Not Lonely Anymore
It helps being in your own country where you can talk to people and have the opportunity to make new friends. Furthermore, I reconnected with my friends and family. It helped heal the big hole in my heart that would have gotten wider had I not left Korea.
When I started working for Southwest Airlines, I had to go for training in San Antonio for six weeks. I couldn’t bring my darling Honey Bear so I had to leave her with my brother. She’s now very much attached to him and my parents. Having your family help you when you truly need it is a blessing and I’m lucky to have such a good relationship with my brother. Honey is especially attached to my dad as she is his napping buddy. Plus, after his accident last November, she’s been very protective of him. My grumpy dad and my sweet dog have a bond like no other. 😂
Hanam City is *STILL* a Shithole
I would not wish my worst enemy to live there… Actually scratch that. I would. Particularly the horrible people in the Expat in Women in Korea Facebook page. (If you value your sanity as a POC, then do not join that group. There’s a bunch of fake woke girls who like to invalidate the experiences and problems of others ESPECIALLY if you’re not white or white passing.)
I went back to Hanam City to hang out with one of my favorite co-workers. Even though they’re trying to gentrify the community now that the train station is open… I can still see the difference between the run down side and the new side.
In any case, I lived with my parents for awhile and they resided next to South Padre Island in Texas which is *THE* spring break location for the South. Granted, people who actually inhabited the community were retired, but them old folks had their fun streaks… When they weren’t gossiping about where I was going next and why I was still single.
Now, I am settled into a nice neighborhood in Austin. I gladly pay extra to be a resident of a nicer locality. Take it from someone who felt like they were walking in the wrong neighborhood on the south side of Chicago while living in Hanam City… It is 1000% worth it to pay extra money. Dollars can be replenished and your peace is priceless.
Have I gotten stalked, been bothered, screamed at people trying to hurt Honey, or seen a dead person in the street since I’ve been back in the States?
Absolutely not, and I intend to keep it that way. However, if I was living in a much nicer apartment in Korea (perhaps in Jamsil) I think I would have definitely had a better time. Unfortunately, I was not allowed to leave the apartment I was provided by my school unless I wanted to risk not having a job the next year.
I *STILL* Have More Opportunity in the USA
Believe it or not, I make more money with my job at Southwest Airlines and my social media than I did in Korea. You may not see me on Instagram posting all the time like I used to, but I mostly work on UGC (which pays well), plus I’m making residual income from my blog, Lightroom presets, and now my new Autumn in Korea: The Ultimate Gina Guide.
I am beyond blessed by the opportunities I have. Plus, I have great health insurance and other amazing benefits working for Southwest such as free flights… Which is awesome for me as someone who is travel obsessed, it really helps the cost of my travels.
I Can’t Eat Korean Food All The Time
Korean food is fine for a couple of weeks and then I get tired of it. I still value the variety I get here in the States. I find certain foods in Korea to be disgusting because of the sugar content. My regular food should be salty and my desserts should be sweet. PERIODT.
One thing I did notice was that food in Korea (and many other countries to be frank) do not have the same preservative content the same way America does. We have so much extra crap in our food that does not belong there and I noticed how hard it is to lose weight because of it.
But I did find Western food, when prepared properly in Korea is freaking AMAZING. I am obsessed with Cafe Project 413 near Yeoksam Station. Literally… It’s the best shakshuka I’ve ever eaten in my life.
I Have All My Small Comforts and Then Some
One of the things I hated about living abroad in Korea was the inability not to have small comforts like a dryer, a huge food selection at the HEB, and Amazon delivering directly to my door. Plus, since I live in Austin, I can go shopping at the Asian grocery market for my favorite Asian foods as well. I don’t have to go without anything.
Koreans Aren’t Early Birds… And Neither Am I
I find this one ironic since I am no longer an early bird. This is my first year living in Austin, and I ended up moving here during one of the hottest summers ever recorded. I’m talking like 105 degree days that feel like 115 because of the humidity. Because of my seniority at Southwest, I don’t get the luxury of picking early morning shifts. I mostly get stuck with the later shifts and oftentimes go to bed at midnight…
So now I wake up at 9am or 10am because I honestly do not want to get up and go into the heat. I want to sleep. Therefore, I invite you all to wake me up when September ends in true Green Day fashion.
Ironically, I have become a night owl just like Koreans. 😂
I Have… Stuff
One of the best parts about being back in the States is all the shopping I get to do. I think though because I was so deprived for so long, I have gone a little overboard. Now I have all the cute things I couldn’t have before. It’s comforting.
I have a bike and roller skates… I even have all the cute things for my darling little Honey Bear. It’s so much fun to have decorations and be able to decorate my house for the holidays the way I want.
I Haven’t Found a Partner… Yet
The truth is… Dating is hard no matter what country you’re in. (It’s even harder in your 30s.) I also noticed something. It doesn’t matter what country, culture, or language a man speaks… If he’s into you, he will show you. If he’s not, he will take what he wants from you and then move on.
I don’t talk much about my love life anymore because I like to keep it private. Plus, people are assholes online and they judge you without mercy. I’m still looking for my person and hopeful he’s out there.
Moving back to the States also showed me a lot about what I liked in a man… And one of my non-negotiables must be that he takes care of himself… Unfortunately for me, many American men in their 30s are dusty, crusty, and think washing their butt is self care… I did notice Korean and expat men living in Korea take care of themselves better than men in America.
Did I Have Reverse Culture Shock?
I’m going to say that at first, I didn’t. I was very happy to be in the States and not think so hard to do simple tasks and get through the day. It was so nice being among my own because no one CARED. I was just like everyone else.
In fact, because my parents lived so close to the Mexican border and the majority of people where I lived were Mexican or descended…people would speak to me in Spanish before they would speak to me in English.
The above scenario is fine since I am fluent and I can understand perfectly. Plus, I speak Spanish all day for my job at Southwest, so again, not a problem. If anything, I was shocked in the best way because I got to see another part of America I hadn’t experienced before.
But to be honest, I do find myself having some bouts of reverse culture shock. For instance, some days I really do get tired of America. I know I’ve been guilty for being like, “Murica, fuck yeah” on my blog. Although I am proud… Texas is an entirely different ball game.
I love my country, but that doesn’t mean I can’t be critical of it. I’m kind of over America being the world police and the crazy cost of living. Again, while I am blessed and fortunate to make more than enough to live comfortably, I don’t see the appeal in paying crazy amounts of money for food and services.
Companies should pay workers a living wage. And not just to scrape by… To actually live and enjoy their lives. As of right now, my biggest gripe is the crazy Gen Z kids who say the most bizarre shit and rag on millennials for loving brunch. Just remember Gen Z… The iPad babies are coming for your life next. Lol.
I Got To Have New Experiences
We travel to have new experiences and make the most of our lives. This time in Korea, my newest experience was getting my very first tattoo. They say getting one on your ribs hurts the most, but my artist was EXCELLENT.
I chose Donghwa Tattoo because I love her watercolor floral and feminine designs. What’s more is I knew I always wanted to get a tattoo that meant something to me. Before I left Korea, I had no idea what that would be. Well, I had a good two years to think about what I wanted because I chose the Korean hibiscus flower which is the national flower of the country.
My tattoo cost $500 but it was worth every penny. This art is going to be on my body for the rest of my life and it truly is a great investment.
I Love Traveling in Korea
While I was in Korea, I was having the best time. I was hanging out with my friends, enjoying the amazing spring weather, plus eating and drinking to my heart’s content. It was fun shopping at all my favorite stores and finding new ones.
I even enjoyed the Airbnb I was staying at. It had this cute loft and a patio to sit out on. Personally because I work for an American company, I felt like I had more of a work-life balance. Not only that… It was pretty sweet making the American dollar in a country where the dollar goes pretty far.
The quality of services I got in Korea were also excellent. I have Asian lashes… Which means mine grow straight out with no curl. The best eyelash extensions I have gotten have always been in either Japan or South Korea. They know how to get the lashes to stay longer and mine look great for up to a month after I get them done.
Plus, I love Korean nail art more than American nail art. I think Korean nail art is so feminine and pretty which is more of my vibe.
In Conclusion
Will I go back to live in Korea? Abso-fucking-lutely not. I’ve had enough baloney to last me a lifetime. Women are second class citizens in America, but the gap is even bigger in Korea. I like having rights and being able to protect myself.
Before I used to be so against guns, but these days the die hard Texan stand on the second amendment is growing on me. In fact, if someone breaks into my house with the intention of causing harm or stealing, I can protect myself. Maybe call me traumatized from all the times I was attacked in Korea and unable to defend myself, but I like having my power back.
Since Texas is a conceal and carry state, you don’t know who has a gun on them and who doesn’t. It kind of makes for a bit more of a peaceful society because you don’t want to get shot in the face.
Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t forget everything I suffered. In fact, I still remember a lot of things clearly and it makes me so angry. But if I let that anger fester and eat away with me, these shitty human beings win. In fact, I am actively choosing to acknowledge these things have happened to me. However, I am the rock in the ocean that these thoughts crash around. They’re there and they pass.
Choosing happiness and peace is an active choice I choose every day. Which is why I’m still able to travel to Korea and have the best time.
But will I stay for a longer period of time the next time I go there? Absolutely!
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