South Korea is a bustling country with a rising importance in the global sphere. It is also a place where there is always something going on: art exhibits, concerts, pop-up shops, exclusive events, new cafes, and new restaurants. It is an incredibly interesting (and fun!) place to live while studying abroad. 

But what would it mean to live in South Korea more permanently? 

Well, after the haze of easy access to jjimdak lifts from my eyes, more practical considerations about a more permanent life in South Korea come to mind. Over the course of the almost four months that I have spent in Korea I have considered what returning back would mean for me and what it would look like. I know that after spending time here and pouring more time into understanding Korean culture and the Korean language that I definitely want to make my connection to Korea a significant part of my future career. There is so much opportunity in Korea in so many fields: technology, finance, entertainment, art, and diplomacy. 

But like the natural landscape of the Korean landscape there are inevitable ups and downs to a more long-term life here. 

I have visited most of the major cities in Korea while on my exchange program and while Seoul is undoubtedly the center of the Korean economy, government, and culture it is not my favorite city in South Korea. Busan and Daegu, in particular, captured my heart but unfortunately there are not many professional prospects in these cities. So in considering a more permanent life in Korea I would probably want to return to Seoul and stay somewhere in my favorite district of Yongsan. 

I would want to continue to dig in to everyday life in Seoul and take advantage of all the opportunities that living in such an important global city offers to its residents. However, I’m not sure if I would want to pursue a career as a domestic employee of a Korean corporation. Korean work culture is very demanding and I’m not sure if I would be compatible with every aspect of this part of Korean culture. However, if I were to return to Korea on a diplomatic assignment or with an international branch of an American company (especially if it’s related to some type of legal business!), then I would be set up for a better work-life balance with my new normal in Seoul. 

Regardless of where my professional path takes me, I’m confident that Korea is not done with me and that I am not done with Korea. I’m already finding a way to return in the future!