Why I’m Leaving Korea After 2 Years Abroad
Why I’m Leaving Korea After 2 Years Abroad
I moved to South Korea in 2024 with a simple goal: to experience life outside the United States and try teaching abroad. What I didn’t expect was how much that decision would shape me.
Two years later, my reasons for staying—and now leaving—have evolved. At first, I stayed because I felt like my story in Korea wasn’t finished. Now, I feel a sense of closure. That chapter has ended, and a new one is waiting for me back in America.
Why I Decided to Leave Korea
There isn’t just one reason I’m leaving—it’s a mix of personal and professional changes.
First, I want to be closer to my family again. Living abroad alone for two years is a big experience, and while it’s incredibly rewarding, it can also be isolating at times. Missing two holiday seasons with my family made me realize how important it is for me to be present in those moments.
Second, I’m ready for a career change. While teaching abroad has taught me so much, I know it’s not the long-term path I want to pursue.
Interestingly, many expats reach this turning point around the 2–3 year mark. For me, that realization came around Christmas last year. Even though I had already decided not to continue teaching, I didn’t feel ready to leave—until I did.
What I’ll Miss About Living in Korea
Even though I’m ready to go, leaving Korea is not easy. There’s so much I’ll miss about daily life here.
Convenience and Efficiency
Life in Korea is incredibly convenient. Public transportation is fast, clean, and reliable. Subways and buses run on time, and even the station bathrooms are well-maintained.
Convenience stores are everywhere—and they’re actually good. You can find affordable, high-quality food and essentials on almost every corner.
And then there’s food delivery: quick, affordable, and with endless options. It’s hard to beat.
Korean Food I’ll Always Crave
Food is one of the biggest things I’ll miss about living in Korea.
While I can still find Korean food in the U.S., it’s often much more expensive, which means I won’t be enjoying it nearly as often. I’ll especially miss simple street foods like:
- Walnut cookies
- Hotteok (sweet Korean pancakes)
- Fish-shaped bread (bungeoppang)
I’m determined to try making some of these at home—but it won’t be quite the same.
Safety and Peace of Mind
One of the most underrated aspects of living in Korea is the sense of safety.
I’ve been able to leave my apartment at 2 a.m. to grab a snack without worry. I’ve gone out with friends and felt relaxed instead of constantly alert. I’ve even left my belongings—like my phone or laptop—at a café table without fear of them being stolen.
That level of everyday security is something I know I’ll deeply miss.
Cultural Differences I Learned From
On my last day at school, my coworkers asked if I would ever come back to Korea. My answer was simple: yes, but as a visitor.
If these two years have taught me anything, it’s that I thrive in more extroverted cultures. As an extrovert, I feel energized by small talk, casual interactions, and everyday acknowledgments between people.
Korea tends to have a more introverted social culture, which made it harder for me to fully express myself. That realization has helped me better understand what kind of environment I need to feel at home.
Final Thoughts on My Life in Korea
I’m incredibly grateful for my time in Korea. Living abroad challenged me, helped me grow, and taught me lessons I’ll carry for the rest of my life—both personally and professionally.
I can confidently say that I lived my life fully here, and I have no regrets.
Now, I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings.
Rachel Burson, Marketing Assistant
Since February of 2024, Rachel Burson has been living and working as an English teacher. She grew up in Truckee, California and got her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration. Rachel worked at i-Garten Jamsil and currently works at CDI Songpa. She enjoys hiking, going to cafes, and eating as much delicious Korean food as she can.
