07 Oct
When I stepped off the plane from Seoul and landed back in my quiet Virginia suburb, I assumed the hard part of my journey was over. I had already survived packing my life into three suitcases, flying halfway around the world, and adapting to life in a bustling city of nearly 10 million people. But what I didn’t expect was how strange it would feel to come home.
Reverse culture shock is real – and in many ways, just as intense as moving abroad.
The Silence Is Loud: From Seoul's Buzz to Suburban Quiet
In Seoul, silence is rare. The streets are always alive – people heading to work, restaurants staying open past midnight, and cafés buzzing with quiet conversations.
Back in Virginia, I stepped outside and heard… nothing. Just the hum of cicadas. The peace was jarring. After being surrounded by neon lights, 24-hour convenience stores, and jam-packed subways, even a simple Target run felt like an event.
Missing the Convenience (and the Cafés)
I didn’t realize how much I had come to rely on Korea’s unmatched convenience. Midnight tteokbokki runs? Gone. Cafés on every corner that stayed open late and felt like second homes? Nowhere to be found.
One night, I craved a matcha latte at 10 p.m. and remembered: everything here closes early. It’s a small adjustment, but these “little luxuries” were part of my daily rhythm abroad – and letting them go took time.
The Flip Side: Slowing Down and Finding Peace
What surprised me most was how much I began to appreciate the slower pace of life back home. Instead of rushing through a crowded subway, I now drive through quiet, tree-lined streets. I go on long walks, wave to neighbors, and spend more intentional time with family.
After a year of constant movement in Seoul, there’s something grounding about slowing down – something I didn’t know I needed.
Staying Connected to Your Life Abroad
Reverse culture shock doesn’t mean leaving your experiences behind. I still text friends in Korea, make playlists with the K-pop songs that once played in every café, and cook Buldak noodles on quiet nights.
These little rituals help me stay connected to the place that shaped me for a year – and they remind me that “home” can exist in more than one place.
Embracing Both Worlds
If you’re moving back home after a year abroad, don’t underestimate the adjustment period. You might miss the energy, the food, the culture—but you’ll also find comfort in the familiar.
For me, reconnecting with friends and family, revisiting old hangouts, and sharing my stories helped bridge the gap. It’s not about choosing which life was better—it’s about blending both experiences into a fuller, more global version of yourself.
Pro Tip:
Document your thoughts, share your memories, and give yourself grace. Reverse culture shock isn’t a setback—it’s part of the journey.
Gabriel White, Marketing Assistant
Gabriel (Gabe) White is an English teacher in South Korea. He is a Korean, Puerto Rican-American from the Richmond, Virginia area and received a bachelor’s degree in English from Virginia Commonwealth University. Being involved in student organizations like Filipino Americans Coming Together at VCU (FACT@VCU) and VCU Globe during his college years, Gabe learned just how much he enjoys experiencing new cultures. In his free time, Gabe loves teaching local dance classes, spending quality time with his loved ones, exploring new cities, and watching nostalgic movies.