More from Korea
2012 started at 5,280 feet above sea level in Denver. Ten months later our bags were packed again because apparently our expat life wasn’t quite finished with us yet.
We headed east to Japan — two months in Tokyo, living in a tiny apartment, working hard and falling in love with neon everything. Then across the East Sea to Korea, where we spent three months working in different cities — Adam in Gwangju, Nicole in Busan — and making the absolute most of our weekends together.
Then two things happened that changed everything.
We adopted a Korean pup named Eunee. And a little test confirmed we were going to be parents.
By April 2013 our life’s GPS — usually permanently locked on roam — was rerouting itself home.
2012 started on a high note…well, 5,280 feet to be exact.
But after a short 10 month stay in Denver, our bags were once again packed.
Our life abroad as expats wasn’t quite done…
So, with passport pages ready, we headed east, towards the “Rising Sun.”
We lived in a box and worked for a fox in our brief love affair with Japan’s neon city.
Two months in Tokyo left our bellies empty and blog entries quite bitchy.
Our answer awaited with an old friend across the East Sea…
Who? you ask…but of course…tis the land of kimchi.
For three months…I worked in Gwangju, Nicole in Busan.
At the risk of sounding perverse…our weekends together were…well…”game on:)”
Crazed and deranged, her appearance may be.
In July, we fell lucky in love with a Korean pup named Eunee.
A month later, a little test predicted some life changing events.
In April 2013…it’s true…we will be new parents!
Our life’s GPS is usually locked on “roam”
But this unbelievable news had us re-routing to home.
The love and support of our family is what we needed most…and what we knew was best.
The roar of the jet engines thundered…as we headed to Florida, due West.
In the warm embrace of the sun, family and friends…
We continue to peer over the horizon as this fantastic year ends.
2013 will bring new life and new adventures to our family and so many more.
The fun part will be the amazing unexpected moments that we all have in store.
Love one another and make this a time to challenge yourself to be better.
Our New Year and future is full of hope, when we do it together.
To a most excellent 2013!
-Adam
Q: What is it like living as an expat in Japan vs Korea? A: Both are incredible but very different. Japan felt sleek, organized and a little overwhelming. Korea felt warmer, more familiar and honestly like home. Both changed us completely.
Q: Is Tokyo a good place to live as an expat? A: Tokyo is an amazing city but expensive and fast paced. Two months gave us a taste — we would have loved more time to really settle in and explore.
Q: What is it like teaching English abroad in Korea? A: One of the best decisions we ever made. The work is rewarding, the culture is incredible and the travel opportunities across Asia are unbeatable.
Q: Can you adopt a dog while living abroad in Korea? A: Yes! Eunee came into our lives in July and we have never looked back. Traveling and living abroad with a pet adds a whole new layer of adventure.
Q: What made you decide to move back to the US from Korea? A: Finding out we were expecting our first baby made the decision easy. Family support matters most when your world is about to change that dramatically!
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Travel with your family
Remarkably livable once the initial adjustment passes. Korea is safe, efficient, and genuinely welcoming to families. The food culture is extraordinary. Kids adapt faster than adults to the language and social norms. Most expat families describe Korea as having raised their standard for what a city should offer.
The children’s museums in Seoul are world class. Korean street food is an adventure for kids of all ages. Palaces and traditional villages give history a physical form that works for children. Jjimjilbang family spas are a uniquely Korean experience worth trying. And the playgrounds and outdoor spaces in Korean cities are genuinely excellent.
Korea is excellent for adventurous young eaters. For picky eaters it takes adjustment. Korean fried chicken is universally beloved. Kimbap rice rolls are approachable for most kids. The spice level can be managed by ordering milder dishes. Street food culture especially tteokbokki corn dogs and hotteok pancakes is a huge hit with children.
Apps like Duolingo and Pimsleur help with the alphabet and basics. Language exchange partners are available and Koreans are generally patient and appreciative of any effort. Formal classes exist in every major Korean city. Kids pick up Korean in school environments much faster than adults do in language classes.
Pros: extraordinary safety, excellent public transport, amazing food at every price point, strong medical system, and a culture that genuinely values family. Cons: language barrier for adults, high academic pressure culture that affects international kids in local schools, air quality issues especially in spring, and the social insularity that can make deep friendships with Koreans slow to develop.
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Very very sweet and special!! I look forward to what 2013 has in store for you both!
Thank you, us too. We were just discussing last night how we truly have a blank slate…. Who knows how we will play this one out (we have many ideas and will soon work on putting something into action) Happy New Year!
Indeed 2012 is a great year for both of you, and 2013 will definitely an even better year not just for both of you, but to your little angel coming in April. Wishing you all the best from down under!!! 🙂 HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
Thanks so much! Happy New Year to you two too!