Answered Questions and More Impressions

First, thought I would answer some questions around what it is really like the first few months moving abroad. I had this post written and then it was deleted before I published it, so it took me a little extra long to get it all back and organized. We have found a routine of sorts here, but I continue to learn so much each day, so I’m hesitant to sound like any kind of cultural expert. These are merely thoughts on where we are now:

How are the kids? Firstly, the kids have exceeded my exceptions. The beginning is not easy, much of our time is used to set up our life, prepare for school, complete registrations, get the proper accounts set up, etc…. As much as we try to make everyday exciting, that is simply not the truth.

Both my kids have come to enjoy each other’s company (most of the time) and really lean into simple pleasures (afternoon trips to one of the bakeries downstairs for goodies). School started last week, and we have reports of budding friendships and excitement over what is to come. Success at school is really at the heart of our experience here, that piece has to be a good fit. Obligatory first day of school picture below.

Have people here been helpful/friendly? Short answer, yes. The benefit of sticking out in a foreign country is that no one really expects you to know exactly what is going on. We don’t live in a particularly high tourist area, so most people around us know we are new and living here.

I wouldn’t say that Koreans are a very outgoing culture, there is sense of minding one’s own business, but there is general interest in where we are from and everyone has been very friendly. There is a lot more English spoken than I expected and you are able to meet quite a few expats around as well.

How is apartment life? Moving into our apartment was a considerable downsize for our family. Less space = less stuff. While we are still waiting for the majority of personal items to get here, there is an ease of living in a smaller space. I am grateful for the many sorting prep hours before we moved, and I’m really hoping it all pays off once we have our apartment fully set up.

Managing, cleaning, organizing a smaller space is really a gift to your family. Personal space is at a premium, so you have to be aware that there is times where you will want to be alone but there is no where to go. Our building has an extensive recycling room (which the Oregonian in me loves), a great view from the gym treadmills (Namsan Tower) and lots of technical elements (like a notification in the apartment when a registered car pulls in the garage).

Probably the best part is the quick access you have to the city. Shops, restaurants and first person experience with Korean culture. The one major downside of the apartment is probably obvious, lack of outside space and a private backyard for our pup. But she likes the views and the new couch too. For those worried about my suburbs dog moving to the big city, I will share she has made a Frenchie friend as well and continues to live her best bougie apartment life getting 10 mini walks a day.

It’s a Tech Culture: There is a technical element to most everything here. From automated parking systems to ordering kiosks, it can be a wonderful or irritating experience. From sidewalks that have colored lights built in to indicate safe walking time for those on their phones and looking down, to facial recognition for our gym entrance. This is a technical culture that doesn’t shame you for constantly being on some kind of device. Quite the opposite in fact, everyone has a smartphone/device and is on it constantly.

Safety: We had heard about the feeling of safety prior to coming, but I can now attest that it such a wonderful and freeing feeling to feel safe in the middle of a large city. A great example is how many children ride public transportation to and from activities on their own. Another interesting example, at the bottom of my building is a group of 25 bikes with no locks.

No one is worried about theft. There are deliveries sitting outside of closed stores and restaurants that won’t be collected until the next day and its very common. There is a not a tuck your purse in, make sure you look all around you feeling every time you walk into a crowded space. There are many cameras placed all around the City and in private buildings as well, it seems people are truly accountable for their actions, but other than that I’m not sure I really understand why there is so little crime here.

Families & Couples: 2nd only to Paris, I feel like everyone is Seoul is walking hand in hand in love. So many couples (many dressed alike or matching) and being so sweet to one another. I didn’t think I would see so much outward affection, but it’s everywhere. To add to that, families are a major presence as well.

Fathers are very involved and the whole family can really be seen out and about together on the weekends enjoying activities. It is nice to see so many children everywhere and lots of the activities in and around the city include a children’s element as well. As parents who take their kids with them quite a lot, it is really nice to feel like they are welcome.

Food. I decided I need a whole post to talk about food, so if you were waiting to for that, stay tuned. Lots of fun pictures and videos for that.

Some Fun. We have been trying to make a point of getting familiar with public transportation, so we try to make an outing every weekend to a fun destination and a few weeks ago that was the Meerkat Cafe.

You read that correctly. Korea has a cafe culture that includes just about everything, this was a cafe with Meercats (and raccoons, foxes and wallabies). The kids were pretty stoked for this one.

All for now. Hopefully more to share sooner than later, I’m ready for some Fall weather and long walks around the city.