Tag Archives: South Korea

Reverse Culture Shock: Goodbye South Korea, Hello USA!

military spouse staring out airplane window- featured image

I miss living by the ocean and the mountains. I miss being able to go hiking and hear monks chat echo across Palgongsan. I miss feeling anxious, excited, unsure, and overwhelmed– all at the same time. And I definitely miss being able to shop for fresh fruit and vegetables at a corner market in either direction. It doesn’t take long for reverse culture shock to be a genuine hurdle for settling back into life at home. American Reverse Culture Shock is a phenomenon that goes beyond the anticipated cultural adjustments of moving abroad and reintegrating back into life in the USA.

Finding your Tribe in Korea: Making Good Friends in Daegu

making Korean friends- road trip accidental friend

Over the past eight years, my journey of getting to know a different culture and immersing myself in Korean traditions has proven to be an eye-opening and rewarding experience. During my time in South Korea, I’ve had the good fortune of making some wonderful Korean friends. However, amidst these connections, I’ve observed the existence of certain cultural barriers that sometimes make it challenging to forge deeper connections. It’s quite surprising that despite having a few close friendships, my exposure to Korean weddings has been limited to just one, visits to Korean homes have been infrequent, and meeting a Korean husband has been a rarity.

Seolhwa- Myeonggok: Cafe Hopping to the End of the Red Line in Daegu

Cafe Myunwha order

Have you ever taken the metro to the end of the red line here in Daegu? Me neither, but I was curious. The red line is one of three metro lines in Daegu and the closest line near my house. So today, we’re going to do something a little different. We’re going to go cafe hopping using the metro—taking it to the end of the red line in both directions—Seolhwa/Myeonggok today and Ansim tomorrow—to see if we can find a couple of pretty cafes to visit without getting in the car. This journey along the red line promises not only charming cafes but also a unique exploration of the city’s diverse neighborhoods. As we embark on this adventure, let’s uncover Daegu’s hidden gems and vibrant spots, all conveniently accessible via the red line.

Navigating the Mean Streets of South Korea

Stacey navigating the streets of South Korea

Despite its small size, the massive population shapes today’s vibrant society. Additionally, South Korea strikes a balance between preserving its cultural identity and embracing elements of Western culture. One aspect I found unexpectedly frustrating was walking in the Korean streets. When I first moved here, I had certain expectations – people forming orderly queues, using sidewalks, and politely apologizing if they accidentally bumped into me.

Embrace South Korean Winter Luxury at Sono Belle

Are you on the hunt for the perfect place to spend Thanksgiving weekend? Well, you’re in luck because I’m excited to share one of my top picks with you. Imagine this: you’re surrounded by the stunning snowy vistas of Vivaldi Park Ski Resort, and there’s a cozy room with a view of the slopes waiting just for you – that’s Sono Belle. It’s a modern ski resort nestled right at the base of the mountains, blending style and comfort seamlessly. This resort is all about offering you a winter getaway like no other.