Life in Korea (6/17)
Home Sickness & Home Comforts
Western Comforts So moving away from home can be a big deal. However, when you would like some food from home (or close enough) then here are some places that we would recommend: Homesickness is very common when you move abroad. It’s a natural emotional response to big changes in your surroundings, routines, and support systems. Here are some practical and emotional strategies that can help you deal with it: 1. Acknowledge your feelings Don’t suppress homesickness or feel guilty about it, it’s part of adjusting. Recognize that missing people, food, and routines doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision; it means you value your connections. 2. Create a sense of familiarity Bring small items from home such as photos, snacks, scents, or music to make your new space feel comforting. Recreate small routines like having your morning coffee the same way, taking weekend walks, or watching your favourite show in the evenings. 3. Build new connections Join clubs, language exchanges, or community groups, even one or two regular social activities can make a big difference. Connect with other expats who understand the challenges, but also make an effort to meet locals to feel more rooted. 4. Stay connected with home (but not too connected) Schedule regular calls or video chats rather than constant messaging, it helps balance connection and independence. Share updates with family and friends, but also focus on building your own stories in your new country. 5. Explore your new environment Treat your new home as an adventure: explore neighbourhoods, try local food, and learn bits of the language. Making discoveries helps replace the “unknown” feeling with curiosity and belonging. 6. Take care of your body and mind Eat well, get enough sleep, and move regularly, emotional resilience is easier when your body feels good. Try mindfulness, journaling, or gratitude lists to reframe your thoughts and track small wins. 7. Give it time Adjustment usually happens in phases: excitement, homesickness, adaptation, and comfort. It may take weeks or even months, but it does get easier as routines and relationships settle However, if it does get too much and you need someone to talk through everything with, please seek out a therapist or trusted medical practitioner. We give some recommendations in our 'Hospitals & Doctors' post so feel free to have a look here. Remember everyone is or has been through the same feelings and thoughts you are going through, and it should never be embarrassing to reach out for help; your mental health should come first. Restaurant & Café recommendations American Getting American food here is the easiest. There is Panda Express, Five Guys, Auntie Anne’s etc so here are some of the lesser known places that pride themselves on authentic American cuisine. British You will never be able to get proper British grub in Korea but here are some that try their best. Irish It is just pubs I’m afraid. American The Original Pancake House Philly Cheesesteaks American BBQ Non-sweet pizza (Pizza Hut, Dominos, Homies) Canadian Tim Hortons Poutines British Rose and Crown Pub Celtic Tiger Ginger and Treacle Irish The Craic House Lingo Shenanigans Australian Summerlane Little Aus Lucyd South Africa Braai
