If someone told me back in 2011 that I’d still be living in South Korea more than a decade later, married with two kids, I would have laughed. When I arrived as an exchange student at the University of Seoul, I didn’t even like Korea. But studying here didn’t just change my mind. It changed my life.
In this post, I’ll share what it was really like to study in Korea as a foreigner — the good, the weird, and the life-changing. If you’re thinking about studying in Asia, here’s why South Korea might be your unexpected perfect fit.
Culture Shock Is Real — But Also Temporary
My background is in international marketing management, so when I landed in Korea for my exchange semester, I expected to be challenged academically. What I didn’t expect was how challenging daily life would be.
It was August — hot, humid, and sticky. The kind of weather that feels like a personal insult. I didn’t know anyone. I missed home. The food was unfamiliar, and small things like ordering a meal or asking for directions became mini-adventures because of the language barrier.
Back home in the Netherlands, we’re known for being direct. In Korea, communication is more indirect, more hierarchical. At first, I misread situations and misunderstood people. I felt out of sync with everything. And yeah, for a while, I didn’t like it here.
Then Everything Changed
About a month in, something clicked. I stopped trying to control the experience and started flowing with it. I opened myself up to what Korea had to offer — and Korea gave back.
I made new friends. I started understanding the humor, the energy, the way people build community here. I even became the first foreigner to join the university basketball team. That’s when things started to feel real.
I loved it so much that I came back in 2013 for a summer program at the same university. And that time, I didn’t need convincing.
Building a Life, Not Just a Resume
That short-term study experience turned into a long-term commitment. After going back home, I couldn’t stop thinking about Korea. I started making every decision with one question in mind: “How can I build a future here?”
Fast forward to today. I’ve been living in Korea for nearly 10 years. I’m married to a Korean woman. We have a son — and another on the way. Life looks very different now. I bring my son to daycare in the morning, which is incredibly affordable here thanks to all the government support for new parents. I go to the gym. I work from home or from a café if I feel like it. I spend a lot of time these days on personal development — something Korea’s pace of life has made me more intentional about.
Lessons Learned from a Dutchman in Korea
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that cultural difference isn’t something to erase — it’s something to build on. In the Netherlands, we’re direct. In Korea, not so much. But instead of suppressing who I am, I’ve tried to show people here that being direct doesn’t mean being rude. It can actually build trust faster and lead to deeper connections. I think that mix — of adapting without losing myself — has been key to everything good that’s happened to me here.
What I Wish Every Student Knew Before Coming to Korea
If there’s one thing I want to say to anyone considering studying in Korea, it’s this: don’t lose your identity.
You’ll hear people say “do as the Koreans do” or “blend in if you want to succeed.” I disagree. Adapting is important — of course. But don’t erase the parts of you that make you unique. That’s where your value lies. That’s what people will remember.
Your Next Step
If you’re even a little curious, I say go for it. Study abroad. Let yourself be uncomfortable. Try the food, even if you have no idea what it is. You might fall in love with the country. You might fall in love in the country. Either way, your world will get bigger — and maybe, like me, your life will take a direction you never expected.
Explore study options and start your Korea story at Study in Asia.
Written by: Mark Balneger
Q: Do I need to speak Korean to study in Korea?
A: No, many universities offer English-taught programs. That said, learning basic Korean will make your experience much smoother and more meaningful.
Q: Is it affordable to live and study in Korea?
A: Definitely. Tuition averages $3,000–$6,000 per year, and living costs can be as low as $450/month with dormitory housing and student discounts.
Q: Can international students work part-time?
A: Yes. You can work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and unlimited hours during breaks, once you get the right visa permissions.
Q: What are the best cities for international students?
A: Seoul is the top choice, but cities like Daejeon and Busan offer great alternatives with lower living costs and strong academic reputations.