the REASONS I’m LEAVING South Korea | Could you live like this? 😔
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- Опубліковано 19 чер 2024
- After 5 years in Korea it's time for me to pack up my life and move on. These are the reason why I have decided it's time for me to leave South Korea.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:01 Leaving Korea
0:35 Quitting Teaching in Korea
1:39 My Friends are Fake
3:25 Housing in Korea Sucks
4:40 I hate city living
5:30 Korea is not pet friendly
6:30 People abuse my dogs
7:38 Xenophobia in Korea
8:30 Korea is racist
9:15 I’m not welcome in Korea
LIFE AFTER KOREA: • Life After Korea | Hap...
There are actually so many more reasons but I didn't have time to list everything. As we all know, there is no perfect country, but as you grow up different things become important to you.
Seoul was a vibe when I wanted to drink until 5am and I didn't have any direction in my life. I could experience a new culture, new food and what life is like in the city. And for while, back in 2018-2019, it was fun.
Now, as you-know-what took over, the worst parts of Korea were brought into the light. The xenophobia, discrimination and racism towards foreigners increased. Koreans didn't seem shy expressing how they really felt towards me, and other foreigners around me.
I know a lot of foreigners/aliens/whatever you want to call us, in different countries around the world, have faced even more adversity than usual. It's not okay. It's bad in Korea but I know it's worse in other countries. That being said, I don't feel welcome or safe here anymore so I know it's time to go.
Teaching was always a battle and hands down the most exhausting and soul destroying job I've ever had. My biggest regret (although - better to call it it a learning experience) is teaching in SK for so long. If I was ever going to be a "proper" teacher - Korea killed that for me.
If you're considering teaching in Korea - please watch some of my other videos which should help you to avoid some of the mistakes I made and, ultimately, improve you time in Korea!
For those that are here exclusively for Korea based content then, I'm sorry, but there won't be anymore in the future. It's onward and upwards as I enter the next stage in my life. I am VERY excited about it (Nala is too).
ABOUT ME:
Hi, I'm Cherry and I am a British Expat currently living in South Korea. I have spent the last 5 years living in Seoul and am about to embark on the next chapter of my life. It's an adventure I am very much looking forward to and I hope you continue to stick with me through this transition period.
Full disclosure: I am not exactly sure the direction in which this channel will move. Of course, vlogs will continue and I hope you will join us all on the rest of this journey.
VIDEOS:
Juicy Q & A: bit.ly/3G36DLd
TikTok Busan Adventures: bit.ly/3n9wJDx
Couple Challenge: bit.ly/3mdBFqI
House Tour: bit.ly/3zU4Fsq
LET'S BE FRIENDS:
IG: thecherryroyal
TikTok: thecherryroyal
MUSIC:
Music by Nowyouknow - Music For Saying Goodbye - thmatc.co/?l=03ED5AFF
I’ve only been in Korea for 5 months but I’ve already had enough. The rudeness, the xenophobia - it’s a bit much
I can just imagine what you've been through and how you've felt. A funny thing is that I'm Asian and that's exactly what I have experienced during my years in Europe too. I really don't want to go back and it has been a traumatic experience.
No matter what your race is, Discrimination and racism really hurts alot.
I’m sorry that you had to endure those experiences and that treatment in Europe. Thank you for sharing and for your wise words 💜💜
thank you. It does. Too many folks on black people's channels say the silliest things and some have said white women haven't going thru discrimination, etc. Smh. Just ridiculous. Or maybe the person was being sarcastic, idk. But these folks and those Tubers obviously don't look at others who are living in Asia and what life is like for them over there too.
@@marlak4203 please stfu. White people have been nowhere near discrimination. Save your white tears. Not interested
@@marlak4203 please note that while being true, all if not most foreigners in Korea experience some level of discrimination. However, black people experience it to a higher degree. Of course not all, I personally don't think I've been discriminated against in Korea (or maybe I've been ignorant about it) but my friends have had it worse.
@@marlak4203 also, white people do experience discrimination but hardly racism. A fellow South African teacher recently had a situation where 2 students at his middle school wrote the N-word on the table in front of him. They KNEW what the word meant. Although racism & discrimination should never be measured because all experiences are valid, some groups experience it a little more. It's not that ridiculous
I left two weeks ago after 4 years. I agree that Korea is very limited and there is A LOT of toxicity. I also didn’t want to suffer the racism and widespread ignorance any longer. I’m glad you made the decision, and genuinely wish you more happiness and success in your new chapter! Xx
Is there no discrimination such as racism in your country?
@@user-zf6jl7wk6s There may be but it’s illegal.
There is
@@user-zf6jl7wk6s Racism exist everywhere but Korea is the worst when it comes to Racism.
I taught English. I’m referring to teaching - English as a second language. There is no upward mobility. Even if I spoke fluent Korean - there is no upward mobility
I'm Jamaican and lived and worked in Chester in England for two year. I mostly loved it. It was really great. But I actually found the Brits difficult to truly befriend and most of the people who extended the hand of friendship and support were other foreigners like South Africans, Australians and Spaniards. There are challenges being a foreigner anywhere but with South Korea it really sounds like an uphill battle.....it's Korea for Koreans only it seems. They only need us to support the culture and spend our money on that.
I'm a black brit born and raised and I'm really suprised with your experience, so thank you for sharing it. My experience has always been that even the most homogenous parts of England you'll always find the majority will treat you as English as long as you are in the culture (understand English refrences and terms and have that bleak British humour and have some sort of English accent). I know England is xenophobic but I guess i always conflated xenophobia with racism forgetting that just because England isn't as seemingly racist doesn't mean it isn't EXTREMELY xenophobic.
Brits r not that happy go lucky lile Americans eager to know about the perosns whole ethnicity and then copy them I think. They like dry dark humour and maybe they don't easily warm up to people.
I live just south of Chester and I'm really sad you found it hard to make friends here. I'm friends with anybody and everybody regardless of where they come from as long as they're nice of course.
Perfidious Albion.
🇬🇧
Ok, I am getting like 3 recommendations of "leaving korea" videos daily...there is a real problem with Korea it seems
Yes me too.. I have been seeing this from the last two days
Take it as a sign! ⭐️
It’s a tough place to live (only my experience)
I mean...what is going on?
The years before it was all hyped up and so many were just always going there to teach so they can be closer to whatever going on there and all the oooo and aaaahhh about the country and now all of these complaints popping up everywhere. Something is ending or beginning. The timing is odd.
@@marlak4203 I think a lot of the Kdrama hype just comes crashing down once you visit the country....my friend worked in Samsung a long time ago in India...around 2004 or 2005. He was sent to South Korea for a training period of 6 months.
When he came back, we all flocked to him asking how the experience was, and how did he like it. He didn't say much, but it was clear he was disappointed, a few years later, we were talking about South Korea, he said something along the lines of "man it is a messed up place", some employees wouldn't use a washroom after he used despite everything being clean, Some would even say that he should use a different bathroom in the company and not use a washroom used by South Koreans as it made them "uncomfortable".
So his experience sort of stuck with me, whenever I see people fawning about how cool South Korea is because they have seen a k drama or heard a BTS song. I take it with a pinch of salt. All Asian countries have a long way to go to deal with Racism and Xenophobia.
Thanks for sharing. I'm also getting closer to my limit on being here and I relate to many of your points. Good luck on your next chapter~
Oh wow, this is really eye opening. A lot of youtubers paint this perfect picture of SK and leave out their struggles even though that its also important to document. Thank you for being honest about your experience.
That is so sad that you’ve experienced all this during your time there.
I’ve been here (korea) for two years and being a POC U.S. citizen, I’ve never experienced anything like this.
But good for you, you really don’t need to deal with the bs
@Everything Of Indian Cinema. why is that
@Everything Of Indian Cinema. the UK and a number of other countries are also first world countries don’t they know
@Everything Of Indian Cinema. I see, so do other East Asians also share this mindset or is it uniquely Korean
@@samssss3173 It's the same in Japan. US citizens get literally any job they want even if they don't speak Japanese, just for being American, it's very, very frustrating
POC? so... just not white? That's a pretty odd way to define yourself...
I'm korean American living in the US and everything you said really resonated with me. Koreans are a very rigid and closed minded society. They really are not open minded and cannot handle people from all over the world. Korea is a small country with small minded people. I would live in England over Korea any day. While I've only been to London, and I am aware London is not the entirety of England, I see how London is fully of beautiful scenes of greenery. British people loved to garden as a long lost hobby and even though young people don't garden, you still see beautiful areas such as Hyde Park. Sitting in the Rose Garden at Hyde Park or walking in the sunken garden in front of Kensington Palace is just wonderful. I'm sorry you found Korea so stifling and limiting. I'm sorry you found so little advancement in your career. If it is any consolation, native Koreans themselves commit suicide a lot because they themselves never find career advancement and face societal shame. Korea treats everyone badly and is misery inducing for everyone, foreign or natuve. You are a bright, well spoken, attractive young woman and I think you should try your luck with UK. And London is super dog friendly, you can take your dog on the tube! Again London isn't perfect (extremely expensive rent) but people are open minded and willing to try new things. Korea doesn't feel like home precisely because Korea doesn't try to welcome you as one in their home, so don't give your best to korea!
Trust me your are not lying.
I still have an apartment in Korea for when I fly back for business, but I would not choose to live there. Ive been going their on and off for almost a decade and seen the good and the bad.
To be honest Koreans love to throw in your face your not Korean if it benefits them, and will cry and say its not fair if it doesn't. What I learned the most is if they ask you if you have a Korean friend tell them no. They are only asking because Nationalism will probably get the Korean person to agree with them even if they are your friend.
I agree
Agree
Them: "You're not Korean."
Me: I'd rather be Japanese than Korean.
Can’t lie, a lot of the living standard and pet issues are also present in London which shocked me when I first moved in :/
Thanks for sharing, hope you find something that you like. From other bloggers about teaching in Korea. I can understand why you want to leave.
One thing that I've really grown to dislike about Korea over the years. (Don't/haven't lived there but through ppl videos) is that they are able to put up these signs in 2022 and it not be a problem. This is discrimination for them to say "this place is only for Koreans"... And if somebody wants to argue about it that's fine but that's weird as hell to me.
It will come to bite them back in the ass sooner or later. If we keep acting like that people will soon lose interest and kdeama fad is bound to fade away sooner or later. Like the rest of the shit that becomes dull and owing after sometime. Then this country will have nothing more to offer.
Never noticed that however directly "no Chinese" was a little brutal when covid first hit. Tho, if every country had done that perhaps we'd all be in a better place. You find similar things in countries like Japan etc.
@@TehOmnissiah Bro they have these "No Indians allowed" in most Korean owned restaurants IN INDIA! So I'm not surprised about what they'd do in their country.
(There are SK factories and neighborhoods in India)
@@kit-nun5476 I heard they did the same in the Philippines, they open korean restaurant and "no philippino" WTF. Everyone should do the same and put "no korean", so they will learn how it feel. The world are too kind with them...
Just my opinion… I get the feeling it’s going to take quite a few years for South Korea to really open up like most countries because of their past. Korea’s been known as a hermit kingdom because of how closed they were. Where as many other countries have had open borders and have had international relations with other countries for centuries… it’s only been like some 150 years since Korea’s been ‘international’. And it’s only in the last 20 or so years that there’s been a greater influx of other nationalities living in korea… if that makes sense.
I have some Korean friends from my exchange semesters in Japan, and I also studied for 7 months in Korea and made some friends there. (That was all before the pandemic.) My Korean friends still keep asking me if I'll come back to Korea and find a job there (funny enough, my Japanese friends will always only ask me if I'll visit Japan, but NEVER if I'll actually move back to Japan). Why would I move away from Austria (my home land) back to South Korea? Such a downgrade in any aspect of life quality! Korea is fun as a student for partying and as a tourist and Kpop fan, but NOT for living there long term and having to work there. I am not gonna lick the buttocks of some ahjusshi and sit in front of a PC until midnight and live on 30sqm on the 15th floor of a mold-infested concrete block.
Hey bre.
Hab gehort das der Luft dort schmutzig is.
Is es schlimm?
@@lilac6222 leider ja, in Korea :-( in Japan ist die Luft OK
@@NoctLightCloud thanks!
This is the best comment ever! Haha
@@mai567 did I overdo it with my last sentence?😂
im korean/filipino american, and it was even hard for me to adjust when i went there. I prefer the phillipines over korea anyday because of the open friendly culture and especially when it comes to foriegners.
I think in Asia Philippines and Thailand is more open and welcoming to foreigners. I am from India I see tourists from all different ethnicity here but I know its much better in other 2 countries. Maybe due to flow of tourists. But still
@@kanikagaral7637 I agree.
@@kanikagaral7637 Agree!
This video is so accurate! Most of these are basically why I’m also leaving in a few months!
It’s definitely draining after you’ve been in Korea a few years. Are you headed back home?
@@thecherryroyal Yeahh it's been over 3 years now and I’m heading home in about 4 months!
I left Korea in 2017 for very similar reasons. This was almost therapeutic to hear you say you left for these reasons with which I identified. I regret leaving sometimes and miss some aspects dearly, but this is helpful to me.
Thanks for your honesty. As someone who lives in Korea since 3 years myself, I understand everything you said. I wish you the best whatever you decide to do next 👍
I judge a country by their attitude to animals, says it all
Facts
Completely agree
Korea sure doesnt treat them well.
That’s a good point!
Agreed
I hope you feel better wherever you decide to move
3:35 This!! If I had known this, I never would have gone to Korea. I got progressively more and more sick during my stay in my apartment to the point where I could no longer work and had to leave in the middle of my contract. Even the doctors in my home country couldn't figure it out. I only found out months and months later that it was the mold in my Korean apartment. I know some people are less sensitive to mold but it really messed with my nervous system and I lived in absolute terror for over a year. Needless to say, I wish I had someone to tell me what kind of living conditions I was walking into and just how dangerous mold can be. There should never be mold in your living space, period.
8:09 funny how koreans are crying about few place in Japan that say "no korean allowed" while it's really rare there but in Korea it's a common thing to just ban foreigners in many shops... I remember a club with loud hiphop music such as 50 cents, snoop dogg, rihanna etc... Didn't alllow blacks to enter...
Yeah, they like black culture and the black aesthetic but not the black people. Speaking as a black girl.
I live in south korea and ive never seen that, maybe I just don't explore alot but most of the people here say that "no certain people allowed" is so common but ive never seen it once in my life.
@@48879s to not be "black focused" only, I also saw No G.I (Us military), no green passport (meaning arabic/muslim countries), no japanese, and the classic "no foreigners allowed".
@@cryaboutit7499...and that's part of the reason why I stopped dealing with those people.
The complaints you have are very well documented by others. These complaints have been rolling in for years. The only way to change things is to boycott.
Yes 100 percent
Exactly...enough said. Like thinking Hell will be better this time 'round.
Thank you for sharing these topics that others are often too afraid to discuss. Just hearing about the weather, people and pet issues confirms my thoughts on not going to SK. Also, I’m very happy that you are continuing to develop your channel and social media presence. I’ve always enjoyed your content and look forward to what you share in the future.
I don’t want to deter anyone from visiting but…living here? You have to be made of strong stuff: and thank you so so much. I’ve been working hard to try and improve! ☺️☺️
Japan isn't far off from Korea in terms of racism and xenophobia. I'm married here to a Japanese and still find it unbearable to live here. Hoping to get out soon!
@@zimpetrichor4919 oh gosh, sorry to hear that. Wishing you the best for the future!!
It’s time to move in the Philippines we will give you the unconditional love ❤️.
Here I come ❤🎉💕💕
I never lived in Korea, but I visited ~15 times for work. From what I gathered, from their protectionist economy (there is a Korean equivalent of every product imaginable, and almost none of the cars on the road are foreign), their view of history, to even their contract documents, it just seems like the Korean culture is currently not too delighted with foreigners in general. Foreigners caused the Korean war (US and Soviets, but now just blamed on the US), not to mention all of the Japanese occupations, and all history before involving foreigners was generally unpleasant. While I don't blame them, I certainly wouldn't move there.
exactly. Hey, i am not saying its great or good but I understand countries like these being how they are. They can afford to be that way and they are not poor places heavily dependent on western countries, we'll say, and they are their own sovereingty, etc.
I also see it as if some of them came to America and spoke very little to no english, was a woman moving there by herself, then she'd have sour stories to tell too. All kinds of people here will very much take advantage of her to take her money and many American men would use her up too. She'd constantly run into doggish American men and have plenty of stories to tell(esp meeting these men the way a lot of the UA-cam women always do).
This may seem weird but they treat Japanese and us foreigners, the people in the past that caused much hurt much better than other foreigners……. And like does it make sense no but when has xenophobia or racism ever made sense yanno
N. Koreans started the war…
A sign in South Korea saying "Americans are not welcome here" is ironic af.
why?
@@lambsauce8937 Maybe because we helped them in a war?
Americans (US) have sustained a negative reputation in many countries. Some people from the US have demonstrated poor judgment, committed crimes, or acted rudely, even crudely, ignoring local cutoms or societal etiquette. Is it really so hard to learn about a country before visiting? Or not to treat people meanly? When I used to travel in the 1980s-90s, I admit I sometimes kept quiet so I wasn't automatically identified as an American. I thought things had improved over the years though.
@@lambsauce8937 We saved them from North Korea and China when they invaded South Korea. They would have become North Korea if we (America) didn't save them. It's ironic saying Americans not welcome. I guess all my American uncles who froze in the Korean Winter to save you were welcome. Were the tens of thousands of Americans and billions of American tax money to protect and save you aren't welcome either?
Yeah since how many of them dream of living in US. and complain about racism if they face in the states. Like do u see how u treated foreign people in ur country.
Bon voyage baby girl. I see your sad 'hater' is back and can understand perfectly well why you have decided to move you. Love you xxx
It’s okay. They must be bored if they continue to watch every single video I post. On the upside- more views for me! See you soon 😘😘 xxx
God I hate living here in Korea. I'm so glad I'm leaving in May. Korea is one of the worst places to live in the world. It was easier living in the middle east.
Seems like the right move. Good luck and health to you
You have been there only for several years. I have been in US almost 20 years and still feel like and treated like outsider. I don't have much social connection here. The only reason I stay here is my kids. They identify themselves as Americans and they are happy. I don't want to ruin their happiness by moving back to Korea when they don't speak the language. Even though I don't feel excepted here after big time of trying to fit in the society I still love my life here growing my family. Good for you that you don't have much commitment so you can leave. I totally understand how you feel and I am sorry. When you go back to your country hopefully you have some sympathetic in your heart for foreigners in there.
Well said. Sidenote: with all the racism in the US right now, human and civil rights being taken away, I'd move my family back to Korea before it gets worse, because it will. :(
Please teach your children korean! Just because in general it’s nice to know the language of their ethnicity and it might become useful if they ever want to travel to Korea in the future! Please consider this!
@@Stylefusionworld .. well if your ppl in Korea hâte forgeigner do you really expect they will treat you good in their country especially afro américain
@@aghileshemdani3144 My ppl in Korea? I'm sorry. I'm not sure what your talking about as I've never been to Korea, neither have my ppl. As for hating foreigners, from what I've heard and seen via social media, it's some Koreans, not all, that don't like Foreigners which is mainly from either stereotypes and bad behavior from US soldiers. Other than that, I have no idea what you are talking about and can't speak on a situation I know nothing of.
@@aghileshemdani3144 I realize I misunderstood your comment, as you've misunderstood mine. What I was referring to is the growing amount of white supremacy and nationalist in the United States. Not Black Americans against Korean Americans. We are talking about those people that wish all people of color harm because they think their race is superior to other. I suggested to the other commenter was it might be safer for her to move her family back to Korea. I'd move to Africa but my family line isn't from there...it's Ireland (Grandmother was Irish).
Feel sorry for you 😢 I hope it makes you stronger.
Hi Cherry - thanks for sharing. You definitely sound deflated and you have made the right decision to move on. I will definitely continue watching your content and look forward to your new adventures. Can't wait to see where you go !! oh and I love the animal content as well. Take care and look after yourself xx
I felt deflated making it tbh. I don’t particularly enjoy making content which is negative but I do think Korea is romanticized and the realities of living here as a foreigner should be addressed. I feel brave enough to share my opinions as I’m leaving! Thank you for sticking with us! 🐶🐈⬛🐶💕
I don't get it, why do people want to move there?
No matter where a human being travels to, lack of knowing the language isn't a warrant to be mistreated. Mold is a hidden problem in Bali also (covered with paint, curtains).
Can you please elaborate how you have not been treated well by koreans? It feels like all foreigners are leaving 😕
Yup I keep seeing video after video of ppl leaving
@@deanna6742 i wonder if they are being "pushed" out? Contract times to end now?
But honestly they should be glad because if China is going to do anything with war then the westerners will be pulled out anyway.
Yeah I swear like like my 15 or 16th video of foreigners leaving Korea. And surprisingly most of them r white women too.
Simple, most are racist, only care about money and status... and I have witnessed them treating my friend horribly just because she is darker than them. Thank god I am getting stationed elsewhere. Tired of the narcissistic behaviour around here.
I’ve been living here for 14 months and I have had moments where I wanted to leave too. Koreans are just not welcoming in general. No all of them but just some. They are polite but some people just don’t like foreigners in their country. If you don’t know Korean they don’t see u as human. I’ve had a Korean man tell me himself “careful when meeting people cause YOU ARE A FOREIGNER”. There is a whole documentary on women being assaulted and rapes that visit Korea and no one helps them or takes them seriously.Luckily for me I haven’t experienced these things cause I stay inside a lot but don’t believe it when people say Korea is safe. Korea is safe for Koreans only!! I have had someone try to come into my apartment and the cops didn’t take me seriously. I could’ve been raped ot killed and they said “nothing has happened yet” as if something bad has to happen before they do anything. I don’t feel safe here so I can see why people want to leave. I want to learn Korean and go back to England as planned. It’s not foreigner friendly unless you’re a white man tbh. If you choose to visit korea always be careful regardless of what people say. No country is 100% safe.
I have said this a lot after livng in another country that deals with humidity and mold that actually fixes the problem. Korea's standard of living seems a lot lower. Lots of apartments have broken things, moldy walls, and bug infested drains. But, they still expect you to pay a large deposit, and rent without fixing any problems. It's ridiculous.
Yes! You pay $5-10k deposit and the cockroaches are free! The mold make me so sick - a Korean dr told me that. His advice was to keep the area ventilated aka open a window 🤷🏼♀️
@@thecherryroyal So you can breathe in the polluted air too!
Oh I just laughed out loud! I forgot about the pollution! Or maybe I just blocked it from my memory… 🤔
@@isisathena5237 lol
Valid points. I visited right before COVID and enjoyed it so much. I now immerse myself in Korean culture almost daily, cooking, k drama, skincare, etc. I know if I lived there, loneliness would be a major factor...that's important, for piece of mind.
Before Covid it was a much nicer place to be. I feel like there was a big shift in how Koreans viewed and treated foriegners pre and post (now) Covid. I think my lack of interest in Korean culture (the things you mentioned) makes it harder for me to enjoy being here. And loneliness is something to consider…it can be really tough! Thanks for your insightful comment!! 🥰
Please stop 🛑 that’s not who they really are and they actually hate you being in there country.
@@thecherryroyal Why were you lonely? Many Koreans are hospitable and open-minded. Some are racist and self-absorbed, just like some people in the U.S. and the U.K.
@@nikicarrie4071 You need to shut the fuck up. Stop posting anti-Korea comments
@@nikicarrie4071 Well they are just stating facts.
So glad your leaving, only positive things ahead 🥰
Thank you! Currently in the middle of preparing Nala’s paperwork and everything to leave! 🐈⬛ ✈️
@@thecherryroyal awwww sweet Nala such a sweetie
I’ve had a great experience with how others perceive and treat my cat in Korea but I also have friends who’s dogs have had the same bad experiences as yours… it’s disappointing to witness how Korean society views pets, particularly dogs
I think Korea is a really tough place to adjust to as a non-native, and that is something that hopefully changes over time. It is not great to see a substantial portion of people feel aggrieved by their experiences there. That being said, it’s also really tricky, because so many unskilled foreigners go to places like Korea and Japan and simply expect to be treated like VIPs, because that has generally been there experience in other non-white countries. And so they resentful when they’re asked to work as hard as any other Korean person, or perceived as an inconvenience for not knowing the customs or language. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true that if you’re trying to go to Korea with no qualifications and looking to teach English as some small operation, you might get exploited. But that can happen to you anywhere, even in your home country. It’s a bit tiring seeing foreign people feel so demoralized by not being treated as super special by non-white people, as if they should obviously deserve better than the average local. And that sets an expectation that is always going to be destroyed.
did you even watched the video? :)
Five years is a really long time to stay. I wish you well wherever you go next.
Thank you!
I am currently living in the US. It has been over 6 years. This is a blue state and a somewhat wealthy area, but sadly I have experienced racism, sexual harassment and sexism. Many times. That is everywhere. So I understand what you feel.
Could not agree more especially the mold part 🥲hehe
I live in busan and I’ve seen you around. I wish I spoke to you cause you seem soo nice ❤
Literally everyone has the SAME EXACT dog!
haha right? If you know...you KNOW!
A lot of air pollution there is sand blowing from Mongolia across the industrial north of China where it picks up pollution and covers most of the country.
During your stay in Korea, did you visit the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Anmyeon-do and Jeju-do? Korea has over 3,300 islands, and if you had visited some of them, your view of the country might be different. Seoul is a large, densely-populated city, and like all such cities, including London, it can be intimidating to outsiders.
I sure did!
Girl, I feel the same way and I've only been here a year! lol
oh no, I am sorry to hear that. Are you planning to stay much longer?
@@thecherryroyal I just signed a contract (higher salary, but no severance), so I'll definitely leave before it ends once I save up to resettle!
'friendship are made on the base of necessities" you put it nicely....but i would say they are based on interest and they never genuine.....
Fun place to visit, but noticed a few issues while there. Pretty obvious everything would be challenging for a foreigner and a low income local.
I’m sorry you had a bad experience and you definitely looked burned out. However, the comments disparaging Korea from some of the other commenters are out of hand. I am Korean American and America is a hella lot more racist than Korea is. My husband is white and son half-white and they do not speak Korean but find Korean people welcome them and they find Koreans very kind and welcoming. On the other hand, I’ve noticed if they do not like you, they will be brutally honest about it. I honestly think a lot of the issues you brought up could have been avoided with more research on what you were getting into? Like missing your garden…. Did you not know you wouldn’t have one? Most teachers are placed in cities. There are so many vlogs on Epik apartments and etc. It’s okay that you did not like it and that’s how it goes sometimes. I went to Europe in my twenties and some parts I liked and others I didn’t but I did not blame the country for that. Tbh, ALL countries are racist because people are racist but I honestly think Koreans are a heck less racist than many places around the globe. Idk what everyone expects…like some idealized version of Kdrama?!? Like, why? Even Kdrama often honestly explores the problems Korea has. As I said Koreans can be very candid and honest.
Anyhow, this was more for some of the other comments, not so much for you. I’m glad you returned if you were unhappy and I hope you feel better soon. I’m sorry it was a bad experience and true, the problems with your landlord and etc should not have happened. Idk any Korean who would put up with mold where they live (unless they were super poor, I guess?) and idk why you had such bad landlords unless it’s because you had pets?
A lot of what you said applies to many urban areas and might I suggest it was not Korea you were sick of per se but the urban lifestyle in a foreign country. Korea has really beautiful rural country. I personally hate Seoul and the larger cities but love the islands and the rural towns. Fresh air, grow your own produce, have animals, more laidback and the neighbors are friendly (and a bit nosy).
One hundred percent. You are so honest.
If you don’t mind me asking, is there any particular reason why you didn’t end up getting your Korean to at least conversationally fluent? I made the decision to get as close as I could to fluency within a couple of years by simply doing an hour of study a day + practicing with Koreans whenever I could and it’s made my life so so sooo much easier. Not having a communication barrier is a god sent and it’s a lovely thing to be able to speak their language, your ability to connect with them goes up exponentially. Not here to say I’m anything special for this “achievement” but I think I just realised very early on in my stay in Korea that this would simply be a necessity to get right and learn the language properly. I could just never imagine living here for multiple years on end and not actually being able to speak the language. I'm by no means trying to invalidate the other issues you listed outside the subject of language. I too still struggle with the overly superficial culture present and it's never been a seamless task to make Korean friends, regardless of my language skill (although the better I got at Korean the easier it got). It can feel a little like finding a diamond in the rough a lot of the time but the few good Korean friends I have made are just as important to me as my friends back home in NZ and I'm so happy I made the effort to keep trying to find those kinds of people, but in saying that, it would have been tougher without my Korean speaking ability so yeah, that's kind of the trade-off you make when moving to a country that doesn't speak your mother tongue I guess.
I was exhausted from work. Were you teaching in Korea?
If you don't mind me asking, why are you spending your time commenting on videos negatively? Do you have to make yourself feel better by making someone else feel bad?
@@user-db1du3tr5x isn't this whole video kind of negative?
@@thecherryroyal That's a shame you were perpetually tired while working only 30 hours a week. And yes, I was a teacher, and just like everyone else, we found time to learn the language - good on ya
How can you not want a pet and worry about smells but there is mold all over the wall…
It’s a shame you were treated like that..As much as I enjoy Korean entertainment and their food. I know as an African American women I wouldn’t stand a chance being out there with all the ignorance I hear some speak on. So I could just enjoy what I enjoy from afar in my house.
I hope you are doing much better since you left.
Latina here. I get you at the "wouldn't stand a chance being out there." I heard some horrible things about latinos who were living there. Perhaps everyone will have a chance in this world at some point...
I hope so
It would a cultural shock for some. Having said that, and in a good way, please don't be offended, really, everything happens for a reason, learn from it, grow from it. When an individual encounters conflicts in their lives, it's there for you to learn from it. There's a saying that says "don't point the finger at anyone, look to where the other three fingers are pointing at" Your situation is nothing compared to how coloured race people are treated all over the world. Like I said everything happens for a reason. I really hope you nothing like that happens to you again. All the best, God bless
I have seen too many of these videos. I mean as an avid kdrama viewer I knew from the very first drama that I wont be able to live there. Will never fit in and won't like being there either. I dont know if wanna go there as a tourist. Even though it has many beautiful places to visit. Why can't people do some Google search it will help.
I have been living here for almost 3 years now as a postdoctoral researcher, and I also admit that Korea is a dang racist and rigid society altogether. The majority of these people are close-minded, unfortunately. However, the racism here persists in a more passive form compared to other countries!
I have lived in China and I understand your struggles. So many similarities! I wish you all the best 🧡
I heard many things about China. I think it's tough to live there as well. Thank you! And the same to you.
@@thecherryroyal One of my coworker is chinese who's been living in Canada for the last 20 years but still has family in Bejiing.
He told me the other day not to go China (even as a tourist).
half Korean born outside of Korea here, I absolutely agree with every points you stressed out in the video. People here can't even understand how I can also be a Korean person but not having been born in Korea... Not to mention every time I'm warned not to eat pork because this very person pretends to see me for the first time in her life thinking I am a Muslim. Moreover, I am also referred here as "ALIEN" on my personal page on the official kor gov immigration control web site and some personal documents. I also gotta admit that this crazy 'stuff' is widespread across the entire Asia no matter which part of it you are that is Far East, Middle East etc. prolly the reason why here there will never be something like EU in ...centuries to come
ROK is such a creative and innovative country in many ways. Unfortunately it has a traumatic history of annexation and suppression which may contribute to the anti-foreigner sentiment. This needs to change as Korea needs immigrants to address declining birthrates and ageing population.
damn sounds kinda like how we get treated being black in the USA . . . or anywhere else for that matter
I have a question? Are indians treated badly in the USA?
Asking for a friend.
@@makizenin1840 It probably depends on where you live, but I hope not. The US is my home country and I live in California, so already I've grown up in an open-minded, multicultural environment. Unfortunately, the former president (a disgrace, now under investigation for some of his crimes) opened up an era of overt discrimination, racial, gender, and xenophobia. Everyone I know welcomes ALL people. I think you'll love it here.
@@makizenin1840 I am BLK woman in Kuwait. They are treated so badly here😥 I think I am treated well because of my British passport
@@whoneedslovewhenyouhaves..859 Oh I see. I've intentionally asked this question on UA-cam commen section because people here atleast tell the real truth while the people that I know IRL always says "Good things about USA". And I know how hard life can be for POC but Anyways Thanks for the info!
You should hear what black people in Korea are saying its like, one lady was threatened with a KNIFE, WHILE SHE WAS WORKING IN HER SCHOOL BY A STUDENT!!!!!!!! And she couldn't even complain or report it the police because she'd get deported??????!!! God forbid, could never be me🙏🏾
Our country not good and not perfect as other but we welcoming you if you come to malaysia
Wow thank you - that so kind of you to say ☺️
Malaysia Thailand and Philippines r more inviting to foreigners due to the flow of tourists.
Thanks for sharing your personal experiences in South Korea. The things you pointed out are mostly related to totalitarian, nationalistic, xenophobic and close-minded culture prevalent in Korean community. The majority of the Korean people lack a sense of respecting other people's privacy, personal differences and diversity. They regard those differences as "problematic". These things also often trigger a generational issue between elders and young people.
My flight arrived really late on my first trip solo to S.Korea back in 2018 and I checked in at one of the posh hotels in Gangnam. Sometimes, as a young woman, I can be careless so what I did wrong was I forgot to activate my new sets of credit cards so I can use it overseas, resulting in those getting declined upon check in. Its fine, because all I need to do, honestly, was just call my parents and they'll notify the bank, and it will be ready for use in less than 12 hours.
What I really DON'T APPRECIATE was the ATTITUDE of the front desk lady (a young woman like myself too, but with the pointiest unnatural chin, and the rest of her also does look weird. Now I hate bodyshaming of all kind, but for this instance I'll cut myself some slack). From being polite but rather "chilly" (she reserved all the simping and how are yahh tonight, Sir 😍😍😍, to a dashing American businessman needing something but coming AFTER ME. I should've been served first). To cut the story short, she was so unsympathetic to me and even suggesting me to look for another hotel. Doesn't really want to hear about my circumstances either. Fed up, I just clicked my finger and ORDERED her (Ha, that felt gooood), "Just fetch me your supervisor". In which, the male supervisor was way more sympathetic so I ended up checking in for the night, but not without a little bitter taste in my mouth.
Hungry, I called in room dining for abalone porridge which is said on the room menu to be Korean specialty. Guess what happened when the order arrived. I got asked to pay in front with cash. So I asked why, and the young room service told me its an order from the reception because I had trouble in payment. I was like... 🙄🙄🙄.
Lets skip to afternoon of the same day. Card is working, and I'm out to the nearby COEX mall. I dressed properly now, having seen some snobs in the hotel so I thought I'll just dress the same. HOW DIFFERENT it was when the same lady from the night saw me with fresh makeup and nice outfits and my Hermès Kelly. I even got chocolate and wine sent to my room, after being so close to getting turned down to the street just a few hours earlier.
....I did not touch the complimentary chocs and wine. And I don't feel like being to chatty or return her welcoming "how are you today/tonight" everytime I returned to the hotel and to my room after my events, and peruse the lift that is right in front of the reception desk.
Really hate it with the judging people based on outer looks only. That's shallow.
They have a history of worshipping shallow leaders with the depths of a puddle, so as a result, vanity has become their philosophy, and plastic surgery, the cure to their problems. They lack much as a nation.
I think.. for travel it's okay not knowing local language(korean). But for living, it would be way better to be able to understand Korean language. If someone don't understand English and try living in England, it's not gonna be easy. Same thing in korea. And Seoul is not all about korea. If you want more nature than city life. There're many options in korea. For example jeju Island. I'm from jeju BTW haha and now live in Seoul. I'm really sorry to hear that it's not that happy for you to live here korea but anywhere you live in now, I hope you live much happy and healthy life.
I mean.. I have never seen moldy wall in my home in my life moving quite many times in korea. You might say that knowing korean is not gonna helpful but... it's helpful actually. I mean you can access to so much better information for even finding not moldy home, and finding better work, finding and making better local friendships obviously and even if you want to more nature to live than seoul so move to other more nature area like jeju, knowing korean can give you much better options and chance I mean..
Alien thing is a matter of translation or British English. The American dictionary says alien means foreigner
I love this! I’m leaving in 3 weeks!!!!
Homestretch babyyyyy
So true I’m ready I’ll miss the kids but not teaching at all!
I can relate to this!
Living in korea after living in England can be difficult especially if you liked how you used to live. Most of what you said was because of your personality. Personally talking I hate hanging out with neighbors and I'm not into pets so those weren't a problem to me but of course mold and other stuff can be a concern to many people. Every society has it's own problems and issues just because you're used to them you don't see them much of a problem but when you're going to somewhere new that's a different story. In the end it's nice that you have the ability to live in a society that you like and have a power to change it. About pets it's not a common thing everywhere and of course if they're big they can seem scary. It's such a rare thing in my country and even your own mother would act like that to your pet like my family get ride of my bird even if it was in a cage and expressing their disguste. It's too much of expectation to think everyone put up with their discomfort just not to offend us
Even if you don't like hanging out with people /neighbors that doesn't mean they should treat you poorly or be racist. And as a woman, it's horrible, not saying that other countries are angels but the Reports of sexual harassment are very high. I keep watching videos about the topic and im still trying to find a positive one, for the moment it's just a negative view overall. At this point i don't think I'll ever even visit the country.
Why European pepole Go to korea ?????? Europe is so Beautiful 🌹 canutry and beautiful Look White blond blue eyes
I wish you all the best. I think if many Koreans could live elsewhere... They would live elsewhere.
Yep all goshiwon and guesthouse i have been in Korea, there was mold. yeah they put paint and think it's ok haha
It’s all about learning knowing the culture!!
Really? Dang! I didn’t think of doing that in the 5 years I was there 🤷🏼♀️
It's same I litterly can't live in apartments bcz I am ok to live in one bedroom house but I want big garden without garden I can't even live
Vinegar, bleach, anti-mold primer x2 coats, paint. That's what it took to fix my mold problem.
Im an korean. Age does matter in korea.(but i think age is just a number)some adults ignore my opinion cuz im too young. And korean education is not good. I feel like i doesnt have freedom here. Thats why i wanna leave korea
This was not expected, I mean Korea is getting all the love, attention, appreciation and revenue increase due to K-pop, k drama . Respect is mutual not one sided. People are getting crazy over this k obsession.
Because most people think that Korea is like Kdramas until they live there.
She is the first person of no colour that actually speaks facts! Like I love how she did not sugarcoat anything!! Poc have been saying that all the time it was really refreshing for a ponc to say the same and be honest for once!! Love it hope you are doing better now 💖
I am doing much better than you! You know, influencers gets paid to influence. Foreigners that endorse Korea MAY be getting paid to do that. Can we be mad at the hustle? I;m just hear to share my unsponsored/uninfluenced opinions.
@@thecherryroyal Yes, we can and should be mad at the hustle because of those influencers had led many people to Korea withholding the truth. I lived there because of those influencers and have experienced the worst crimes with no help from the police. Everything was “well, you’re a foreigner..” I went with great feelings but now all i remember is standing on the along Han river thinking that being inside there was better than my treatment.
@@bloodbabe.2226 thank you for sharing. It sounds like a very dark and sad time. I’m so sorry you went through that. I hope you’re in a better place now. Sending love 💛💛
The only people of no color are people who have albinism
It’s interesting because all your points apart from the pets ones are the same as ones made by several foreign friends I have had here in the UK, many of whom also decided to leave. All found it difficult to make friends with Brits and most had suffered racist incidents on several occasions. Very sad really and a lost opportunity for growth, both for the host country and the individuals involved.
What do you mean by 'a lost opportunity for growth for (...) the individuals'?
Well, if you have a negative experience like this it doesn’t encourage you to remain and immerse yourself further in the culture and language of the host country. I would say that is a lost opportunity for personal growth.
@@Bolachas25 interesting! Excellent points 🤗
@@Bolachas25 Why immerse yourself in a culture that has grounded the belief that you’re lesser than no matter what? That’s like staying in an abusive relationship, everything requires loss in situations like this but why she should be a learning experience at the expense of her mental health to simply teach others to treat people with basic human rights? Growing is also knowing how and when to take a step away.
@@Bolachas25 see she’s been there for 5 years, have you ever heard foreign celebs on Korean tv talk about how long they’ve been there, they speak Korean, then know about korea and love korea and yet there is always that wall, and that wall isn’t their because they look different it’s because of the Korean mindset, that ultimately is discriminatory. And like this is off topic but not really… u see in the Korean dramas the bullying when a kid has a divorced parent, is a little small or poor….. yeah that’s based on facts….. if they are willing to treat people that are only a little bit different from them why wouldn’t u realise that they are capable of much worse to those who are blatantly different.
I travelled to many countries but so far, South Korea is the only country that a taxi driver forced me to pay crazy amount of money lol
I ended up pretending to call police lol
I know people try to take money from travelers but didn’t expect it would happen in South Korea.
People in Japan and Vietnam were much nicer
Where are you going to go now? Back to UK or to another country?
Stay tuned 😉
United Kingdom is four countries not just England.
Still on the same occasion of my solo trip to S.Korea back in 2018, I was riding a cab after an event in KBS world back to Gangnam. When suddenly the elderly male driver turned off his GPS and said that he had NO IDEA about the address I was asking, its not in Korea and the proof is its not in GPS. He then proceed to drive really recklessly, for instance braking hard at the stoplight, and gasses really aggresively when the lights go green.
I was never feeling so afraid in my life. Also harrassed. To get back from KBS WORLD to Gangnam it requires going through some mini highway (correct me if I'm wrong)? And its impossible to do anything but sit quietly during the trip, so as not to aggravate the driver further. When we reached some parts of town where its lively again, I politely requested that if he don't know where he should go and have difficulty understanding me (I did showed him the address from Google, the picture of the hotel, etc 🙄), he can drop me off at the nearest dropoff point and I'll gladly take another cab. To which, after 50 minutes "terrorizing" me where he felt I can't fight back (he spoke Korean the whole time and we were in the middle of the "highway"), he suddenly said that yes he knows about the hotel. By now, I felt so angry but still kept quiet.
He took some times to go round n round, taking the longer way. And we arrived at the hotel by wasting almost an hour n a half.
During those times, I kept quiet.
But don't expect me to continue doing the same after I'm in front if the lobby 😁. Where I went out and started berating not only the asshole driver but also the night concierges and the night manager, who went down because of the commotion. If Koreans likes to be racist, hey guess what... I CAN be super racist too. And amongst my verbal "abuse" are that "must you all have no brains nor manner to compliment your ugly ass yellow skin who only look good with plastic surgeries??? Even by THAT, you guys still looks the same". I hate doing that, but at that time it felt really good.
I refused to pay for the taxi. And y'all know what's still more infuriating??? The cab driver grovel and apologizes. Even crying. But he apoligizes NOT to me. He did so TO THE CONCIERGES. All he want is to get paid for his service. At this point I just can't 🙄🙄🙄. To put cherry on top to the insult, the concierge asked me to "please, please kindly pay the driver since he already apologizes". So I quipped back that he sure does apologized but not to me. To you. So YOU pay him up. Whereupon the concierge then apologize on behalf of the driver to me, saying he's also Korean so he feels ashamed.
I paid the driver. But I went up to my suite fuming. A bitter taste on my 1st trip to S. Korea.
I'm a Indian and I Moved 10 years ago in 2012 to 🇰🇷💫
Korea has too many apartments because the land is small😭. Landlord 👎👎
Everyone is talking about friendship & socializing ignoring being treated as a lower class human by everyone & this is completely justified for koreans this is scary a right to speak up defend yourself & be heard should not be touched
I’m so sorry that you had bad experiences in Korea :( I’m Korean, and I lived in the UK while doing my master. I do agree with your point of having limited access to foreigners with friendship and jobs in Korea.
But please do not generalise- I also suffered from mold at a house/apartment A LOT in the UK + energy crisis, water shortage and etc. I haven’t experienced mold that much while living in Seoul throughout my life more than 20 yrs. And If you live in the centre of a big city, I think it would be pretty much similar anywhere in the world and also depends on where you live.
For racism, I’m so sorry about that, but I also experienced the same thing in the UK as an Asian. I could feel hostility with no reason at many public spaces like a market, cafe stall, restaurant and sometimes even in my uni. I’m so sorry to tell you this but I could tell many races and ethnic backgrounds in the UK who are not ‘White’ would have experienced this discrimination A LOT.. I’m sorry for this expression, but I hope the experience in Korea might have given you the empathy to the sadness of other races/foreigners..
I do miss living in the UK and ppl there, and I really appreciate being there and even wish have more working experience there. There’s pros and cons in any country, so I hope you could bring more good memories in Korea :) Thank you for sharing your story and sorry for your bad experience again!
FACTS copy and paste for China. The quality of a place is based on the people you meet .... girl I about to do pack up like you have ON TO THE NEXT! 💅🏽
Get it get it get it! I’ve heard so many bad things about China 😔 wishing you all the best!!
@@thecherryroyal trust me the things you would read would seem unreal,until you land in the environment.
@@cforcourage4034 oh my gosh - I couldn’t cope!
@@cforcourage4034 hi which city I can help you with good agents if you’re a teacher , you can shift to a better place because in China natives are treated quite well but mostly they’re obsessed with skin colour, if you don’t know certain things or you’re new they can do u dirty
@@cforcourage4034 i heard last year they had shut down a lot of the english teaching because they were getting quite nationalistic and when that happened so many foreigners were scrambling to find work and hang on while there.
A quick visit maybe, WELCOME other than that, nah esp DOGS DISAPPEARING menu item or delicacy nope
I think that you live better in your country. You should not live in foreign countries, especially in Asia. Souding like some people say that expereinces in UK are terrible and working with them was a nightmare.... the bad things your people has done around the world.
As a Korean, I'm very sorry for what you have been through there. You have valid points.
May God guide you and bless you.
Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Taiwan all day
Hi go to India to feel better... you’ll love it and will get a speedy recovery
Always very fulfilling to do some kind of volunteer work over there and throw your watch away for awhile!
Did you get ride as a white horsd by korean guys ? xD
No, I did not partake in that sporting event. I’m not much of an athlete. I prefer to date American men who view me as a human being and not an accolade.
@@thecherryroyal LOL AN ACCOLADE?😂
🏆
@@thecherryroyal Know yourself 😂
🏆🏆
I have no idea
Can you imagine 30 years of this? And can you imagine if they treat your parents, grandparents, and children like this for just as long?
this issue sounds like a very common thing among white people where they just expect things to be just like in their home country and are shocked that there are cultural differences outside of their hometown. a "rare" breed in the karen community i suppose.
bruuuhhh most of the content Im seeing of korea is basically the same not a place ill put on my number one list to travel too anymore not that Im writing the country off obviously everyone experience is not the same but, but i dont think I would want to be in a situation where my outlppk becomes unhealthy Korea much love to you i respect your country but dude pass for me im seeing too many vidoes basically the sames with different levels of experience Ill definitely do a visit but not work or stay
Good
A poll was taken in South Korea. Koreans were asked if they could not have a fellow Korean as a neighbor, what ethnicity would they prefer? Overwhelmingly they chose North American or European Whites. They even chose Whites over Asians that were not Korean. Blacks were who they wanted least as neighbors
I never thought I would find a country more so than the USA where so much pressure is put on an individual to look a certain way. Per capita no other country comes close to the amount of cosmetic surgeries that are performed in South Korea and yes that includes the USA. Woman with curves are shamed and being thin to the point of it being unhealthy is cherished
During my time there, I came across many female Koreans who just will NOT go out at night. They just don't want to deal with the harassment and are actually fearful
I went to my neighbor for sugar and mustard because I ran out lol
"because our employees are not able to communicate" and so they pad each other and feel sorry for themselves, thinking that is a great thing that they have placed such a notice like that on the window...and that is why they continue to be ignorant, unwilling to socialize outside their comfort zone (I know there are the exceptions some korean have take the risk of socializing with foreigners)..I wonder if someone has told them how pathetic they are look upon by placing those notices and on top of it they add: please be generous about it.....they learn good enough english to post those bills but they are not willing to go the xtra mile to communicate ....they come across as feeling so little people in front of others, full of complexes...and really IDIOTIC behavior......