June 14, 2025

Hey everyone!

Long time no see! First off, sorry for the long gap between updates—life in Korea has been a whirlwind, and I finally have a moment to catch you all up.

So, where to even start? I’ve officially settled down in Seoul, and it’s honestly starting to feel like home. But wow, getting here wasn’t exactly a walk in the park. Anyone who’s moved abroad knows the struggle: the paperwork, the waiting, the endless trips to government offices. Getting my foreigner ID, setting up a bank account, and getting a phone number all felt like mini-boss battles. But after some patience (and a lot of help), I managed to get everything in order. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finally holding that little ID card after weeks of running around!

There’s been plenty of adventure outside of bureaucracy, too. Not long after settling in, I took a trip to Tongyeong and Geoje. If you ever get the chance, go! The views are unreal—think turquoise water, quiet islands, and some of the freshest seafood I’ve ever tasted. It was the perfect reset before diving into city life.

A real highlight this spring was my parents coming to visit! We got to explore Seoul together, taking in all the sights (and snacks), and then hopped on a train down to Busan for some beach time and street food. While they continued on to Jeju Island for more exploring, I had to head back to Seoul for work. But we met up again for their last few days, squeezing in a few more adventures before they flew home. It was awesome showing them around my new world.

Work-wise, I landed a job at an English Kids Club. Teaching kids is a wild ride—one minute you’re singing songs about animals, the next you’re refereeing a game of tag. It’s chaotic, hilarious, and surprisingly rewarding. Plus, I get to practice my Korean with the kids (they’re tough critics!).

One of the best things I’ve done for myself lately is getting back into working out. Seoul has so many parks and riverside paths, and I’ve started running along the Han river. There’s something about the city lights and the water that makes it way easier to lace up my shoes and go.

So, what does a typical day look like for me now? It’s a mix of tasty food adventures, part-time work at the kids club, a run next to the Han river, the occasional visit to a PC café (old habits die hard), and—best of all—spending lots of time with my girlfriend. She’s honestly been my rock through all of this, helping me navigate every challenge and making sure life here is as fun as possible. I can’t thank her enough for all the effort she puts in to make my life here enjoyable. None of this would have been possible without her support.

That’s the latest from Seoul! Thanks for sticking with me and being part of this adventure. I’ll do my best not to disappear for so long next time.

Until next time,
Bertijn