Why We Moved from England to Seoul

Diary of a Lost Seoul – Entry #1

Life has a way of surprising us, often with opportunities that make us ask: What if? Why not? Can I? Will I?

Asia had always fascinated us—the culture, the landscapes, the fusion of tradition and modernity. With our children growing up quickly, we knew that if we were ever going to take a leap like this, it had to be now. The idea of exploring a completely different way of life was exciting—and daunting.

My husband’s job search started as a distant “maybe,” with months of interviews that never felt real. I remember thinking, Sure, why not? Give it a go. Deep down, I didn't believe it would actually happen. But then, suddenly, it did. He was offered an incredible opportunity to relocate to Seoul with an expat package—an offer too good to let go. We were standing at a crossroads in life: thrilling yet terrifying. We hesitated for a while, unsure whether to leave our comfortable life behind for uncertainty and spent countless nights asking, What if we don’t go?

I even found myself pretending it wasn’t happening—my fears taking over.

Does that ever happen to you? When faced with a tough decision, you try to ignore it, hoping it will just fade away? But deep down, we know it’s waiting for us to face it.

So, we did—head on! We knew we couldn’t let fear hold us back.

The thought of looking back years from now, wondering what could have been, was far more unsettling than the fear of change. Once the visa came through, we had just four weeks to pack up our lives. We had to sell our cars, rent out our house, find a new home for our guinea pigs, and inform everyone—work, schools, friends. It was a whirlwind. But in a way, the rush made it easier. There was no time to overthink—only to act, embrace the chaos, and step into the unknown.

Leaving Behind the Familiar

Moving across the world isn’t just about packing bags and booking flights. It’s about leaving behind a life you’ve built. England had been home for years. We had just renovated our house—a sanctuary. Our days were filled with routines that brought comfort: school drop-offs, work, gym classes, coffee with friends, weekend trips. Every corner of our town held a memory. And then there were the people—family and friends who’d been part of our everyday life.

Why We Chose Seoul

Seoul wasn’t just another city—it was a chance to redefine our lives. Everything about it was different from what we knew—language, customs, traditions. But that was exactly what made it exciting.

We craved personal growth and adventure—to step outside our comfort zones, to see life from a new perspective, to feel uncomfortable, adapt, and learn.

It was also a new way of living. Seoul is fast-paced yet steeped in tradition, futuristic but deeply rooted in history. The energy of the city is contagious. My daughters were excited about K-pop and BTS; I was drawn to the food, the culture, and the challenge of learning a new language.

More than anything, it was a fresh start. Starting over meant we could shape our days differently—travel through Asia, give our daughters an education beyond classrooms, and craft a life full of real-world experiences.

The Emotional Rollercoaster

As thrilling as it was, saying goodbye was heart-wrenching.

There were so many tears—our daughters leaving behind their friends, school, gymnastics, dance, and their guinea pigs. Saying goodbye to family and friends, to a life we knew, was just as tough. But it also made me realize how lucky we are to have such amazing people in our lives. I held back tears as I hugged my best friends for the last time, wondering when we’d see each other again.

Then came the moment we boarded the plane. That was when it really hit: This is real. No turning back.

The Challenges of Starting Over

The first days in Seoul were overwhelming. Navigating the streets, deciphering menus, figuring out public transport—everything was new. Even grocery shopping became an adventure (What is this? How much? And how do I cook it?).

But with every challenge, came small victories.

The first time we found our way around without getting lost. The first time we tried Korean BBQ. The first time we stood in the middle of neon-lit streets and thought, Wow… we actually live here. It was beautiful.

Somewhere in the struggles and uncertainties, something shifted. And now, I’m slowly falling in love with Seoul.

Looking Ahead

This move isn’t just a change of location—it’s a transformation. It’s about embracing discomfort, allowing ourselves to be shaped by new experiences, and saying yes to the unknown.

We don’t know exactly what the future holds, but we do know this: We’re all in.

Through this blog, I’ll share our journey—the highs, the struggles, and all the unexpected moments in between. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to leave everything behind and start fresh in a foreign country, stick around.

This is just the beginning.

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