Balance & Purpose in Seoul

Moving to a new country is an incredible opportunity for exploration, growth, and change. It’s a time of excitement, discovery, and, at times, uncertainty. Right now, I find myself in the heart of Seoul, temporarily settled in a hotel, with no strict routine or rigid expectations. And surprisingly, I’m okay with that.

I know this is just a transition—only two months in the centre of the city before moving to the quieter French Village. With this impermanence, I feel free to simply experience. I am not working, as my visa process will take six months, but I’m enjoying this period of pause. Instead, I spend my days exploring, writing about my experiences, and considering new directions for my business. I don’t have it all figured out, and that’s perfectly fine. For now, I am taking in the atmosphere, observing the rhythm of the city, the people, the culture—and even observing myself.

It has only been six weeks, but I am already deeply impressed by the people here. There is something about their values and way of being that resonates with me. Koreans are calm, kind, generous, patient, and polite—non-confrontational yet quietly powerful.

It has only been six weeks, but I am already deeply impressed by the people here. There is something about their way of being that resonates with me. Koreans have a certain composure about themselves. They are calm, kind, generous, patient, and polite—non-confrontational yet quietly powerful. They don’t raise their voices in frustration or seek confrontation, yet they stand their ground with confidence when a line is crossed, addressing it as fact rather than creating conflict. There is grace in their interactions, a natural respect woven into daily life—from the bowing to the humility, from the quiet forgiveness of mistakes to the instinct to help without hesitation. It isn’t just about doing the right thing; it’s about being it, whether or not anyone is watching. And that’s what I want to immerse myself in—to absorb it, to grow with it, and to be it too.

What matters most to me in this moment is creating meaningful memories with my family. Without the pressure of rushing from one task to another, I can slow down, be present, and focus on what truly brings me joy. I take my girls for an afternoon snack in a coffee shop, stroll through Insadong, then follow the rhythm of our day—pool time, homework, dinner. During the quieter hours, I visit cafés to read and write, immersing myself in the creative process without feeling the need to be constantly productive. I go to the gym, not as an obligation but as a way to ground myself.

I am also beginning to understand why I have landed here. Seoul is a fascinating blend of deep-rooted traditions and cutting-edge modernity. It is a place of calm, of history, of technology, of wisdom. And I want to learn. Not just about the city itself, but about myself within it.

Finding balance in a period of transition is not about rigidly structuring every moment—it’s about establishing small rituals that bring comfort and stability. Routine, when approached with intention, becomes a grounding force. It’s easy to lose focus in uncertainty, but prioritizing even simple habits—like daily movement, reflection, and quality time with loved ones—can make all the difference.

Purpose is not always something we need to chase; sometimes, it unfolds naturally when we give ourselves the space to listen. Right now, my purpose is to embrace this experience fully, to connect with my surroundings, to build relationships, and to be present in this chapter of my life. The rest will come in time.

For now, I am here. And that is enough.