Welcome to Midnight in Busan!

I am excited to share my upcoming journey with you all. I will be living in Busan, South Korea for the next year teaching at an English Education Center.

Why South Korea?

For the past 7 or so years, my dad has been completely obsessed with watching K-dramas and Korean movies. In other words, I have been surrounded by a small part of South Korean culture for quite some time. Because of this, I had an interest in South Korea and desired to know more. Hence my application to a Korean teaching program.

Why Busan?

Ever heard of the absolutely fantastic zombie/ tearjerker movie Train to Busan? If you have not, please watch ASAP. It will change your life, much like it did with mine. Really and truly though, I selected Busan over Seoul as my placement city because I figured so many of the applicants would choose Seoul, and I wanted a better chance of getting my first choice. Busan is the second largest city in Korea and located right on the coast. What more could I ask for?

Aren't you scared of moving to a foreign country by yourself?

ABSOLUTELY!! Of course I have some anxiety over moving abroad by myself, especially when the primary language isn't even English. However, I know I am a capable woman who can figure things out... and if I can't, I will have a good cry and then get back on my horse, so to speak.

What have you done to prepare for the big move?

I have been watching lecture videos teaching me the beginnings of the Korean language. I have learned the alphabet and basic vocabulary and sentences. I am by no means perfect, but I am getting there!

Family introduction vocabulary I have learned

What are you most excited about?

Oh, how could I even pick? Korean convenience stores with their futuristic ice cups; seeing a hanbok in person; traveling around Asia; building relationships with people I meet; trying exciting new food; teaching my students for the first time. The list could go on at this point.

The convenience store in question

As I end my first blog post, rest assured more will certainly follow. I have, after all, an entire year's worth of adventures to share. Follow along with me as I live by myself for the first time (eek!), lead my first classroom, and travel around all on my lonesome (I'll be safe, mom!).