Can you imagine moving to a place where you barely speak the language, have little understanding of local customs and find yourself navigating a culture vastly different from your own? For many foreigners living in South Korea, this isn’t just an idea; it’s a reality. The challenges of adapting to life here often bring about culture shock, as well as surprising encounters with Korean hospitality and the occasional “lost-in-translation” moment.
Adjusting to a new world: Gabriela’s story
Our Dual Degree in Laws & International Relations student Gabriela shared her unique experience as an international student in Seoul. Before her arrival, she’d heard that Koreans could be a bit reserved toward foreigners, but her experience has been the complete opposite. She describes how classmates and even strangers make an effort to include her in traditions, often turning to translation apps or simply doing their best in English to bridge the gap. This welcoming spirit has been one of her biggest surprises—and something she’s grateful for as she adapts to life in a new culture.
Navigating language barriers and everyday challenges
While Korean hospitality is a highlight, Gabriela has certainly faced her share of obstacles. “The language barrier is real,” she says, explaining how she often finds signs on campus written only in Korean. “What if there’s a fire?” she jokes, recalling the day she found herself trying to decipher the emergency exit signs in her dorm.
However, learning to read and write Korean has become an unexpected skill for Gabriela. It’s not only practical but also rewarding: navigating Seoul’s intricate metro system is far less daunting now that she’s learning to read the station names in Hangul, the Korean alphabet.
Sweet potatoes on pizza and unforgettable classes
Food is another major source of culture shock. Gabriela laughs about how even savory foods in Korea, like pasta and pizza, often come with a touch of sweetness. Sweet potatoes are a popular addition to dishes, which was surprising. That said, they’ve now become part of her daily meals.
Gabriela has found an exciting new perspective in her classes. “I’m studying topics like US and China relations and international business law,” she says. “Learning about these subjects from an Asian point of view has been eye-opening.” A recent field trip to a museum, where her professor took the class instead of holding a lecture, gave her an intimate look at local history and made her learning experience much more memorable.
A venture into the world of deep tech
Gabriela also attended the South Summit Expo, where she saw firsthand how Seoul’s startup scene differs from Madrid’s. Walking through halls filled with AI-driven technologies, she encountered robots and interactive exhibits with a social mission. While Madrid’s expo was more focused on familiar European markets, the Korean version brought together startups from across Asia, showcasing projects with a clear, purpose-driven approach.
Gabriela met entrepreneurs developing sustainable educational tools, like a recycled-material puzzle model connected to an app, aimed at making learning accessible in remote regions. This experience showed her how Korean startups are embracing high-tech solutions while striving to make a difference—a perspective that left her with a deep appreciation for South Korea’s approach to tech and innovation.
What’s the takeaway?
Living in Korea has been an experience of contrasts and surprises for Gabriela, from mastering a new alphabet to discovering new tastes. But above all, it’s the openness of the people that has made her journey so rewarding. As Gabriela says, “It’s like a whole new world, but somehow, adjusting has been easier than I thought.”
At IE University, we believe in the power of hands-on learning through real-world experiences, such as international exchanges and access to events like the South Summit. These opportunities help our students grow into well-rounded individuals with a rich, global perspective. Gabriela’s experience is a reminder for foreigners heading to Korea—or any new place—that while culture shock is likely, it can also be incredibly rewarding. With patience, curiosity and an open mind, diving head-first into a new culture can lead to some of life’s most valuable lessons.
