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Check out detailed tips and tricks, as well as information from our KGY Community for everyone who is considering going abroad.
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— by Ruth from the Netherlands
Hello everyone! I’m Ruth from the Netherlands, and I’ve been living in Seoul for the past three months as a Korea GapYear participant.
I came to South Korea for an internship and a chance to truly experience everyday Korean life—and honestly, it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. If you’re curious what life here actually feels like, here’s my honest breakdown!
If you’re considering a Korean internship or a gap year in Seoul, here’s the truth:
Yes, the hours can be long. 😮💨
But that’s also what makes it such a real, eye-opening experience into Korean office culture.
And genuinely—I couldn’t have done any of this without Korea GapYear (KGY).
From visa support to housing, airport pickup, and daily guidance, they’ve supported me since day one. Moving across the world sounds scary, but with KGY it actually felt doable.
Let me be dramatic for a second: please save enough money before coming. 🙏🏾
Seoul feels affordable… and that’s exactly why it’s dangerous.
Because suddenly you want:
cute clothes
cafés every day
concerts
weekend trips
skincare
and every cute thing you see 😭
If you’re anything like me, budget wisely. Your future self will thank you!
Before coming to Korea, do a bit of research! Some things surprised me:
Koreans drink iced drinks even in winter ❄️🧊
Trash sorting is extremely strict
You receive items with both hands as a sign of respect
Personal space and hierarchy matter more than I expected
People queue neatly everywhere—no pushing!
Little cultural details like these helped me adjust so much faster.
Food in Korea is a dream.
Affordable, delicious, endless variety… I seriously love it here.
My personal favorite?
닭발 (chicken feet) 🐔🔥
I grew up eating it, but the flavor here hits completely differently.
From street food and pochas to healthy options and the craziest fusion creations, you will never get bored. And don’t even get me started on the snacks…
Seoul has everything: fast public transport, endless events, beautiful cafés, amazing fashion, and quick weekend trips to other cities. If I keep going, this blog post will turn into a book 😭✨
If you’re dreaming about studying, interning, or living in Korea—even for just a month—do it.
Seoul is exciting, safe, and full of opportunities to grow, explore, and meet people from all over the world.
And if you want to make the process easier, Korea GapYear honestly made my entire journey possible.
So… what are you waiting for?
Seoul is ready for you. ✈️💙
From chilly Seoul,
Ruth