Overcoming Culture Shock with Familiar Comforts
When my family first moved to Seoul, South Korea, I’ll admit – I was terrified. As a young black girl from the States, the prospect of being surrounded by an entirely different culture, language, and people was daunting. Would I be accepted? Would I make friends? How would I navigate daily life in this bustling, foreign city?
Fortunately, the comforts of home ended up being the key to helping me adjust. By surrounding myself with small reminders of my old life, I was able to slowly acclimate to my new environment without feeling completely overwhelmed.
As Hami from Hamimommy shared, creating a cozy, familiar space was crucial for her family when they moved to Seoul. “Having our own little sanctuary, with all the comforts we were used to back home, made the transition so much easier. The kids could come back to that safe, comfortable environment after exploring the new city.”
Recreating Familiar Routines
One of the biggest challenges of moving to a new country is establishing a sense of normalcy and routine. In the chaos of adjusting to new sights, sounds, and experiences, sticking to familiar daily habits can provide a much-needed anchor.
For my family, our regular evening routine was a lifesaver. We’d all gather in the living room, eat a home-cooked meal, and watch our favorite sitcoms together – just like we used to back in the States. Even something as simple as that shared experience helped us feel grounded amidst the upheaval of relocation.
As the New York Times article on Korean comfort food noted, the rituals and traditions of a home-cooked meal can be incredibly soothing. “There’s something deeply comforting about a plate of warm, familiar food – it’s like a hug for the soul.”
Creating a Cozy, Personalized Space
Beyond daily routines, having a cozy, personalized living space was essential for my family’s adjustment. We made sure to bring along all our favorite decor items, family photos, and other little touches that made our new apartment feel like a true home.
Being surrounded by those familiar comforts helped us feel grounded and secure, even when the outside world felt overwhelming. It was our own little oasis amidst the bustling city.
As one expat shared on GreenHeart Travel, this sense of personal sanctuary was crucial for dealing with culture shock. “I was literally mentally and physically repelling it before I had a chance to examine anyone’s reaction at all. It was because I continued to wait for someone to have a negative reaction to my presence.”
By creating that safe, comfortable space, I was able to slowly start venturing out and exploring Seoul with more confidence. The familiarity of home gave me the courage to embrace the unfamiliar.
Connecting with the Local Community
Of course, surrounding myself with the comforts of home was only one piece of the puzzle. To truly thrive in Seoul, I knew I needed to also connect with the local community and culture.
Luckily, our neighborhood was full of families just like ours – transplants from all over the world, trying to put down new roots. We started joining local parent groups, signing the kids up for activities, and exploring the area together. It was amazing to see how welcoming and inclusive the community was, despite the language barriers.
The hotel staff at Hotel Stay Inn Seoul were also incredibly helpful, providing us with recommendations and resources to navigate our new home. With their guidance, we were able to discover amazing local restaurants, cultural events, and hidden gems that made Seoul feel less foreign and more like our own.
Embracing the Adventure
At the end of the day, moving to a new country is a huge, life-changing experience. There will inevitably be challenges, culture shocks, and moments of homesickness. But by surrounding ourselves with the comforts of home and gradually immersing ourselves in the local community, my family was able to turn that daunting prospect into an exciting adventure.
Seoul is now a place that we proudly call home. We’ve created our own little haven within this bustling city, while also embracing all the amazing new experiences it has to offer. The initial fear and trepidation have been replaced by a deep appreciation for this vibrant, welcoming place.
So if you’re considering a move to Seoul with your family, don’t be afraid. With the right balance of familiar comforts and cultural exploration, you can turn this transition into the opportunity of a lifetime.
