To Seoul and Beyond…
Living in My Answered Prayer: My First Month in South Korea 🇰🇷 September–October 2026
Wow! It’s been a month since my last email, and in that short amount of time, SO MUCH has happened. Where do I even begin? 😂
For my new international subscribers, hi! I’m Z! 👋🏾 I’m just a girl who loves her God and loves to travel. I’ve been teaching myself Korean for over three years, and I’ve prayed about living in South Korea for six months to a year.
Well, God opened the door for me to study Korean in South Korea for six months, and now? I’m living in a prayer I once could only imagine. 🥹
So, grab your coffee, tea, or favorite snack because we have a LOT to catch up on!
✈️ Leaving Home
Alright, let’s see where we left off. Lol.
I left New Orleans on September 11th, with my first flight taking me to Atlanta, Georgia (ATL), before heading to Seoul.
Side note: My flight to Atlanta was delayed by over THREE HOURS because of the weather. 😩
But did I panic? Nope! God had just pulled an 11th-hour miracle for me the day before, so regardless of what the weather was doing, I knew I was leaving. At that point, I wasn’t about to let a little flight delay shake my faith. 😂
However, that delay meant my arrival time in Atlanta was cutting it CLOSE to my departure time for Seoul.
And if you’ve ever traveled through the ATL airport, you KNOW how busy and chaotic it can get. That airport is practically a city of its own! So, I called on my prayer warriors and asked them to pray that I’d at least arrive in the same terminal as my connecting flight.
BUT GOD! 🙌🏾
My arrival gate was RIGHT NEXT TO my departure gate for my flight to Seoul!
I can’t make this stuff up. 🙏🏾
🇰🇷 Arrival in South Korea
After 15 hours of sleeping, talking to God, watching movies, and playing games on my phone, we FINALLY landed in Seoul!
First impressions? Incheon International Airport was pretty easy to navigate, which I appreciated because I had enough going on already. 😂 Now, remember when I said I landed?
Well, my luggage decided it wasn’t ready to come to South Korea with me just yet. 🥴 My bags ended up on the wrong flight, so whatever I had on me was all I had. And y’all, I DESPERATELY wanted to shower! Thankfully, I was able to buy some shorts and take a much-needed shower while waiting for my luggage situation to get sorted out. Eventually, my bags arrived, and I was reunited with my belongings. Hallelujah! 😂
Later that day, my host family took my roommates and me to a Korean BBQ restaurant in our neighborhood.
And yes, the food was BUSSIN. LOL. 🤤
After a long flight, a luggage mishap, and a shower later, I had officially begun my South Korean adventure!
📚 Week 1: Welcome to Seoul!
My first day of school was orientation, where I got to meet the other long-term students. And let me tell you, meeting people from all over the world was such a cool experience! We had students from France, Sweden, China, Switzerland, Poland, the Netherlands, Germany, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, and different states across the U.S.
Just imagine all those different cultures, backgrounds, and stories coming together in one place, all because we wanted to learn Korean. I loved that!
We were also taken on a tour of the neighborhood, where we got to see the local parks, pharmacies, coffee shops, hospitals, convenience stores, and other places we’d need during our stay. By the way, the school is located in Gangnam. 👀 A really nice neighborhood.
The following day was my first actual lecture, and that’s when I learned something VERY important.
The teachers speak ONLY Korean during lecture hours.
“Ohhhh, y’all NOT here to play with us.” Was my literal thought! 😂
I knew I was coming to immerse myself in the language, but hearing Korean for the entire class was a whole different experience. There’s no escaping it here, and honestly, that’s exactly what I signed up for.
Now, our school has an app where students can sign up for different activities and excursions. And when I tell y’all I’ve been taking ADVANTAGE of those activities. Most of them take place in the evenings or on weekends, which makes it easy to explore Seoul while keeping up with school.
During my first week, I attended a fried chicken party, visited the Seoul Tower Observatory, enjoyed a rooftop BBQ, and explored Bukchon Hanok Village and Insadong Market. And those were JUST the school-sponsored activities!
Because when my roommate and I aren’t in class, baby, WE BE OUTSIDE! 😂😂😂
After the Seoul Tower we checked out Myeongdong Market. We went bowling with some classmates after the rooftop BBQ, we discovered little restaurants tucked away in Euljiro, and explored the local nightlife. When we finished visiting Insadong, we checked out one of their famous market, Gwangjang and a trendy cafe in Jongno, called Rain Report Rainbow.
That Sunday, we attended the Doodoo Festa (Festival) along the Han River, where I experienced my FIRST silent disco party!
Listen, putting on headphones and dancing to music while everyone around you is doing the same thing is an experience. 😂 You really have to be there.
But one of my favorite discoveries that first week wasn’t a major tourist attraction or some famous landmark. It was a little coffee shop in Gangnam called Frog Cafe. 🐸☕
Y’all, they have THE BEST red velvet cookies and walnut chocolate chip cookies!
And the barista? He always has the biggest smile on his face when I walk in. He asks me about my day, and it’s just such a sweet little interaction that has quickly become part of my routine. I also love his co-worker, who is the mad scientist behind those cookies. She deserves an award. 😂
And then there’s my favorite convenience store crew at the CU near my school. They make it their business to greet me warmly if I haven’t already greeted them when I walk in. They also take the time to interact with me and test my Korean. That I fail every time, but it’s the little things like these that make a place start to feel familiar. I’m thousands of miles away from home, but these small, everyday interactions have already made Seoul feel a little less foreign.
And that, my friends, is one of the beautiful things about traveling. ❤️
🚌 Week 2: Team Bus Over Here!
By my second week, I was starting to get into the groove of the city and quickly discovered something about myself. I would MUCH rather take the bus than the subway!
Now, don’t get me wrong. Seoul’s public transportation system is incredibly convenient. AND CLEAN! But those trains? ALWAYS PACKED! And the stations? HOT. 🥵 Like, does A/C not exist down there?! To know me is to know that I get hot FAST, and I absolutely HATE sweating. So imagine me standing in a crowded subway station, wondering why I chose this life. LOL.
Meanwhile, the buses have become my little piece of happiness. 💕🚌
Now, at certain times of the day, those buses are packed like sardines, too. I’m not going to sit here and lie to y’all. BUT the buses have windows, which means air circulation! 💨😂 No, seriously, even though the buses sometimes take longer to get where I’m going, I love the experience. The scenic routes, the A/C, and occasionally, the politeness of the bus drivers make the ride worth it. And most of the time, when I take the bus, it’s not even crowded! Now, let’s talk about Seoul’s bus drivers for a second.
Some of the best drivers in the world, in MY opinion. 😂
They honk at EVERYTHING in their way, drive like bats out of hell, and somehow manage to squeeze those massive buses into spaces that look WAY too small for them.
I’m convinced they have a sixth sense because HOW are y’all doing this?! 😭
Side note: Even though I love the buses, there’s no escaping the stairs and walking in this city. I’ve been clocking nearly 10,000 steps almost EVERY DAY, and that’s without my gym visits! 😅 My legs are getting their own workout whether I planned one or not.
📚 School Check-In
Okay, back to business! I took my first test, and y’all…I MADE A ‘B’. BOOOOOOO! 😒😒😒 I was NOT a happy camper! It’s A’s or nothing over here. LOL.
But in all seriousness, the Korean language has SO MANY particles. My goodness! Just when I think I’m getting the hang of something, here comes another grammar rule to humble me. Thankfully, I received an A+ on my speaking test! 🎉 So, while my written test wasn’t the result I wanted, at least I know my speaking skills are coming along!
I wasn’t quite as booked and busy during Week 2 as I was during my first week, but I still had a wonderful time exploring. My activities included an all-you-can-eat Korean BBQ experience, a walking tour from Gwanghwamun to Sungnyemun, and a music cruise along the Han River.
The Han River cruise was such a nice way to experience the city from a different perspective. There’s something about seeing a city from the water that makes you slow down and appreciate where you are. And just like that, another week in Seoul had come and gone!
🌃 Week 3: Call Me a Seoulite!
By Week 3, I was starting to feel like a local! Okay, maybe not a FULL local just yet. 😂 But I had reached the point where I no longer needed KakaoMap to navigate my way TO school. Now, finding my way HOME from school? That’s a different story. LOL.
And speaking of maps, S/O to KakaoMap because it has been a lifesaver! My school recommended downloading Naver Map, so I did. However, Naver suspended my account THREE TIMES because it flagged my location as suspicious. And the kicker? There was no clear way for me to contact them to get my account restored! 😩
But thankfully a classmate recommended KakaoMap, it has made navigating this massive city SO much easier. If you’re planning to visit Seoul, please make sure you have a reliable navigation app because you will need it!
But this was also the week I realized something.
I was really starting to LOVE this city.
Mind you, I’m an outdoors girl, and I still am. I love nature, open spaces, and being able to get outside and explore. But Seoul has been showing me a different kind of beauty.
There’s the history, the architecture, the food, the people, the energy of the city, and the way there’s always something new to discover...for FREE.
And the school activities that week? AMAZING!
We had a pizza dinner and game night, a nighttime tour of Deoksugung Palace, a sunset hike on Mount Inwang, found a barber and got my haircut, finally did some sightseeing in Hongdae, and a front-row experience at a K-pop festival in Gangnam!
A SUNSET HIKE AND A K-POP FESTIVAL IN THE SAME WEEK? Not even a real k-pop fan mind you. I knew 1 song. But still, I was living my best life. 😂
But even in the middle of all the excitement, this week also brought some sadness. My Devoted 365 community lost someone who was very dear to us. And honestly, I struggled with that loss.
I found myself dealing with feelings of guilt because I was over here enjoying this incredible experience while our community was grieving. I didn’t really know how to process those conflicting emotions.
How do you enjoy something you’ve prayed for while also grieving someone who meant so much to our community? I had to sit with those feelings for a while. And I think that’s something we don’t always talk about when it comes to answered prayers. Sometimes, life is beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time. One doesn’t cancel out the other. I’m still learning how to navigate those moments, but I’m reminding myself that I can be present in the blessings God has given me while also making room for grief. Life doesn’t stop happening just because we’re hurting, and being grateful for your blessings doesn’t mean you don’t care about someone else’s pain. It’s okay to hold both.
I believe the GoFundMe account for her family is still up and running, if you click the link, you can find out more about her story there. Our sister Yahreema left behind a husband and five beautiful children including a newborn baby. Donating will help with the stability of the this family.
🎉 Week 4: A Prayer Answered!
Y’ALL! I took my second test, and THIS TIME I MADE AN A! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 And my speaking test? An A of course. Lol.
Outside of school, I went on a bike ride along the Han River, visited Lotte World Aquarium and Seoul Sky Tower, watched a drone show on the river, celebrated one of my roommates’ birthday went to a light festival and enjoyed a night crawl in Itaewon.
And somewhere in the middle of all these experiences, it finally started to sink in.
I’m REALLY living here.
This isn’t a vacation. I’m not just visiting Seoul for a week or two before heading back home.
I’m waking up here, going to school here, learning a new language here, making friends here, and figuring out what everyday life looks like in a completely different country. And the craziest part? I’ve been praying about this since I graduated undergrad (I probably just aged myself lol). But no seriously, for YEARS, my prayer has been to live in Seoul for six months to a year.
And now, here I am. Living in an answered prayer.
Sometimes, you pray about something for so long that when it finally happens, it takes a little while for your heart to catch up with what God has done. That’s where I am right now. Still taking it all in. Still thanking God. Still in awe that I get to experience this chapter of my life.
And I’m only one month in! 🥹❤️
To God be the Glory!
💕 The Good, the Bad, and the Seoul
Now that I’ve been here for almost a month, I thought I’d share a few things that have stood out to me so far. Because let’s be real. No place is perfect, and I want to give y’all the HONEST experience!
✨ The Pros
1. The food has NOT disappointed me!
I haven’t had a miss yet! From Korean BBQ to little restaurants tucked away on side streets, I’ve enjoyed pretty much everything I’ve tried so far. And y’all know food is an important part of the travel experience! 😂
2. The city is surprisingly clean.
I’d say about 90% of the streets I’ve explored have been clean and well-maintained. Of course, it varies depending on the area, but overall, I’ve been impressed!
3. Getting around is easy.
Between the buses and trains, most places I’ve wanted to visit have been accessible through public transportation. And now that I’ve figured out which mode of transportation I prefer, getting around has become even easier!
4. I feel comfortable exploring alone at night.
As a woman traveling solo, feeling comfortable in my surroundings matters to me. So far, I’ve felt comfortable being out alone at night in Seoul. Of course, I still stay aware of my surroundings and take the usual precautions, but it’s been a positive part of my experience.
5. THE NIGHTTIME VIBES!
Y’all, I LOVE the cyberpunk aesthetic of Seoul at night! 🌃
The lights, the signs, the buildings…*sighs* Sometimes, I’m just walking around looking at everything, taking pictures, saying to myself “How many street view pictures do I need?” The answer, “ALLUM”. It honestly feels like I’m living inside The Fifth Element, aka one of my comfort movies!
If you’ve seen the movie, you understand exactly what I’m talking about. 😂
And last but certainly not least…
6. THINGS ARE SO MUCH MORE AFFORDABLE THAN I EXPECTED!
Now, I know prices vary depending on where you go and what you’re doing, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by some of the costs here. Let me give you an example.
I’ve been dealing with back pain because, y’all, this mattress is HARD, and my pillow is NOT giving me the support I need. 😩 What started as a muscle ache gradually got worse, so I decided it was time to see a doctor. I went to a hospital specializing in orthopedics, and here’s how the experience went.
I checked in, saw the doctor within 15 minutes, got an X-ray, received physical rehabilitation therapy and cryotherapy, and got a prescription for medication.
All of that in one visit. Now, keep in mind that I don’t have health insurance here. So, how much do you think I paid for everything? I’ll wait. 😂
A WHOPPING $226 USD! 😦
Y’all! Between the quick appointment, the imaging, and the treatments, I was genuinely surprised by the experience and the cost. Of course, healthcare costs vary depending on the hospital, treatment, and individual situation, but I was pleased with how my visit went. My back is feeling much better, and I will go see the doctor again for a follow-up appointment. I don’t want to be on these meds forever, so prayerfully everything is healed. In Jesus’ Name.
Now, if only I could find a pillow that doesn’t have my back questioning all my life decisions. 🥴😂
😅 The Cons
Okay, now let’s talk about the things that have taken a little getting used to.
1. Baby, the STARES!
Y’all, I get stared at A LOT. And I mean A. LOT. 😂 Especially by the older men here. Now, I’m not always sure why people are staring, so I don’t want to assume. But I’ve definitely noticed it! And honestly, I think it’s made me even MORE outgoing.
See, I come from New Orleans, where speaking to people is practically a law. 😂 Good morning! Good evening! Good night! How y’all doing? We greet people back home. So what do I do when I catch someone staring? I bow my head respectfully and greet them. LOL. They’re either caught off guard or smile and greet me back. Either way, I’ve done my part! 🤷🏾♀️😂
2. Shopping as a plus-size woman can be a challenge.
Y’all, my clothing options have been pretty limited to one store I’ve visited so far. I don’t remember the name, and I probably won’t go back. So I didn’t get the name. I still need to venture out and explore more stores, so I’m not giving up hope just yet! I’m not here to shop but I’ve only prepared for the colder months, I wasn’t expecting it to be still be so warm around this time. So my attire for hotter days are very limited.
And yes, I could lose weight. I’m working on it! 😂
3. Shoe shopping is another adventure.
I wear a women’s size 10, and most of the shoe stores I’ve checked haven’t had my size. They wen’t up to about 260mm. So, if you know where the women with bigger feet are shopping in Seoul, PLEASE put me on! 😂
4. WHERE ARE THE TRASH CANS?!
Y’all, this one has me confused! 😭😂
There aren’t many public trash cans on the streets, so you often have to carry your trash around until you find somewhere to dispose of it. Sometimes, that means waiting until you get to a store or restaurant where you can throw it away appropriately. So, just be prepared to hold on to your trash for a little while!
And honestly? Outside of these things, I can’t think of many other cons that have really stood out to me so far. Of course, I’ve only been here a month, so there’s still plenty left to experience!
❤️ Final Thoughts: Would I Recommend Seoul?
ABSOLUTELY. YES. GO.😂✈️🇰🇷
I genuinely love it here.
Seoul has surprised me in ways I never expected, and I’m enjoying getting to know the city beyond the tourist attractions.
I’m learning the language, meeting people from around the world, discovering little neighborhood gems, trying new foods, and experiencing what it’s like to live somewhere I’ve prayed about for years.
And if the first month is any indication of what’s to come, I cannot WAIT to see what the next five months hold!
So, if South Korea has been on your travel bucket list, consider this your sign to start planning that trip.
And if you’ve already visited Seoul, connect with me and tell me about your experience! What was your favorite part? Is there somewhere you think I need to visit while I’m here?
I’m always looking for new places to explore!
Stay tuned for my Month 2 update! 👀
🙏🏾 Help Me Finish Paying for School
Before I go, I want to share one more thing with you all.
I’m still working on paying off my school bill, and I’m asking for your support in helping me get it paid in full. I have a remaining balance of $8234.36
Being able to study Korean in South Korea for six months is an opportunity I’ve prayed about for years, and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has helped me get here. If you’re able to contribute, any amount would mean so much to me! And if you’re unable to donate, a prayer that this would be paid in full is just as appreciated. As you saw in my last email, God made a way before, and I’m trusting Him to do it again!
If you’d like to support me, you can donate through any of the options below:
Cash App: $Zarina27 Venmo: @ZarinaR GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/bc5fcfecb
So far I’ve raised $3341 through gofundme and $3723 by way of CashApp, Venmo and Zelle. I am almost halfway to my goal of $17K and paying for this program completely.
By the grace of God this will be done!
Thank you for continuing to support me, encourage me, pray for me, and follow along on this journey. Whether you’ve donated, shared my story, liked my posts, sent an encouraging message, or simply taken the time to read my updates, please know that I appreciate you! I’m so grateful to have you all along for the ride.
Until next time, keep exploring and keep believing in the God we serve for that unanswered prayer.
You never know when you’ll find yourself living in one. 💕
Until then…
Be blessed,
Z ✨
