Thinking about studying in Korea or wondering what life as an exchange student in Seoul really looks like? This blog post walks you through a real story, from a single semester abroad to building a whole new life in South Korea. Meet Umeda, a student from Denmark who came to HUFS (Hankuk University of Foreign Studies) for an exchange semester and decided to stay longer. She fell in love with the city, learned Korean, made friends, and navigated work and visas along the way.
In the chapters that follow you will find personal memories from her semester at HUFS, practical tips for course registration and housing, a peek into daily life in Hongdae, advice on finding jobs as a foreigner, and honest notes about language learning and marriage-related visa hurdles. Whether you are planning to study abroad, move to Seoul long term, or are simply curious about life in Korea, Umeda’s story combines inspiration with hands-on tips for studying in Korea, living in Seoul, and making the most of the Korean experience.
First Steps in Korea: An Exchange Semester at HUFS
For Umeda, studying in Korea started as just a short adventure abroad. Originally from Denmark, she had almost finished her degree in International Studies when she decided to join a semester abroad program. In autumn 2021, she landed in Seoul as an exchange student at Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS) through the Asia Exchange program.
Like many exchange students in Korea, her first challenge was navigating the course registration. The system can feel chaotic, with popular classes filling up within seconds. Umeda still remembers how she unexpectedly ended up in a Russian language course and a class on Chinese politics. Her best advice for future exchange students in Korea is to be ready to register the very moment the system opens. Otherwise, you might miss the classes you want.
One highlight of her semester was the Korean language classes offered at HUFS. Umeda already knew some basic Korean before coming, but she quickly improves through daily practice and structured lessons. “Taking Korean classes was definitely the best part”, she recalls.
Making Friends and Campus Life in Seoul
Studying abroad in Korea is not only about lectures, it is also about friendships and cultural exchange. Umeda joined the Korean student buddy program, where local students are paired with international exchange students to help them settle into life in Seoul. Her buddy group of about six exchange students often explored the city together and joined fun activities. “It was really nice to have a Korean friend who could guide us”, she said.
Unlike many exchange students, Umeda decided not to live in the student dorms. Since she did not have many classes on campus, she found an apartment near Hongdae, one of Seoul’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Hongdae is famous for its buzzing nightlife, trendy cafes, and countless restaurants. Living there meant she was never short of things to do, whether it was cafe-hopping with friends, shopping at local boutiques, or discovering small art galleries.
Falling in Love with Korea and Staying Longer
When Umeda first arrived in Seoul, the plan was simple. She would finish her exchange semester at HUFS and then return home to Denmark. But as her time in Korea passed, she realized that she was not ready to leave. The vibrant lifestyle, the endless activities, and the freedom she felt in Seoul made her want to stay much longer than she had originally planned.
“I just felt a kind of freedom in Korea that I never had in Denmark” – Umeda
She spent most of her savings during that first semester abroad, so in order to return she needed to work back home in Denmark and save up money. With determination, she took on jobs, built up her finances, and then came back to Korea with a tourist visa.
What drew her in so strongly was the contrast between her life in Denmark and her new life in Seoul. Back home she often felt bored and limited in options for activities. In Korea everything felt alive and accessible, from cafes that stay open late into the night to events and entertainment that seemed to be available around the clock. For her, the lifestyle in Seoul was not only exciting but also surprisingly affordable compared to Europe. With new friends, no heavy responsibilities, and a culture that offered constant opportunities to try something new, Umeda knew she had found a place where she wanted to build her future.
Daily Life in Seoul Today
Fast forward a few years, and Umeda’s life in Korea looks very different from her first semester as an exchange student. She now lives with her Korean fiancé and their adorable dog, Peanut, in a cozy apartment that feels truly like home.
Her daily routine is not tied to a traditional nine-to-five job. Instead, Umeda has built a lifestyle around freedom and creativity. She enjoys long walks with Peanut through the city, explores pop-up stores and events, and spends time creating content for Instagram and TikTok. This flexible way of living allows her to discover new corners of Seoul while also connecting with a wider online community interested in her life in Korea.
Of course, life as a foreigner in Korea comes with some challenges. Umeda is still on a tourist visa, which means she can only stay in the country for three months at a time before needing to briefly leave and re-enter. This makes long-term planning difficult, but she hopes that her upcoming marriage will soon simplify the visa process.
Despite these challenges, what stands out in Umeda’s story is how much she enjoys the Korean lifestyle. The combination of vibrant city life, countless activities, and the warmth of her circle of friends makes every day feel exciting. For her, Seoul is not just a place to study or visit. It has become a place to live, grow, and dream about the future.
Working in Korea as a Foreigner
Finding a job in Korea might sound intimidating at first, but Umeda’s experience shows that it is more possible than many think. Over the years she has tried different types of work in Seoul, from casual jobs to teaching, and even content creation.
Her very first job in Korea happened almost by accident. During her semester at HUFS, she was a regular customer at a local bar. One day she simply asked the staff if they needed help, and just like that she was hired. At the time her Korean skills were limited, but it was not a problem. The experience taught her that confidence and curiosity can open doors, even in a foreign country.
“It is definitely doable to find a job in Korea.” – Umeda
Later, Umeda also worked at an English academy, teaching children. This is one of the most common jobs for foreigners in Korea, especially for students or recent graduates. Many of her friends worked in similar academies, so finding the position was straightforward through word of mouth. On top of that, she occasionally earns money through her social media platforms by collaborating with brands on Instagram and TikTok.
Her advice for other foreigners who want to find a job in Korea is simple: keep your eyes open, ask friends, and do not be afraid to take chances. Networking is powerful in Seoul, and opportunities often come through personal contracts rather than formal job portals.
Love and Challenges – Getting Married in Korea
About three years ago, Umeda met her Korean boyfriend, and their relationship quickly became a central part of her life in Seoul. Today they are engaged and looking forward to getting married, which will also make her long-term stay in Korea much easier.
The process, however, has not been without challenges. Within the past six months they attempted to register their marriage four times, but each time paperwork or other issues caused delays. Navigating the legal and bureaucratic side of marriage in Korea as a foreigner can be tricky, but Umeda remains optimistic.
Despite the challenges, she continues to build a home and a future in Seoul alongside her fiancé and their dog, Peanut. Their story shows that love, just like studying and working abroad, comes with hurdles, but it is also deeply rewarding.
Building a Home Far Away from Home
For Umeda, life in Korea is no longer just a temporary adventure. Over the years she has built a life in Seoul that feels like home. Even though she enjoys her life in Korea, she makes sure to stay connected to Denmark. Umeda tries to visit her home country at least once a year, sometimes twice. Traveling back is not always easy or cheap, as there are no direct flights and tickets can be expensive. She misses her family and friends, but these visits allow her to maintain close ties.
Friends and family have also visited her in Korea, and they were all impressed by the city and Umeda’s courage to move so far from home. By combining connections to home with a strong social network in Korea, Umeda has created a balanced life that blends the best of both worlds. Her story shows that it is possible to feel at home even thousands of kilometers away from where you grew up.
Top Things to Do in Seoul According to Umeda
Seoul is a city full of energy, creativity, and endless opportunities for fun. For Umeda, exploring the city has become one of her favorite parts of living in Korea. She has a few activities that she always recommends to anyone visiting or studying in Seoul.
First, she loves different events and pop-up stores. They are a great way to meet people, discover Korean trends, and experience Seoul’s vibrant culture.
Second, Umeda enjoys the beauty, hair, and fashion scene. Visiting makeup and hair salons has become a regular hobby, and exploring Seoul’s fashion stores is a fun way to keep up with local trends. The city is a playground for anyone interested in style and creativity.
Finally, no list would be complete without Seoul’s countless themed cafes. Hongdae, in particular, has a cafe for every taste, from cozy book cafes to extravagant Instagram-worthy spots. Umeda loves going with friends, trying new desserts, and enjoying the creative interiors.
For her, Hongdae is more than just a neighborhood. It is the heart of Seoul’s social life, full of restaurants, bars, art spaces, and music performances. Living there means being at the center of the city’s most exciting activities, which makes her life in Seoul dynamic and constantly inspiring.
Learning Korean and Navigating Daily Life
One of the biggest challenges for any foreigner in Korea is learning the language. For Umeda, Korean was a mix of excitement and effort. She already knew some basic Korean before arriving, but studying at HUFS and living in Seoul pushed her to improve quickly.
Making friends and handling daily tasks motivated her to practice. With her international friends, she mainly communicates in English, but with Korean friends and her fiancé, she often speaks Korean or a mix of both languages. While she is not yet fully fluent, she can confidently manage everyday situations such as going to the doctor, ordering food, or handling transportation.
Umeda emphasizes that it is okay to come to Korea without knowing much Korean. Many areas, especially popular neighbourhoods like Hongdae, are foreigner-friendly, and English is often enough to get by. That said, learning Korean enhances your experience, opens more doors, and helps form deeper connections with locals.
Her advice for anyone planning to study or live in Korea is simple: take your time, practice daily, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Even a little effort goes a long way, and the rewards include new friendships, independence, and a richer experience of Korean life.
Practical Tips for Studying and Living in Korea
Living and studying in Korea can feel overwhelming at first, but Umeda has learned that preparation, flexibility, and a positive mindset make all the difference. One of the first challenges for exchange students is finding housing. Umeda has lived in multiple apartments in Seoul, most of which she found through Facebook groups. Options range from one-room apartments to shared accommodations with shared kitchens. Many apartments come furnished and include basic appliances like washing machines, which makes moving in much easier.
Compared to some other countries in Asia, Korea is generally welcoming to foreigners when it comes to housing and daily life. Many processes, such as renting an apartment or opening a bank account, are faster and simpler than expected. While deposits can sometimes be high, there are also more affordable options for students or anyone on a smaller budget.
Her top piece of advice for anyone coming to Korea is simple: stop overthinking and just do it. The first weeks may feel stressful or unfamiliar, but embracing the experience and following your interests will make it a lifetime memory. Studying and living in Korea is a chance to explore a new culture, meet people from around the world, and discover yourself in ways that would not be possible elsewhere.
Dreaming of Korea? Here’s Why You Should Go for It
Umeda’s journey from a short exchange semester in Seoul to building a full life in Korea shows just how transformative studying abroad can be. From navigating course registration at HUFS to exploring Hongdae, learning Korean, making friends, and finding work, her experience offers both inspiration and practical advice for anyone considering life in Korea.
Her story also highlights the unexpected joys of living abroad: discovering a new culture, gaining independence, and creating a home far from home. Even challenges like visa issues, language barriers, or bureaucracy become part of the adventure when approached with patience and curiosity.
For anyone dreaming of studying in Korea, Umeda’s message is clear: embrace the experience, be open to new opportunities, and don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Life in Seoul is fast-paced, vibrant, and full of possibilities, and it might just change the way you see the world.
If Seoul feels like just the right place for you, find more information here. We have three host universities in South Korea’s capital: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (HUFS), Hanyang University and Konkuk University. If you prefer living by the seaside, Dong-A University in Busan would be a great option for you! The application deadlines for all of the universities are still open for Spring 2026, so what are you waiting for? Apply now!
The post From Denmark to Seoul: Umeda’s Journey of Studying and Living in Korea appeared first on Asia Exchange.
Article source: https://asiaexchange.org/blogs/from-denmark-to-seoul-umedas-journey/
