Meet Andy, from Denmark who moved to Korea at 19 for higher education and has lived there for 10 years. Now working in global marketing for a Korean skincare company, he enjoys Seoul’s convenience and safety. Despite missing family in Denmark, Andy thrives in Korea’s dynamic environment, balancing work and life effectively.
Interview – Work in Korea
- WHERE ARE YOU FROM?
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Denmark
- WHAT DO YOU DO IN KOREA?
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I came to Korea at 19 for my higher education. So I did my language school, bachelor’s and master’s degree here, and now I work at a Korean skincare company doing global marketing.
- WHY ARE YOU INTERESTED IN KOREA?
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I originally only came to study here for 6 months after high school to try something new. I had an interest in Korea due to a school friend of mine, as well as growing up as a figure skating athlete during the prime of Kim Yuna. 6 months then suddenly became 10 years.
- WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO STAY IN THIS CITY?
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While I only have experience living in Seoul, Seoul is a very convenient and safe city. In addition, Seoul brings a lot of diverse activities. You can enjoy nature and hiking, high-tech areas, traditional areas, shopping, cafes, fashion, and much more. It is a city which makes it hard to be bored.
- WHERE IS YOUR LOCAL RECOMMENDATION IN THIS CITY?
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For me, I think 문래동 is always a great area to visit. It has the original rawness and uniqueness of 성수동, but on a smaller scale. Close by, you can also enjoy nature at 안양천.
- WHAT DO YOU ENJOY THE MOST WHILE STAYING ABROAD?
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Now as an office worker, I enjoy how conveniently I can commute to work. Seoul has great public transportation, and while it might be rather crowded during rush hour, it still feels safe and organized.
- WHAT IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE BEING IN KOREA?
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Since my family is all located back in Denmark, it is difficult to meet them often. As a student, I could visit during my vacations, but as an office worker, we of course have less days off during the year, so I cannot visit as often as I used to.
- WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KOREA AND YOUR COUNTRY?
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Denmark is a bit more laid back and slowly going, while Korea is often emphasized quickness and competition. Both sides have pros and cons, and it mainly comes down to what you prefer more as a person.
- DID YOU EXPERIENCE ANY CHANGE IN YOUR LIFE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS?
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For now, my life plans are going pretty much as I expected. After finishing my degrees, I planned to work in marketing, and now I get to do that. I had never imagined back then to live in Korea for 10 years, so I think just going with the flow, and take the opportunities that presents themselves is a good way to live.
- WHAT IS YOUR DREAM?
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I always thought of bringing part of my family’s business to Korea someday, but for now, I am happy and satisfied with my job and my work-life balance, maybe in the future, if an opportunity arises, it could be fun to try and give it a chance.
- MESSAGE TO OUR FRIENDS WHO WILL GO TO KOREA.
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Korea brings a lot of great opportunities to fit all types of interests, so even if Seoul is not your type of city, many other cities in Korea might be able to fulfill the needs you have.
- HOW DO YOU LEARN KOREAN?
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I graduated from Yonsei KLI, but the main reason I speak good Korean is because I was active in my university club during my bachelor days. And of course now as an office worker, I deal with business daily in Korean, so you have to pick it up from all parts of life.
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