Managing Homesickness After Moving Abroad from Korea
Moving to different countries is a phase many individuals go through and should involve many good and enjoyable activities, experiences, and challenges. However, this is not the case for most people as the excitement of exploring new places is normally met with a profound condition called homesickness. It is interesting to note that the people’s emotions incited by the relatives, memories of their past and the provision of food and culture they are used to can even be worse for those that have migrated over great distances from their country. Call this feeling the Accord and, if you have ever come to consider oneself to be at ‘home’ again in a foreign country after having lived in one, you will know what I mean if you are suffering through prolonged homesickness gentle calming waves of… if you are a Korean who has just moved to another country for the first time, I won’t say overcome but adapt more like. There are practical and emotional ways to overcome these challenges and assimilate to the new environment – the first example would be adaptation strategies themselves and family members.
1. Try Reaching out to Family and Friends.
The most terrible feeling of homesickness can be defeated by simply not forgetting the loving relatives and friends that have been left miles away. Regular video calls, text messages, or emails seeking for updates from loved ones and friends can ease the distance and make a person feel better. It is also recommended to try and schedule some family get-togethers or video dinners where everybody can video chat so as to form and maintain some bonds and keep everyone sane.
2. Recreate Family Comforts
Having a piece of Korea in one’s new place can provide a great relief. Stock up on Korean products or find shops that sell your best foods and ingredients, such as kimchi, gochujang, or instant ramen noodles. Remember making this traditional dish will also bring back good memories of home which is quite comforting and restoring to the guest. If you’re the type who doesn’t cook a lot, it is best to just search for Korean restaurants nearby to relish the authentic dishes.
3. Create a Support System
It is often useful to find a group of individuals who possess similar characteristics or interests. Many cities offer a variety of options for the purposes of Korean cultural association, meet up with other compatriots or avail oneself in online forums where expatriates support each other. Such movements allow you to make new acquaintances, discuss and exchange experiences and even partake in the events that are based on the culture of Korea.
And don’t just restrict yourself to friends from back home and other expatriates. Encouraging and expanding one’s social circle would help in acclimatizing to the surroundings quicker as well as enrich the overall experience.
4. Keep Moving and Get Involved
Keeping oneself occupied is one of the most effective remedies against home sickness. Go out and explore the area, visit interesting places, and get in touch with the people’s way of life. This might include learning the language, tasting the food, or joining a few of the locals’ activities.
Participating in such activities will be beneficial physically, for instance, going to the gym; doing yoga, or even just going for a stroll within your neighborhood helps uplift one’s spirit and relieve stress.
5. Use Technology to Keep in Touch
Whether you’re at home or in another country, there are apps and sites that will allow you to experience Korean culture. Be it watching Korean dramas or K-POP songs or even streaming for the latest news from Korean channels, those distance activities help a lot in keeping one’s culture. Such communications are also convenient for networking with other Koreans who are located outside of Korea and are also undergoing similar experiences.
6. Be Patient With Yourself
There’s no rush in getting used to living abroad. It is perfectly normal to experience homesickness at times as it only shows how much one has left behind and appreciates it. Give yourself some time to get used to things. However, after some time, when the settling in begins with the building of a routine and attachments, the homesickness will dissipate.
7. Participate in Celebrations of Your Roots
In the process of acclimatizing to a different culture, it is still important to maintain your Korean background. Invite your new friends to join in your culture, cook them Korean food, or explain to them the meaning of Korean holidays or traditions. The act of appreciating and promoting one’s culture alleviates such feelings as pride and belonging without excluding the advancement of social interaction.
