Stéphanie Guillaume first set foot in South Korea at the age of twenty-two, embarking on an adventure that would unknowingly redefine the course of her life. Accompanied by two close friends, she spent ten immersive days exploring the country, and from the instant she arrived in Seoul—the bustling, neon-lit capital—she experienced an unexpected and powerful sense of belonging, as though she had finally discovered a place that resonated with her on an emotional and almost instinctive level. When she eventually returned to her hometown of Lausanne, Switzerland, nestled between mountains and lakes, she enthusiastically shared with her mother a vision that had taken root during that trip: her unwavering desire to one day make South Korea her home.
That dream, cherished quietly for many years, remained unrealized until a full decade later. In 2022, a casual conversation with a friend unexpectedly served as the catalyst that would turn her long-held aspiration into a concrete decision. Her friend had asked a simple, almost rhetorical question—what she was still doing in Switzerland—and the inquiry struck her profoundly. Confessing to Business Insider, Guillaume, then thirty-five, recalled that moment of clarity: she realized she had no genuine answer. At the time, she was employed in the sales department of a grocery chain, a position she had accepted out of necessity after her previous role in digital marketing had abruptly ended when her company went bankrupt. Although the job provided stability, it did little to nourish her creativity or ambition. She admitted feeling trapped in monotony, noting with a mix of regret and surprise how quickly two years had passed in a life that failed to excite or fulfill her.
Freed from familial obligations—she had no partner or children—Guillaume began to see the possibility of change not as a risk but as a liberation. With renewed resolve, she applied for a student visa through a Korean-language program, recognizing education as both a gateway and a grounding step toward long-term residency. Seven months later, suitcase in hand and with a balance of nervousness and exhilaration, she bid farewell to her family and boarded a flight destined for Seoul, ready to begin an entirely new chapter.
Upon arrival, Guillaume wasted no time immersing herself in her new environment. Within a week, she commenced intensive language courses at Kookmin University. Although she had previously absorbed bits of conversational Korean through years of watching dramas and listening to music, formal study introduced structure and discipline, allowing her to make tangible progress, especially in reading, writing, and mastering the complexities of grammar. Her schedule was rigorous—daily classes from nine in the morning until early afternoon, followed by homework sessions that filled most of her remaining hours. Simultaneously, she faced the practical challenge of relocation: finding housing in a highly competitive Seoul market. Fortune smiled on her when she quickly secured an apartment to share with one of her classmates. Over time, her living situation evolved; after two subsequent moves, she eventually found a small but comfortable studio near Seoul Forest, an urban park that provided a touch of greenery and serenity amid the metropolitan sprawl.
Settling into this new rhythm of life required several months of adjustment, both logistically and emotionally. Her studio came at a significant cost—about ten million Korean won (roughly seven thousand US dollars) paid as a deposit and a monthly rent of approximately 1.167 million won (around eight hundred ten dollars). The rent conveniently covered internet, cable television, management fees, and basic furnishings such as a bed. Beyond her private space, the residential building offered communal amenities: open work areas, a meeting room, a small gym, and shared facilities including a kitchen and laundry room. Although her own apartment was equipped with a washer, she appreciated the opportunity these shared areas provided for casual interactions with other residents. Still, what she valued most was proximity to nature—the forest park only a ten-minute walk away—where she could stroll whenever city life felt overwhelming. As she explained, being close to greenery helped her recalibrate her thoughts and emotions.
After completing roughly a year and three months of her two-year language program, Guillaume made the strategic decision to transition from student status to a business visa. Drawing on her marketing background and growing familiarity with local culture, she began preparing to launch a travel experience enterprise designed to highlight authentic aspects of Korean life. The process of starting a business in South Korea, she admitted, was far from straightforward. Administrative hurdles, language barriers, and bureaucratic intricacies at times proved daunting, though she managed these challenges with the assistance of a supportive friend who helped her navigate official procedures.
Meanwhile, South Korea’s broader environment for expatriates was becoming increasingly dynamic. According to data from the Ministry of Justice, by the end of 2024 the number of foreign residents had risen to 2.65 million, marking a 5.7 percent increase from the previous year—a reflection of the country’s growing appeal to individuals seeking opportunities abroad. For Guillaume, however, the statistics were secondary to her personal mission. From the earliest days of her arrival, she resolved to be proactive in building a social network. Intent on avoiding isolation, she set herself the goal of attending at least one social event per week. Over time, these efforts expanded her circle to include both Korean friends and members of the international community. She even joined a Rotary club, which not only enriched her social life but also connected her with professionals engaged in community service and cultural exchange.
Looking back on her journey, Guillaume describes her years in South Korea as a period of profound personal growth and transformation. The freedom of self-employment now grants her an autonomy she had never experienced in corporate life. She takes delight in structuring her daily routine according to her own natural rhythms rather than adhering to the rigid nine-to-five framework that once dictated her days. Her mornings typically begin unhurriedly—sometimes with a quiet ritual of sipping tea or hot water while standing outside, other times with a reflective walk around her block, mug in hand. When she feels inclined, she practices yoga or meditation before turning her attention to business tasks. Flexibility remains one of her greatest luxuries: she spends weekends meeting friends but also allows herself midweek gatherings when inspiration or companionship calls.
Despite her deep affection for Seoul, some aspects of Switzerland still tug at her heart—chiefly the omnipresence of nature and the slower instinctive rhythm of life that encourages rest and contemplation. South Korea’s fast-paced momentum, while invigorating, contrasts sharply with the structured hours of her homeland, where most shops close well before evening. Still, she appreciates South Korea’s convenience and the late-night accessibility of its stores and cafés, which make even ordinary errands feel spontaneous and alive.
Having succeeded in shaping a satisfying and independent life abroad, Guillaume often reflects on what advice she might give others contemplating a similar relocation. Her counsel is both practical and emotional: anyone moving abroad should first ensure they are comfortable with solitude. Life far from home inevitably entails moments of isolation, and she believes that a sense of inner stability—along with a reliable support system—is essential. Whether that support comes from friends already established in the destination country or loved ones who stay connected from afar, she emphasizes that genuine relationships can provide strength when adaptation becomes difficult. For Guillaume, this combination of self-reliance and connection has been key to building a new life in Seoul and transforming a youthful dream into an enduring reality.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/millennial-moved-to-seoul-south-korea-quit-job-moved-abroad-2025-11
