During the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, Jane Newman, an established consulting manager based in Brisbane, Australia, found herself spending evenings immersed in Korean dramas from the comfort of her recliner. This pastime unexpectedly grew into a curiosity about South Korea, compelling enough to inspire a major life change.
By 2023, amid the global recovery from pandemic restrictions, Newman's professional responsibilities remained intense. Despite gradual societal reopening, her demanding workload as a consulting firm manager continued unabated. Months saturated with screen time eventually took a significant toll on her physical health, manifesting initially as persistent shoulder and back pain.
"That discomfort extended into my arms to the point where I lost the ability to use my mouse," Newman, who recently turned 60, recounted in an interview. Various attempts to alleviate her symptoms through ergonomic adjustments such as standing desks and alternative seating brought minimal relief. Recognizing the unsustainable nature of her condition, she made the decision to take a sabbatical.
Her initial encounter with South Korea had occurred the previous year, a trip motivated by her fascination with a culture she had only experienced through television shows. Reflecting on the enjoyment of that visit, Newman opted to return for an extended, two-month respite from work.
However, upon resuming her corporate role, the physical symptoms quickly resurfaced, accompanied by new mental and emotional challenges. "Work became increasingly harder to manage," she explained. Midway through 2024, she and her employer mutually agreed it was in her best interest to step away from the company.
"I recognized that South Korea evoked positive feelings for me," Newman shared. "This encouraged me to return and stay for several months to gauge how living there would affect my well-being."
Embracing New Surroundings and Community
Newman settled into an Airbnb in Gwacheon, a city neighboring Seoul, for a three-month stay. Co-residing with a local woman who invited her to participate in neighborhood gatherings, she cultivated social ties quickly. Among her engagements were meetings to support former US military 'comfort women' and involvement in two English clubs focused on discussing current events, literature, and delivering presentations.
"The warmth and inclusion I experienced were profound," she noted. "These connections deepened my understanding of Korea's history and culture, enhancing my sense of belonging."
Such community integration contrasted starkly with her social life in Brisbane, which had primarily centered around workplace relationships and long-standing friends from her earlier years in the United Kingdom. Post-pandemic, many local group activities she had participated in, including bushwalking and social dining clubs, had diminished considerably.
Pivoting Careers and Aspirations
Reflecting on her future, Newman gravitated toward public speaking and coaching, intending to assist individuals navigating contemporary pressures shaped by technology and societal expectations. This shift ultimately steered her toward initiating a technology startup in South Korea aimed at combating social isolation among young people.
In February 2025, she made a permanent move to Seoul, marking the beginning of her new chapter. Her two daughters, members of Generation Z, were unsurprised by this decision and themselves had visited her in South Korea.
In selecting housing, Newman prioritized features that included proximity to public transportation, distinct areas for living and sleeping, and an appealing view. After a search lasting roughly two weeks, she secured a two-bedroom apartment in Dongdaemun, a vibrant Seoul neighborhood, paying approximately 1.43 million Korean won (around $1,000) monthly.
Adjusting to Life in Seoul
South Korea's appeal among expatriates has grown in recent years. Official data from the country’s Ministry of Justice indicates that as of late 2024, foreign residents numbered approximately 2.65 million, a 5.7% year-over-year increase.
For Newman, social integration in Seoul proceeded more smoothly than anticipated. She recounted that each visit to Korea had involved forming new friendships, including connections through a fan group dedicated to a Korean actor she admired.
Her daily routine has since evolved to balance professional activities with immersing herself in local life. Morning coffees from a nearby Starbucks precede her coaching sessions and development efforts for her startup. Where her former corporate role typically demanded 60-hour workweeks, her current schedule involves roughly 20 to 30 hours weekly.
This reduction affords her time to pursue exercise, socialize, and sometimes work in public venues like libraries and cafés. "I ensure I step outside at least once each day to appreciate the environment of this remarkable city," she emphasized.