She moved to Seoul to build a new life — and learned how to feel comfortable being alone

She Moved to Seoul, Built a New Life and Mastered Being Alone

The clock ticked.

Not just the one on Stphanie Guillaume’s office wall in Switzerland, but an internal one, marking time passing in a job she did not enjoy.

Two years had melted away, indistinguishable days blending into weeks, weeks into a sense of quiet dissatisfaction.

The sales targets were met, the routines established, but the spark, the purpose, was missing.

She gazed out at the familiar Swiss landscape, a comforting tableau that had paradoxically begun to feel restrictive.

It was not until a friend, with a simple, piercing question asking what she was doing in Switzerland, that Stphanie truly heard the alarm.

Stphanie recounted to Business Insider that it was a good question, and she had no answer for it.

Sometimes, the quiet whisper of discontent can become the loudest call to action, demanding a re-evaluation of everything you thought you knew.

Stphanie Guillaume moved to Seoul in 2022, leaving an unfulfilling job in Switzerland to pursue her dream.

She built a new life through language study, community-building, and launching a travel business, ultimately finding comfort and strength in self-sufficiency and solitude.

Why This Matters Now: The Global Quest for Purpose

Stphanie’s story is not just a personal anecdote; it is a resonant chord in a world increasingly questioning traditional paths.

In an era where career dissatisfaction is common and global mobility grows, her leap from a stable, if unfulfilling, life in Switzerland to the vibrant, unfamiliar streets of Seoul speaks to a universal longing for authenticity and impact.

It is a powerful testament to the courage required to pivot, redefine success on one’s own terms, and build a life rather than merely live one.

For businesses and individuals alike, understanding this human drive for connection, purpose, and the comfort of self-reliance is crucial in navigating our rapidly evolving global landscape.

The Unspoken Challenge of Starting Anew

Making a significant life change, especially one involving an international relocation, is often romanticized.

We see the Instagram-perfect moments, the vibrant cultural experiences, the newfound freedom.

What is often understated is the sheer emotional and logistical fortitude required to uproot your entire existence.

The core problem is not just the physical act of moving, but the profound psychological shift needed to embrace uncertainty, navigate new systems, and confront the inevitable periods of solitude.

There is a counterintuitive truth here: the hardest part is not always overcoming external obstacles, but building an internal fortress of resilience.

Without an existing safety net of friends, family, or professional connections, the individual must become their own most reliable support system.

This is where personal growth truly accelerates, pushing one beyond familiar comforts and into a deeper understanding of self.

A Friend’s Question, a Decade’s Dream

For Stphanie, the realization hit hard.

She told Business Insider she was not satisfied with her life, having realized that time had passed, and it was going to be two years there in a job she did not even like.

This was not a sudden whim but the culmination of a decade-long yearning.

As a young woman, Stphanie had confided in her mother her dream of living in South Korea.

Life, as it often does, intervened.

A digital marketing role, then an unexpected bankruptcy, led her to a sales position at a grocery chain.

It was a holding pattern, not a trajectory.

But that friend’s candid question cut through the inertia.

With no children or partner, Stphanie felt a rare, liberating sense of freedom.

She applied for a student visa, meticulously planned her departure, and seven months later, she packed her bags.

This was not just a geographical move; it was a conscious, courageous choice to pursue a deeply held dream, to give herself the answer she had not had before.

It marked a significant international relocation, driven by a desire for career change abroad and profound personal growth and travel.

What the Research Really Says: The Expat Equation

Building a life in a new country is a multi-faceted endeavor, demanding both practical acumen and emotional intelligence.

Stphanie Guillaume’s journey to Seoul offers valuable insights into the real-world considerations and personal transformations involved in such a bold move.

Navigating Seoul’s Housing Market

One of the immediate practical realities for anyone considering moving to South Korea, especially to its bustling capital, is housing.

Stphanie’s experience highlights a crucial financial aspect: the upfront cost.

Housing in Seoul requires a substantial upfront deposit, a figure that can often surprise newcomers.

Stphanie paid a deposit of 10 million Korean won, which is approximately $7,000, for her studio apartment, according to Business Insider.

Beyond this initial outlay, her monthly rent stands at about 1.167 million Korean won, or roughly $810, which includes management fees, internet, cable TV, and a bed, as reported by Business Insider.

Prospective expats must budget carefully for initial housing costs that extend far beyond monthly rent.

For businesses supporting expats or seeking to enter foreign markets, clear communication about local financial norms, particularly Seoul apartment rent, is paramount.

This insight helps inform financial planning resources and marketing messages.

Proactive Community Building: A Strategic Priority

Moving to a new city, especially one with a different culture and language, can initially be isolating.

Stphanie understood this implicitly and made proactive community building a cornerstone of her first year.

Business Insider reported that Stphanie stated that her plan for the first year was to go out to at least one event a week.

This intentional effort allowed her to build a small circle of Korean girlfriends and a wider network of expats through various events and a Rotary club.

Overcoming initial loneliness in a new country requires a deliberate, consistent effort to connect.

For organizations aiming to support or engage expat communities, facilitating regular, accessible networking opportunities and community events is critical.

Understanding the nuances of living alone abroad means recognizing the deep human need for connection.

The Unsung Skill: Cultivating Comfort in Solitude

Perhaps the most profound lesson Stphanie imparted from her journey is about the importance of self-sufficiency.

As she told Business Insider, her key advice for anyone contemplating moving abroad is to make sure they are comfortable being alone.

This is not a call for isolation but an acknowledgment that periods of solitude are inevitable when starting afresh, and peace must be found within oneself.

Developing inner resilience and comfort with one’s own company is a critical asset for navigating the challenges of expat life.

Marketing and personal development content aimed at this audience should emphasize mental well-being, self-care, and the empowerment that comes from embracing quiet self-reflection.

This speaks to a deeper understanding of the personal growth and travel aspects inherent in such a move.

Blueprint for a Bold Move: Your Expat Playbook

Embarking on a new life abroad, whether it is for personal growth, a career shift, or entrepreneurial pursuits, demands a strategic and human-centered approach.

Here is a playbook, informed by Stphanie’s lived experience and consulting best practices.

First, define your why with clarity.

Before you move, ask yourself Stphanie’s pivotal question: what are you doing here, as she recounted to Business Insider.

Understand not just what you are leaving behind, such as job dissatisfaction, but what you are actively pursuing.

This clarity acts as your compass through inevitable challenges.
Second, budget beyond the obvious for Seoul expat life.

Financial preparedness is non-negotiable.

Plan for significant upfront costs like substantial apartment deposits.

Stphanie paid 10 million KRW, or approximately $7,000, according to Business Insider, in addition to monthly rent and unforeseen expenses.

Create a buffer for administrative hurdles.
Third, invest in language and cultural fluency.

While conversational basics are a start, a formal language program can accelerate your integration.

Understanding cultural nuances goes beyond words; it is about respect and connection, easing your moving to South Korea experience.
Fourth, build your ecosystem actively.

Do not wait for connections to find you.

Emulate Stphanie’s proactive approach of targeting at least one event a week, as reported by Business Insider.

Seek out expat groups, local clubs, classes, and professional networks.

Your community will be your lifeline.
Fifth, cultivate comfort in solitude.

This is Stphanie’s most potent piece of advice, as she told Business Insider: make sure you are comfortable being alone.

Periods of being without an immediate support system are part of the journey.

Learn to find peace, pursue hobbies, and recharge in your own company.

This inner strength is paramount for living alone abroad.
Sixth, embrace bureaucracy with patience and local help.

Starting a business or managing visa paperwork in a new country is complex.

Factor in time, potential frustration, and do not hesitate to seek professional or local assistance, as Stphanie did, according to Business Insider.
Seventh, prioritize well-being and nature.

Even in a fast-paced city like Seoul, Stphanie finds solace.

When she feels overwhelmed, she needs to have some nature nearby, she noted, appreciating her apartment’s proximity to Seoul Forest, as reported by Business Insider.

Identify your personal stress relievers and integrate them into your routine.

This is vital for any expat entrepreneur.

The Unseen Tides: Navigating Challenges Abroad

While the narrative of personal triumph is compelling, it is important to acknowledge the inherent risks and trade-offs that come with moving abroad.

The journey, while transformative, is rarely linear or free of difficulty.

Potential pitfalls include profound loneliness.

Despite best efforts, periods of isolation are common, especially when the initial excitement wanes.

Building a community takes time and consistent effort.
Financial strain is also a risk.

Unforeseen costs, currency fluctuations, or slower-than-expected income generation, especially for a self-employment abroad venture, can create significant stress.
Cultural disorientation can arise beyond language, as differing social norms, communication styles, and daily routines can lead to frustration and misunderstanding.
Administrative quagmires involving visas, permits, business registrations, and banking can be bureaucratic nightmares, often requiring more time and patience than anticipated.
Finally, the loss of familiar support systems means losing a critical emotional and practical safety net due to the absence of immediate family and long-term friends.

To mitigate these challenges, proactive strategies are key, emphasizing the need for intentional relationship-building and a strong support system, whether local or back home.

From an ethical standpoint, it is crucial to acknowledge the privilege inherent in choosing to move abroad.

Expats, particularly from Western nations, often benefit from existing economic advantages that are not universal.

Engaging respectfully with local cultures, learning the language, and contributing positively to the new community are ethical responsibilities, not just practical steps.

Furthermore, self-employment abroad often requires a deep understanding of local market needs and ethical business practices.

Equipping Your Expat Journey: Tools, Metrics, and Cadence

Successfully building a life abroad, much like launching a new business, benefits from a structured approach, leveraging modern tools, tracking progress, and regularly checking in with yourself.

Consider utilizing language learning apps like DuoLingo, Babbel, or Pimsleur for consistent daily practice.
Expat forums and social media groups can provide invaluable advice, community, and event listings.
Local networking apps such as Meetup or specific interest groups can help you find events and people aligned with your hobbies or professional interests.
Digital banking and budgeting tools, like Wise (formerly TransferWise) for international transfers, assist in managing finances across borders.
Regular video calls with friends and family back home are crucial for maintaining mental well-being and a sense of connection.

To track your journey, consider key performance indicators (KPIs) for personal growth.

Monitor your financial health by tracking adherence to your monthly budget, the percentage of your emergency fund saved, and your cost per Seoul apartment rent.

For social connection, note the number of new meaningful connections made per month or social events attended per week, similar to Stphanie’s aim for at least one event a week, as mentioned in Business Insider.

Assess your language proficiency through regular self-assessment of conversational fluency or class progress.

Prioritize personal well-being by tracking hours of quality sleep, frequency of engaging in hobbies or nature activities, and your feelings of overwhelm versus contentment.

Celebrate self-sufficiency milestones, such as successfully navigating a complex administrative task independently or resolving a problem without external help.

Establish a rhythm for checking in with yourself.

A weekly personal board meeting can be effective.

This includes a daily brief moment of reflection on your feelings, small wins, and gratitude.

A weekly review helps assess your KPIs, adjust your social calendar, troubleshoot challenges, and plan for the next week.

A monthly deep dive allows you to reflect on overall progress, revisit your why, and make larger adjustments to your budget or goals.

Finally, a quarterly strategic pause offers a more holistic review, perhaps with a trusted mentor or friend, to ensure you are still aligned with your long-term vision.

Conclusion

Stphanie Guillaume’s story is a compelling blueprint for how to engineer not just a new life, but a renewed self.

From the quiet dissatisfaction in Switzerland to the vibrant, self-made existence near Seoul Forest, her journey underscores the transformative power of intentional living.

Now self-employed, she enjoys the luxury of structuring her days as she wishes, a stark contrast to her previous 9-to-5, as reported by Business Insider.

She starts mornings slowly, with tea or a walk, practices yoga, and meets friends as her schedule allows, embracing both the rapid pace of South Korea and the cherished slowness she sometimes misses from Switzerland, according to Business Insider.

Her experiences confirm that moving abroad is not merely a change of address; it is an intensive course in self-discovery, resilience, and the art of connection.

Ultimately, Seoul taught Stphanie that the truest home is often found not on a map, but within oneself.

Are you ready to redefine your own comfort zone and build the life you truly desire?

References

Business Insider, She moved to Seoul to build a new life and learned how to feel comfortable being alone.

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