Moving abroad sounds like the adventure of a lifetime—an opportunity to see a new place, learn a new language (or two), and make exciting memories. For me, that place was Hong Kong. I spent two years there early in my career, right after graduating from Seoul National University. I also spent time in Tokyo, Japan (you can read my experience of Tokyo here).
At the time, I was determined to build an international perspective on entertainment news, and Hong Kong’s bustling media landscape felt like the perfect place to start.
As a Korean journalist who specializes in covering Korean entertainment and pop culture, I initially found it thrilling to be surrounded by a completely different entertainment scene. But there’s another side to living in Hong Kong that most people don’t mention, and it’s a side that can hit you hard if you’re not prepared.
If you’re thinking of moving there—or anywhere overseas—there are a few things you should know.
This article offers my personal perspective on the hidden challenges of being an expat, from cultural misunderstandings to crushing loneliness, and everything in between.