Do I Rest or Rom-Com My Way Through Seoul?: The Guilt & Glow of Studying Abroad

So here’s the thing no one tells you about studying abroad: sometimes it feels like you’re on a never-ending vacation, and other times it feels like your body is screaming for a break, while your brain whispers, “But you’re in Korea, don’t waste it!”

I didn’t expect this part.

I thought I’d be hiking mountains by sunrise, cafe-hopping by noon, and living my K-drama fantasy by night. And sure, some days do look like that. But other days? Other days I want to stay in, binge a show with subtitles on, wear the same hoodie for 12 hours straight, and pretend the outside world doesn’t exist.

Cue the guilt.

There’s this pressure to be on all the time like every free hour needs to be an Instagrammable moment. But can I be real? That’s exhausting. Beautiful, yes. Growth-inducing, definitely. But exhausting.

The Balance Nobody Talks About

Studying abroad is this beautiful contradiction: it’s both exciting and draining. You’re navigating new languages, food, systems, and social rules, and doing it all while being a student, a tourist, and a full-time human being. That’s a lot.

So when I take a day to stay in, it’s not because I’m lazy. It’s because my body and mind deserve rest, especially in a new environment that’s constantly stimulating every part of me.

Romanticizing Stillness

There’s beauty in wandering through temples and trying street food, yes, but there’s also beauty in taking a nap in your dorm with the windows open and listening to music. There’s peace in saying, “Today, I choose me,” even when the Seoul skyline is begging for attention.

And honestly? That’s part of the experience too.

No More Guilt-Tripping Myself

I came here to grow, learn, and enjoy, but not at the cost of my health. Rest days are sacred. They’re the quiet space where I reflect, recharge, and remember how far I’ve come.

Because this version of me? She’s brave. She packed up, flew across the world, and said yes to a whole new life. If she wants to order food and scroll TikTok for an hour? Let her.

Final Thoughts

To anyone abroad (or just adulting in general) and feeling guilty for resting: don’t. You’re not missing out, you’re resetting. And in a place as beautiful as Korea, your joy should come with kindness, not burnout.

So go ahead. Light a candle. Put on that face mask. Let the city wait. You’ve got time, and you’ve got you.