Let’s Talk About: Homesickness
It has already been over a month since I arrived in South Korea, so I feel it's the right time to discuss this topic, as I've experienced it quite a bit.
Homesickness is very real; I've personally felt its presence. I've never been one to miss home when I visit California because I know I'll be heading back for one of my breaks. It could be Fall Break or Thanksgiving Break. However, in Korea, it's different. My flight back home from Incheon takes 15 to 16 hours, compared to the 5 to 6 hours I used to spend traveling between California and New York. Going home isn't a feasible option. Here's how I deal with homesickness here!
One of the best ways I deal with homesickness is by calling my friends and family. Thanks to technology, this has been the easiest way to minimize homesickness. Usually, I have a schedule with my family; I check in with my siblings once a week, and I check in with my mother every other day. For my friends, they are all busy with classes and extracurricular activities. I suggest the idea of a FaceTime call in our group chat, and we find a time that works for all of us. It gets a bit challenging when I want to talk to friends who are also studying abroad in European countries, but I make it work. Even if it's only once a month, I talk to them. It isn't that hard to arrange a time to talk with friends and family; I'm sure everyone does it while they study abroad!
My favorite way to deal with homesickness is to print out photos of things that mean a lot to me, making me feel like I miss home. It's pretty inexpensive to order a few printed photos from your local pharmacy; I paid $3 for 10 prints at my local Walgreens. It's something I do even when I'm in California. It's comforting to know that I can feel connected to home even through photos. Some of the things I have photo prints of include pictures of my dog, my family, my favorite skylines from home, stuffed animals that I couldn't bring with me, and other things that hold sentimental value to me.
Dealing with homesickness is something I'm still learning to cope with. I'm confident that as I spend more time away from my family, I'll discover more methods to handle it. I'm excited to see how I make a home away from home here in Seoul, South Korea.
Related Posts
You Don’t Always Have to Leave the City: How I filled my Holiday Weekend Staying in Seoul
best adventures are right outside your dorm. During a five-day holiday weekend in Seoul, I skipped the international trips and embraced local gems: surprise K-pop pop-ups, the vibrant Seoul Spring Fiesta, peaceful hours at the Seoul Outdoor Library, and hidden cafés. From live music in Hongdae to Mingyu’s Snickers pop-up in Seongsu, the weekend proved that staying local can be just as unforgettable—and way more budget-friendly.
How to Spend as Day in Gangneung: BTS Bus Stop and More!
Follow along on an unforgettable 18-hour day trip from Seoul to Gangneung, where K-pop dreams come true at the iconic BTS Bus Stop from You Never Walk Alone. From serene beaches and cozy cafes to immersive art and tofu gelato, this journey is the perfect blend of fandom, relaxation, and coastal charm—ideal for BTS fans and travel lovers alike.
A Love Letter to my Seoulmate(s)
By: Desiree Galamgam Travelling to a different country for the first time was extremely daunting to me. Yet, I was exhilarated by this new challenge and the prospects of meeting... keep reading