Eight months into my year contract in Busan, I was faced with the question of whether or not to stay or return to America. My one-year mark was, in my mind, still about half a year away, which made me feel like I was only halfway through my current contract. Because of the way my brain was rounding numbers, the idea of taking on another six months seemed a bigger deal than, in retrospect, it actually was.

I had promised my family that I would only miss one Christmas. I had promised the friends babysitting my belongings that it would be exactly a year, no more. I had made those promises because I hadn’t expected to love Korea this much. Afterall, I’d been content in my life back in America. I had the perfect home for hosting large groups, a wonderful social circle, a ful-time job, and lived a short distance from my family.

But then Korea... I like the way the beaches are still peaceful even when they’re crowded. I like how kids don’t scream in public. I like how convenient stores pop up on every street. I like that I can find “made in Korea” clothing in the cute, affordable boutiques. I like that spiders stay outside where they belong. I like heated flooring and bus stop benches in winter.

The work environment is another place that’s comparatively more peaceful than some of the places I’d experienced in America. Coworkers will engage in a lively exchange of stories on various topics. However! Their curiosity stays clear of the all-too-common nosiness most of us have experienced in the work place. For example, a you leave your shared office space for twenty minutes to speak business with another coworker. When you return to that shared space, a coworker asks where you’ve been, all under the guise of concern (“I was worried about you. I thought, ‘Is she sick? Is she okay?’. Where were you?”). The false sincerity is a thin mask worn by people who want to be in control of everything, including your movements. Here in Korea? Never once have my coworkers asked where I went or who I talked to. I have the perfect balance of interaction with coworkers and time to accomplish my tasks.

Another thing I love here in Busan is how professional each business is when offering a service to a customer. The aircon repairman, Wi-Fi installation technician, Coupang returns processor, you name it. They are patient, polite, and respectful. I remember a technician coming to my apartment in America and casually using f-bombs while speaking to me. It felt so unprofessional and unnecessary, and it reflected poorly on the company that had sent him. I kept these thoughts to myself, though part of me wonders if I should have asked him to be more professional. Fast-forward to life in Korea? Dealing with various businesses has been nothing but smooth-sailing.

There’s no place on this earth that’s without blemish. While my quality of life is improved while living in Korea, I still am faced with disruptive students who fight amongst themselves and lesson plans that proved less effective than I’d intended. The work is real, but oh-so-rewarding. I love English Camp. I love being creative with the lessons and games. I love seeing students come to life when they’re engaged in the learning process. Teaching always has it’s gut-wrenching moments, but when you work in a society that values education and instills a respect for it in children, you’ll have far more encouraging days than discouraging.

So, thanks to an understanding family and supportive friend group, I get to stay in Korea 6 months longer than I’d originally planned. And I have no regrets signing that extension. Time flies faster with each passing year. There’s still so much to see in this beautiful country! I’m trying to hold onto the memory of all the sounds, tastes, smells, and sights before I’m whisked back to America.