VIDEO The real reason foreigners can't leave Korea

Why do some foreigners not just visit, but stay in Korea for years, even for life? In this episode of HASHTALK, long-term residents reveal why, despite the challenges, they now call Korea home.

Meet the panel: Janine, a Ph.D. student from the Philippines who’s been here eight years; Yasmin, an Egyptian content creator living in Korea for 10; Terris, an American actor with 13 years of experience; and Anna, a Korean beauty creator who spent time in London and sees the country with a fresh lens.

For Janine and Terris, Korea was where adulthood began, a place to live independently, build a career and grow. Yasmin emphasizes the everyday safety she feels as a woman. Anna reflects on the deep-rooted societal norms she came back to, including strict age hierarchy.

What keeps them here? Safety, convenience and efficiency.

From next-day delivery and 24/7 services to accessible health care and top-tier public transport, Korea runs fast and smooth. “Once you’ve lived here, it’s hard to adjust elsewhere,” Janine says.

Anna agrees, noting how infrastructure and skin care services in Korea outpace those in London.

“You can look younger for longer here,” Yasmin adds with a laugh.

But it’s not all rosy. The group opens up about high social pressure, comparison and the need for approval. Anna brings up Korea’s heavy inheritance tax and rigid social structures. “Not everyone can be your ‘friend’ here,” says Terris, reflecting on age-based norms.

To get through it, they say you need balance, resilience and, as Yasmin puts it, mind control.

So, can foreigners truly be happy in Korea?

“Yes,” they agree, but only if you’re ready to adapt and grow.

“We’re still here. That says something.” That was their conclusion.

Want to hear more from the panel?

Watch the full episode of HASHTALK to dive deeper into their honest, unfiltered stories about life in Korea.