Once I was 24 years outdated, I made a decision to take a break from my regular life in Seoul and journey via Scandinavia for a 12 months. It was a fantastic choice, particularly as a result of I used to be already constructing my profession as a journalist that coated the Korean leisure information. However the concept of spending an entire 12 months exploring new locations, experiencing completely different cultures and having an journey of actual life was too tempting to withstand. I left, deliberate fastidiously, after which turned to the land of the Fjords, the Vikings and the well-known Nordic way of life that everybody appears to be excited.
Now that I’m again in Seoul and informs concerning the Ok-Pop scene (and sure, sometimes chasing celebrities such because the one involving actor Kim Soo-Hyun and the late actress Kim Sae-Ron), I’ve had time to replicate on my 12 months overseas. The quick model? It was a revealing expertise, however in the event you requested me if the Scandinavian way of life is value it, it must say “no.” Earlier than you retain studying, let me make clear that I’m not saying that Scandinavia is horrible or that I remorse. I met unimaginable individuals, I noticed spectacular landscapes and realized tons concerning the cultures of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and even a little bit of Finland and Iceland. Nonetheless, there are some nice explanation why I consider that way of life merely doesn’t coincide with exaggeration, at the least not for me.
1. The price of dwelling may be very excessive
It’s most likely not an enormous shock, however I can’t exaggerate how costly on a regular basis life in Scandinavia. I believed that dwelling in Seoul was costly, however he felt like a pocket change in comparison with Oslo or Copenhagen. A primary lunch of a sandwich and low may simply value the equal of 20,000 to 25,000 wones (round 15 to 20 US ). Do not even begin dinner for dinner.
I bear in mind certainly one of my first nights in Norway. I made a decision to take pleasure in a easy meal, nothing too elegant, only a important dish and a small glass of wine in a restaurant that the locals had beneficial. The invoice returned and I nearly drowned. It was twice what I’d have paid for the same meal in Seoul. After that, I largely connected to cooking at residence in my rented residences or shelters, simply to keep away from going bankrupt.
Whereas many individuals argue that the very best wages and the stronger social advantages stability the excessive value of dwelling, it’s completely different when you find yourself a international traveler with out steady job within the nation. Except you may have a properly -paid native place or substantial financial savings, your price range will stretch very skinny.
2. Local weather: lengthy and darkish winters could be arduous
One other facet that shocked me was how drastically the climate affected my temper and my each day life. In Seoul, we have now 4 completely different seasons, and winters could be chilly, however our days aren’t as quick as within the Nordics. In lots of components of Scandinavia, you’ll be able to watch for very restricted day mild in the course of the winter months, particularly in the event you journey to the north.
At first, I believed it was a bit nice, as if it have been a mysterious and frozen Wonderland. However after a number of weeks, the fixed darkness actually started to wear down. Awakening at 9 am to search out the sky but shouldn’t be precisely motivating. It could appear that point continues to be. I bear in mind having all these plans to make tourism, take images or meet associates. However with so little daylight, it was tough to do all the pieces earlier than sundown.
This, after all, doesn’t hassle everybody. Some individuals love the comfy ambiance. They embrace the thought of ”hygge” (in Denmark) or “mys” (in Sweden), snuggling inside with candles, scorching chocolate and a very good guide or a k-drum in your laptop computer (in my case). However for me, the darkness was draining. He made me crave the brilliant lights and the bustling power of Seoul much more.
three. Social tradition: Cortes, however distant
Let me say this prematurely: every nation, every tradition is completely different, and that is among the beauties of touring. However as Korean, he was accustomed to sure varieties of social heat and familiarity. We frequently share garrisons at meals, we’re sturdy and we like to assemble in teams, at the least, that is how my family and friends roll.
In Scandinavia, persons are normally educated and pleasant, however have a tendency to remain for themselves. You may take time to make associates shut there. Once I made associates with the locals, they have been great, however that preliminary barrier was tough to cross.
For instance, in lots of Scandinavian nations, it isn’t frequent to speak with strangers on the practice or on the bus. Some may discover it impolite in the event you begin a dialog with none motive. As well as, the private house may be very strictly revered. Generally I felt just a little alone, dropping the chaotic union of Seoul’s nightlife or the busy coffees the place individuals share tables.
four. The “idealized” way of life “
We now have all heard concerning the Scandinavian way of life: minimalism, sustainability, stability and all of the rating of “greatest nation to dwell”. In some ways, Scandinavia is in reality a pacesetter in social welfare, environmental consciousness and high quality of life, if it matches its system.
Nonetheless, behind the covers of the good journal and the Instagram publications of Nevadas Cabañas, recent salmon dinners and a sublime inside design, there may be the truth of excessive taxes, strict rules and a value of dwelling that exerts lots of stress on individuals. It’s true that if they’re an extended -term citizen or resident with a very good job, social advantages are incredible: free medical care, backed schooling and a strong safety community. However in case you are solely going via or attempting to do it as a foreigner, it may be a really completely different story.
I additionally observed that not everybody is totally proud of the system. Some locals that I met felt that they have been compelled to adjust to sure requirements, whether or not they’re the unwritten social guidelines or the excessive taxes that include the beneficiant properly -being. In fact, all that is anecdotal, but it surely made me notice that even “comfortable nations” have their inconveniences.
5. Cultural variations: Lose Seoul’s buzz
I can not converse for all vacationers, however I discovered myself dropping the power of my hometown. Seoul is accelerated, vibrant and alive nearly each time. You may exit at midnight and nonetheless discover a place to eat or hang around with associates. In lots of Scandinavian cities, all the pieces is calm after 9 or 10 pm, particularly Monday via Friday. Eating places and shops typically have shorter hours of operation, and folks go residence early.
This may be great for individuals who love peace and tranquility, however I typically felt stressed. I bear in mind being in Stockholm on Tuesday evening, desirous to take some snacks late at evening and uncover that almost all comfort shops had already closed. It was one thing so small, but it surely made me notice how I had assumed the 24 -hour tradition in Seoul.
If you’re somebody who thrives within the metropolis of the town, the evening markets and spontaneous exits, it’s doable that the Scandinavian way of life of gradual rhythm is a bit suffocating. However, in case you are searching for tranquility, it could possibly be your paradise.
Last ideas: it’s definitely worth the go to, however possibly not the lengthy keep
Don’t be misunderstood, I’m extremely grateful for the 12 months I spent in Scandinavia. I had experiences that I’ll always remember: stroll within the Norwegian Fjords, attempt a real Nordic delicacies, rejoice in mid -summer in Sweden and even be part of the household of a Danish pal for a standard Christmas assembly. I made reminiscences that can stay with me for a lifetime.
However in case you are contemplating shifting there in the long run or adopting “Scandinavian way of life” as a result of it appears excellent on social networks, it could advise warning. Actuality is rather more complicated. The price of dwelling could be overwhelming, the local weather could be brutal and the social ambiance, though educated, could take time to warmth up. As well as, in case you are like me and you like the excitement of a fantastic metropolis like Seoul, you might miss evening power and rhythm with out stopping.
For a brief journey or perhaps a few months of exploration, Scandinavia is certainly value it. The panorama is barely definitely worth the airplane ticket, from the majestic fjords in Norway to the streets of Copenhagen fairy story. However staying there for an entire 12 months confirmed me that on a regular basis actuality shouldn’t be as excellent as journey guides make it.
Returning to Seoul, I even appreciated my hometown, sure, even the lengthy traces in my favourite Ok-Pop concert events and typically chaotic nightlife. I really like good lights, 24 -hour comfort shops and the sensation of fixed motion that defines Korean city life. I nonetheless recognize my Scandinavian reminiscences, however I noticed that I’m extra an individual within the coronary heart.
I suppose the conclusion is that every place has its professionals and cons, and what “is value” actually depends upon their private preferences. Scandinavia was an unimaginable journey for a 12 months, however for me, the excessive value and sure cultural variations made it much less engaging in the long run. If you’re considering of going, I say that he sees! Merely maintain your lifelike expectations, put together your pockets and put together for a slower tempo of life. For some, it could possibly be paradise. For others, like me, it’s a beautiful place to go to, however not someplace that I want to name residence.