Young Brits Eye Overseas Adventures: Why a Growing Number are Packing Their Bags
Last year saw a significant exodus from the United Kingdom, with approximately half a million people choosing to relocate abroad. This trend isn’t confined to those seeking a sun-drenched retirement; a recent survey by the British Council paints a compelling picture of younger generations also looking beyond British shores. The study, which polled over 3,000 individuals aged 18 to 30, revealed that a substantial 72 per cent would actively consider living and working in another country.
Several compelling factors are driving this desire for international relocation. For many, it’s a combination of the UK’s less-than-ideal climate, the escalating cost of living, exorbitant childcare expenses, wages that haven’t kept pace with inflation, a perceived lack of career progression, a struggle to achieve a healthy work-life balance, and even a perceived scarcity of suitable romantic partners. These are the diverse motivations fuelling the decision to seek opportunities elsewhere.
The “Expat Files” series delves into the experiences of Brits who have made the bold move to settle in foreign lands, exploring both the triumphs and tribulations of their journeys. One such individual is Alice Amelia, 29, who traded the bustling streets of London for the vibrant energy of Seoul, South Korea, eight years ago. Her story, as told to Nick Duerden, sheds light on her reasons for leaving and how she found love and a new sense of self in the process.
Escaping to Seoul: A New Beginning
For Alice, the decision to move to Seoul at the age of 21 in 2018 was, in many ways, an escape. Her formative years were overshadowed by family health struggles, with a genetic predisposition to cancer casting a long shadow. The loss of her uncle and aunt to the disease meant her cousins came to live with her family, and many of her childhood memories are tinged with the sterile atmosphere of hospital waiting rooms. This led Alice to feel that she had, in essence, missed out on the carefree joy of her teenage years.
Following her university studies in Geography at Durham, Alice yearned for a completely different experience. Her long-standing fascination with Asia, nurtured by Mandarin classes at school and a love for K-pop and Korean cuisine, naturally drew her towards Seoul. Armed with a working holiday visa and her student loan to fund the adventure, she embarked on her journey with no knowledge of the language and no existing connections. She describes it as throwing herself into the deep end.
Her initial accommodation was far from ideal: a “horrible basement flat” situated at the crest of an imposing hill in Noksapyeong. The weekly rent was around 600,000 won, equating to roughly £400 per month. The conditions were so poor that she could see the sky through holes in the ceiling while showering. A move to a more desirable apartment within the same building offered a welcome respite, finally allowing her to experience the simple pleasure of natural sunlight.
The neighbourhood was populated by many elderly residents who, Alice felt, were not particularly welcoming of foreigners. She recalls being spat at every time she left her home. The area was undergoing gentrification, with a influx of new residents, leading to a palpable sense of friction. The initial experience was overwhelming, and the thought of returning home crossed her mind on several occasions. It took a considerable amount of time to forge meaningful connections and feel settled enough to stay. However, with time, the local community became more welcoming, and Alice began to truly fall in love with Seoul, particularly its incredible food scene, which she describes as including delights like pork belly with an array of side dishes and the popular Korean corn dogs.
Embracing the New: Work, Creativity, and Finding Her Voice
Alice was initially captivated by the novelty of Seoul. She found work at a language café, a popular spot where locals gathered to practice their English. Her role involved serving drinks, but more significantly, she spent approximately six hours daily engaging in conversations in English. This proved to be a significant challenge for the naturally shy Alice, pushing her far beyond her comfort zone. Nevertheless, she recognised its benefit, stating it was “good for me, I think.” The café attracted a diverse clientele, from students preparing for university applications to individuals aiming for fluency before international trips. It was here that she began to build friendships.
When the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, her mother urged her to return to the UK. Alice, however, remained resolute in her decision to stay. During the lockdown period, she began creating TikTok videos, sharing her experiences in Korea. These videos garnered attention, leading to her securing representation from an agent in Seoul. Alice had always harboured creative aspirations, and her entry into the entertainment industry felt like a dream materialising.
There was a notable demand for individuals who, like Alice, possessed a distinctly foreign appearance. Standing at five-foot-eight with blonde hair, she was visually distinct from the local population. This “Western look” made her a sought-after presence in various forms of media, including television shows and music videos.
Her first professional engagement was as a dancer in a nightclub for a pop music video. This experience, however, was far from glamorous. She described the entire ordeal as feeling like a “hostage situation,” involving a lengthy pick-up at 2 pm, a considerable journey, and a shoot that didn’t commence until 3 am. Feeling powerless, Alice did not voice any complaints. The shoot ran significantly over schedule, and she was compensated a mere 100,000 won (approximately £65) for 16 hours of work. Despite the challenging circumstances, as a K-pop enthusiast, the experience of being on set was undeniably “really cool.”
Alice estimates that Seoul began to feel like home after approximately four to five months. This sense of belonging was significantly bolstered by finding a supportive group of expatriates and by gaining a basic understanding of the Korean language. However, the summers presented a formidable challenge, with temperatures soaring to 40°C coupled with a suffocating 100 per cent humidity.
Love, Career Growth, and the Allure of Seoul
Her social life also expanded as she began dating. The dating culture in Seoul differed considerably from what she was accustomed to in the UK. A mere three dates were typically sufficient to establish a boyfriend-girlfriend relationship. Fortunately, her Korean boyfriend had extensive experience living in the UK and America, which meant his perspectives often aligned more closely with her own.
Alice continued to receive a steady stream of bookings, opportunities she likely would never have encountered had she remained in the UK. Concurrently, Korean culture was experiencing a global surge in popularity. She even had an audition for the globally acclaimed series “Squid Game.” However, the casting call stipulated a willingness to be naked and wear nipple tassels, and the script’s explicit nature led Alice to decline the opportunity, stating, “the script felt very porn-like to me, so that absolutely wasn’t going to happen.”
What Alice cherishes most about Seoul is its vibrant outdoor lifestyle. Residents are frequently seen enjoying the city’s amenities, with shops remaining open late into the evening. A significant aspect of her appreciation is the pervasive sense of safety. She describes a remarkable level of trust, where belongings left unattended on a café table are unlikely to be touched. She recounted a story of someone leaving a bag containing a laptop on a bench, only to find it still there 12 hours later – a scenario she contrasts sharply with London. The feeling of security extended to walking home alone late at night.
From a financial perspective, the cost of living in Seoul presented a favourable contrast to London for foreigners. Alice found it possible to live very affordably, managing to secure her own apartment without significant financial strain. Dining out was inexpensive, public transport was readily accessible, and securing part-time work on her working holiday visa proved straightforward.
After six years abroad, Alice made the decision to return to the UK. Her mother was diagnosed with terminal bone marrow and blood cancer, prompting Alice to be closer to her family. However, the transition back has been unexpectedly challenging. She describes the experience as “definitely strange,” having undergone a profound period of personal growth and transformation through her time in Seoul, while the UK remained largely unchanged.
Alice expresses a clear desire to return to Seoul. She hopes to re-engage with the entertainment industry, potentially by working as a translator for foreign models embarking on careers there. She credits Seoul with helping her overcome her shyness and emerge from her shell. The city holds a special place in her heart, and she confesses to missing it dearly. Ultimately, she feels that “the UK and I are particularly compatible.”
Alice Amelia’s memoir, “How Korean Corn Dogs Changed My Life: Finding Love, Fame and Myself in Seoul,” is slated for publication by Virago on April 2nd.
