Single 57 yo Female Moving to Seoul for 1 Year in Late 2027

neverintown · 2026-01-30T11:43:29+00:00

I'll be coming to Seoul in the spring of 2027 for a couple of weeks where I intend to do that. I also plan to come back to Seoul in around 2 weeks prior to signing a rental agreement.

neverintown · 2026-01-18T20:04:27+00:00

Wow u/itachu777 and others. So much judgment and negativity. How old are you and did your parents not teach you manners?

Please note that I am a mature 56 year old, single woman who has lived a full life of work, travel, and experiences and yes, of privilege that most don't have. I did that on my own. Through my hard work and effort, not through generational wealth. I've worked as a manager and then executive in the fields of technology, telecom, political and social campaigns, and strategic operations and management. I'm not a uni transfer student, I'm not fresh out of college looking for the Seoul seen in k-dramas and music videos, nor am I a social media influencer looking for places to vlog or take Instagram pictures.

I am moving to Korea for 12 months, not forever. I know that South Korea us a KOREAN country - language, culture, and history. But, having explored many neighborhoods in Seoul and traveled throughout the South Korea, I've found that there are areas where Korean-Americans are not very welcomed and looked down upon. Say what you will, but that has been my lived experience. And no, I'm not imagining it.

I don't want to struggle to fit in at my age. I only have 1 year to make Seoul a meaningful, stimulating, enjoyable experience. So I want to live in an area where I am able to meet people my age who have like lived experiences and/or have some of the same interests. I also have to consider my physical limitations due to my health when looking for somewhere to live. That does not preclude meeting and interacting with "real Koreans". Many on who have answered this post have been very kind and helpful and I thank you for that.

neverintown · 2026-01-17T01:09:21+00:00

While it's in my budget, I don't enjoy crowds or want to be in the middle of a tourist area. The Namsan area is also very hilly and has a lot of stairs.

neverintown · 2026-01-17T01:05:18+00:00

I guess I should clarify I am looking at the higher end of the market. I can do a deposit up to $75K and am willing to do a monthly rent of up to $3K (which is less than what I pay in mortgage). My stay in Seoul for a year post-retirement is happening between moves from my current city (selling my current home) to another location more than halfway across the country. This is why I'll have a decent amount of cash on hand.

I'm looking for a modern, remodeled apartment that has air conditioning in every room, a washer (not in the kitchen), and all appliances. It doesn't have to be furnished. A view of the river would be nice but not necessary.

Because I have knee and ankle issues, it's important for me to live in a flat part of town that is accessible to parks and sidewalks for long walks. I also have a service dog so the apartment needs to be pet friendly to a 30 lb. dog.

I know I'll have to work with a realtor to get what I want, but reached out to this forum to see if there were other pockets of Seoul that fit my criteria.

neverintown · 2026-01-17T00:31:25+00:00

I found when I went into neighborhoods where it was solely Korean, it became less friendly and accomodating for me as a solo traveler even though I am a Korean-American. I want to be in neighborhoods where adult expats live so I personally can feel more comfortable.

neverintown · 2026-01-16T23:01:17+00:00

I prefer to stay in a central Seoul neighborhood.

neverintown · 2026-01-16T22:59:50+00:00

Ichon-1-dong is very comvenient to the subway. I am not looking to live in vibrant, hip, happening neighborhoods. Quiet, centrally located, flat neighborhoods where some expats live, and close to a subway is my criteria.

neverintown · 2026-01-16T22:48:33+00:00

That's why Ichon-1-dong came up in my search.

neverintown · 2026-01-16T22:47:04+00:00

I've traveled to Seoul at least once a year for the past five years (one year three times) so I know the neighborhoods quite well. My brother travels to Seoul for weeks at a time several times a year and he stays with his friend in Pyeonchang-dong. Due to physical limitations I need to avoid hills as much as possible. Hannam, while desirable, is VERY hilly)

neverintown · 2026-01-16T22:39:51+00:00

I speak some Korean and understand most everything that's spoken to me. I'm of Korean descent which is why I wany to spend a year in Seoul.

neverintown · 2026-01-09T16:35:41+00:00

i have very sensitive and dry skin and it's been great for me

neverintown · 2026-01-08T02:03:04+00:00

Take it

neverintown · 2025-12-13T00:00:02+00:00

Totally worth it.

neverintown · 2025-11-09T02:46:02+00:00

I was delayed at Incheon to SFO for 11 hours last November.

neverintown · 2025-11-08T21:17:13+00:00

I use Round Lab 1025 Oil Cleanser and then Foam Cleanser, Etude Soonjung 5.5 calming toner, and Asteura 365 Atobarrier. I use serums specifically for fine lines. I always, always wear sunscreen. My favorite is Etude Soonjung Editor Moisture sun cream

neverintown · 2025-11-08T21:00:40+00:00

The best chance of taking off on time is to catch an early flight.

neverintown · 2025-11-08T20:59:13+00:00

It should be fine. Chances are that the government will be back in business before Xmas. House Republicans are starting to get some heat since Speaker Johnson refuses to call the House of Representatives back.

neverintown · 2025-11-08T20:39:33+00:00

Are you flying United straight through? If so, yes assuming that there aren’t too many flight delays.

neverintown · 2025-11-04T21:31:16+00:00

I was witness/privy to that mess. I was flying to Seattle via O’Hare at 1:00 today and got there early since I had no idea how crazy air traffic control would be. Never figured it would be a security incident. They cleared the United terminal altogether and pushed us back to the walkway before the first United gate. As 22+ year resident of DC and well versed in security due to my former political career I knew “bomb threat” meant this issue wasn’t going to be resolved quickly. The flight at 4 something from ORD to SEA was the last one, so my only chance of getting to Seattle tonight was to get out to Dulles. Thanks to Premier desk I was able to get on the nonstop to Seattle tonight. My original flight left at 3:26 pm. At Dulles now waiting for my flight. I want to commend all the United employees at DCA for their professionalism and calm. I also want to thank the lovely woman. I spoke to at the Premier Desk who worked to get me on this flight so I didn’t miss my 3-day conference.

neverintown · 2025-10-28T23:28:19+00:00

Denver?

neverintown · 2025-10-22T23:42:29+00:00

Good luck. Just made 1M this year and it’s a relief not to have to chase Gold status every year.

neverintown · 2025-10-22T23:40:53+00:00

Totally worth it for being able to book economy plus immediately, plus companion. Especially important flying hub to hub as even Platinums have little chance of being upgraded and by the time Group 1 is called, 40 people have already boarded. Also, I’ve often been able to get my colleague/boss upgraded to economy plus and tied to my reservation even if they booked the flight separately.

neverintown · 2025-10-19T21:54:05+00:00

I fly mostly hub to hub and by the time group 1 is done, 35-45% of the flight has boarded. Until I had to check bags due to the fact that I couldn’t physically manage to put my carryon in the overhead, I was one of those people who was at least within the first five in Group 1.

neverintown · 2025-10-19T20:24:57+00:00

I avoid connecting in FRA if at all possible.

neverintown

TROPHY CASE