Seoulful Islander | Life in South Korea from an Islander

  Korean Respect Culture vs Polynesian Respect Culture Living in Korea has shown me that both Koreans and Polynesians care deeply about respect—but we express it in very different ways. In Korea , respect is formal and structured. People bow, use honorific language, avoid speaking casually, and follow clear rules when greeting elders or co-workers. You can see respect in everyday actions. In Polynesian culture , respect is warm, natural, and family-like. We show it through kindness, serving others, sharing food, and treating everyone like extended family. There’s less formality, more heart and connection. Koreans value politeness and quiet harmony. Polynesians value openness, friendliness, and a spirit of sharing. One shows respect for rules; the other shows it with warmth. Even though the styles are different, the meaning remains the same: honoring people, caring for the elderly, and maintaining peace. Two cultures, two styles—but the same heart.

  How I Stay Active in Korea to Battle the Four Seasons Living in Korea means dealing with all four seasons— the beauty, the extremes, and the chaos in between . As someone who grew up in warm, tropical places, adjusting to Korean weather has been one of my biggest challenges. However, over time, I’ve developed my own routine to stay active, healthy, and sane throughout the year. In spring , Korea feels perfect. The weather is soft, the air is cool, and the cherry blossoms make running outside feel like a scene from a K-drama. This is the season when I run the most—on tracks, river paths, and even around my neighborhood. Everyone’s outside, and the energy is great. Then comes summer , and Korea becomes a sauna. The humidity hits you like a wall. To survive, I take my workouts indoors. I hit the gym more often, lift weights, and do light cardio to avoid melting on the streets. Sometimes, I grab an iced drink afterward and sit inside the air-conditioned convenience store like ever...

  Teaching English as a Polynesian: Students’ Reactions & Funny Moments Teaching English in Korea as a Polynesian is an experience I never expected to be this entertaining. Every day feels like a mix of culture exchange, comedy show, and surprise reactions—from students and sometimes even their parents. The first thing my students always ask is, “Teacher, where are you from?” When I say “I’m Polynesian,” they freeze. Then comes the classic follow-up question: “Polly… what? Is that near Brazil?” After I explain about Fiji, Hawaii, Samoa, and the Pacific Islands, their eyes widen like I just revealed a secret kingdom. One of my funniest classroom moments happened when a student asked, “Teacher, why is your skin so shiny?” I laughed and said, “Because island people glow naturally.” They nodded seriously, like it was science. Another time, I showed them a Polynesian dance video. Their jaws dropped. “Teacher, you dance like a strong soldier!” In Korea, strength equals res...

  Korean Snacks I’m Addicted To (And Some I Still Don’t Understand) Living in Korea turned me into a full-time snack explorer. Some treats became instant favorites, and others… well, I’m still trying to figure them out. My top addiction is Choco Pie . Soft, chocolatey, and dangerously easy to eat—one becomes four before you even notice. Sun Chips are another weakness: light, crunchy, and somehow more addictive than the versions back home. And of course, Pepero —simple, chocolate-covered sticks that Korea somehow turned into a national celebration. I respect it. However, there are also the snacks that confuse my brain. Chips that taste sweet and salty at the same time. Snacks shaped like shrimp that actually smell like the ocean. Packaging so cute you buy it without knowing what’s inside—sometimes great, sometimes a disaster. Korean snacks are wild, surprising, and impossible to resist. Even when I don’t fully understand what I’m eating… I’m still eating it.

  Why Koreans Always Think I’m From Somewhere Else Living in Korea as a Polynesian boy is an adventure—especially when it comes to how people guess my nationality. I’ve been asked if I’m from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Mongolia, Fiji, Hawaii, Brazil, even Ghana … basically everywhere except where I’m actually from. At first, it used to surprise me. However, after living here, I have come to understand. Korea is a very homogeneous country, and most people don’t meet many Polynesian people. So when they see me, they try their best to connect me to the countries they are familiar with. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes confusing, but most of the time it becomes a great conversation starter. When I explain that I’m Polynesian, people usually pause and then say, “Oh… where is that?” And that’s when the fun begins. I tell them about Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Hawaii, and all the islands scattered across the Pacific. I talk about beaches, warm weather, big families, ...

  Explaining Polynesian Culture to Koreans — A Simple Guide Living in Korea as a Polynesian means I’m always explaining where I’m from and what my culture is like. Many Koreans have heard of Hawaii, Samoa, or Fiji, but they’re surprised when I tell them Polynesia is a huge group of islands spread across the Pacific—full of beaches, family gatherings, and a slower lifestyle compared to Korea’s fast pace. Koreans love hearing about our food: coconut cream dishes, taro, fresh fish, BBQ, and big island-style portions. They always compare it to Korean home-cooked meals and get excited when they see pictures. What really amazes people is Polynesian dance and tradition. When I show videos of cultural performances—big movements, drums, storytelling—Koreans immediately say it feels powerful and emotional, very different from Korean traditional arts. Explaining my culture here always leads to good conversations. Koreans appreciate our warmth, respect, and strong family values. And every ...

  “Things I Still Struggle With in Korea as a Polynesian Expat” Moving from the warm islands of Polynesia to the busy, four-season life of Korea has been an amazing adventure—but some things are still challenging. Here are the main struggles I face even today. 1. Korean Winters Coming from tropical weather, nothing prepared me for Korea’s freezing winters. The cold wind, snow, and long nights are still tough for me. I miss warm beaches and sunshine every day. 2. Fast Lifestyle Korea moves fast—people work fast, walk fast, and live fast. As a Polynesian, I grew up in a relaxed, slow-paced environment, so the constant speed can feel overwhelming. 3. Language Barriers Korean is a difficult language, and even simple tasks like hospital visits or immigration can be stressful. I can communicate now, but honorifics and formal speech are still confusing. 4. Work Culture Long hours and high expectations are normal in Korea. Back home, work-life balance and family time are more ...