25-06-2025
Why Meath woman based in Seoul doesn't see herself back in Ireland long-term
An Irish woman based in South Korea has revealed she cannot see herself returning to Ireland long-term as she has gotten used to a more 'efficient' way of things being done abroad.
Jessie Shiels made the move to the South Korean capital of Seoul in September 2021, having spent time in Germany for around four years before that.
The Meath native revealed that when she felt the need for a 'new experience', she decided to make the move to Seoul, having taken an interest in the Korean language and culture during the pandemic. Pic: Provided
'I always assumed I'd stay in Germany forever,' she told 'Then my desires changed, so who knows where I'll be in a few years' time. I don't see much of a future for myself in Ireland though, so I'll likely be somewhere else abroad if I decide to leave Korea.'
Jessie added that as much as she loved her native country, she had gotten used to a 'different, more efficient way of doing things' abroad and wasn't sure if she would settle back into life in Ireland.
'Not to mention I likely wouldn't be able to afford to given what I hear about the cost of living these days!' she added.
Speaking of cost of living, Jessie detailed the differing aspects of the expenses of living in Seoul, noting that while rent is a 'lot more affordable' compared to Ireland there is a 'unique deposit system that can be prohibitively expensive.' Pic: Provided
She explained: 'If you want to move into an apartment, like a studio or a one-room, you'll be expected to pay about 10 million won (approx. €7,000) upfront. These days in Seoul, that's the minimum deposit if you want to live in something bigger than a shoebox.'
While that's the standard deposit, Jessie added that rent varies depending on the size and standard, and shared that her current rent was the equivalent of €475 for a two-room.
While groceries are also cheaper compared to Ireland, the exception is fruit and vegetable,s which she said can be 'crazy expensive.'
Healthcare is also cheaper in Seoul, with Jessie telling that a doctor's visit would typically cost around €5 and a week of antibiotics would be about €2. Pic: Provided
As well as having affordable housing and healthcare, Seoul is a very convenient city to live in with Jessie saying 'absolutely everything you need is at your fingertips.'
'Aside from that, the city (and the rest of the country) is very safe,' she revealed, 'If you lose something on the subway or in a taxi, you'll almost certainly get it back. As a woman, there isn't the same need to constantly check over your shoulder to make sure you're not being followed.'
Jessie clarified that while 'nowhere is perfect,' she has felt much freer than in European cities.
There are plenty of great things about Seoul, but Jessie admitted there were also things she missed about Ireland, her friends and family, of course, but also the food.
'I miss the variety and the quality on offer in Irish supermarkets,' she admitted, 'Somewhat controversially, I'm actually not mad about Korean food. I prefer to eat a vegan diet and that has been very hard to maintain out here.'
Living in Seoul for more than three years now, Jessie boasts a range of friends and says there is a 'thriving Irish community.'
The expat gave praise to the Irish Association of Korea, which she joined as a volunteer three years ago for St Patrick's Day festivities.
'We're a mixture of Irish, Koreans, and other nationalities with some connection to Ireland,' she said, 'It's a great starting point if you're new in Seoul (Irish or not!)'
