I lived in Korea for over 20 years. I’ve been back in the UK for 4 years.

In many ways it’s easier living in the UK because everybody speaks English.

But here are some things I miss about Korea.

·         The clear blue water on the East Coast (see above).

·         The karaoke rooms (노래방) (see below)

·         The quick, clean, efficient, reliable public transport. (No strikes or breakdowns)

·         Quick, efficient repair service.

·         The cost of living.

If you live in the UK and you travel by train, you have to have a ‘plan B’ – an alternative way of getting home in case your train is cancelled.

Last year, the lift in my block of flats broke. It took TEN MONTHS to get it fixed. Fortunately, I only live on the 2nd floor. [If the British English in that sentence is confusing you, here’s the American English version: Last year, the elevator in my apartment block broke. It took TEN MONTHS to get it fixed. Fortunately, I only live on the 3rd floor.] In Korea, it would have been fixed by the next day at the latest.

I miss you, Korea, and hope to see you again one day.