Life as a Military Spouse Abroad: A Texan’s Heartfelt Look Back on Two Years in South Korea
Have you ever dreamed of living abroad as a military spouse? I personally know, I was SOOOOO FREAKED on our upcoming PCS, let alone be stationed in South Korea. Living in fear of the unknown, never living outside the US, leaving my family for 2 years…….Let me preface, if it’s a possibility GOOOOOOO!!!! It was one of my all time favorite duty stations and I am unbelievably honored to have had that opportunity and share with all of you. From the crazy number of unique cafes, to yummy FRESH veggies at the local 3/8 market, to cheaper cost of living, traveling various parts of Asia and so on.
Living abroad as a military spouse is a unique, life-changing experience — one that challenges, teaches, and transforms you in ways you never imagined. As a proud Texan who spent two incredible years in South Korea, I’ve seen firsthand how military life can take you far from everything familiar, yet somehow lead you right to where you need to be.
When my spouse received orders to South Korea, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I packed up my Texas roots, closed the doors to my salon and headed to a new continent, unsure of how I’d adjust to the language barrier, cultural differences, no longer working behind the chair and distance from home. But what I found was a country rich in tradition, beauty, and community — and a place that now holds a permanent piece of my heart.
Here’s what it was really like being a military spouse living back stateside, the top reasons I still miss it every day.
Adjusting to Life Abroad: The Realities of Being a Military Spouse in Korea
Moving to Korea meant learning to live outside my comfort zone. From navigating public transportation to ordering food in Korean, not knowing anyone but my spouse, daily life became an adventure. But with time came confidence, and with confidence came appreciation for the way Koreans prioritize respect, cleanliness, and community.
Being stationed overseas also meant building a support system fast. That scared to be-jezus out of me. The military spouse community is strong, and being surrounded by other families who understood the ups and downs made all the difference. We became each other’s extended family — sharing meals, the best cafe dates, and long talks when homesickness hit.
🥹 Top Reasons I Miss Korea (and Why You Might Too)
1. The Unmatched Hospitality and Kindness
Koreans are warm, generous, and deeply respectful once they realize you’re respecting their land and ways. You must try to dive in head first or you’re going to be lost in the sauce. Learn the basic thank you, hello, bowing etc immediately. The rest will come the more you practice. Whether I was shopping in a local market or grabbing coffee in a tiny cafe, I was treated with kindness and curiosity. Especially when the Koreans would see myself and my wife together. LOL They always asked “are you sisters?” smh We would say “no, we are married”, they would always reply “OOOOOOUUUUUUUU!!!!” with eyed wide with a smile of course. Even with a language barrier, I always felt welcome — something I never took for granted. I’ll be honest, 1 year into living back stateside, I still bow to everyone. 🤣
Not all military families have a great experience with their realtor. We definitely got extra lucky by using a referral from one of my wife’s buddies. There is a 1000 stories on realtors so make sure you do research in plenty of time; like before you get to Korea. Have your spouse hit up his/her buddies for recommendations. Trust me, someone knows someone.
2. The Food oh the food..(Oh My Gochujang!)
Korean food is a flavor explosion — spicy, savory, fermented, fresh. From sizzling hot bulgogi (MY FAVE🙌🏻)to comforting kimchi jjigae, yummmmmm…….every meal felt intentional and soul-warming. The side dishes (banchan) alone could make a full meal. Beef N Leaf and/or Korean BBQ cannot be imitated in the states, sorry not sorry. The fresh kimchi, radishes, bean paste, bean sprouts and even ramen noodles. And don’t get me started on Korean fried chicken and soju! I’m having flashbacks as I write this. LOL
See what I mean??? A #Foodies dream….
3. The Efficiency of Daily Life
Everything in Korea runs like clockwork, efficiency is unmatched. Public transportation? On time and spotless. Online ordering? No problem. We used Shuttle on a regular basis. It’s a delivery service that delivers food, groceries etc, delivery within a day. Cafes? OOHh the cafes are endless. It was my goal to visit at least 100 cafes. Not sure the count yet but its up there. Thoughtfully designed and everywhere. Let’s not leave out the convenient stores on every corner. 7-11, GS25, or the CU’s. As a SAHW and pup-mom balancing the home, our new life, and travel, this level of convenience felt like a dream. Traffic near our villa was not bad at all. If you’re headed to Seoul on a busy weekend or Korean holiday then beware of the insane traffic. Remember, Koreans LOVE to do things and get outside. Rain, snow or air quality.
4. Nature and City in Harmony
I could go from hiking in the mountains to shopping in a mega mall within the same afternoon. Korea’s ability to preserve nature while embracing modern urban life is inspiring. Not to mention every inch of land is being used to grow veggies, flowers, you name. Not to mention, our villa was backed up to a massive rice patty farm. Oh the smell of manure….. Living in a place where cherry blossoms bloom in spring, golden leaves fall in autumn, pink muhly grass in mid-September to October was pure magic.
5. The Sense of Safety and Peace
As a woman, I felt safer walking alone at night in Korea than almost anywhere else I’ve ever lived. Surprising right?? its so true, the crime rates are low, people mind their business, and there’s a general respect for community well-being that made everyday life feel peaceful.
Come back for more as I have loads more to show you.
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