- Tension: Moving abroad often promises adventure and personal growth, but the reality can include unexpected challenges that aren’t widely discussed.
- Noise: The prevailing narrative suggests that expatriate life is glamorous and enriching, overlooking the potential for cultural misunderstandings, isolation, and the pressures of adapting to a new environment.
- Direct Message: While living abroad can offer unique experiences, it’s essential to acknowledge and prepare for the less visible difficulties. Recognizing these challenges allows for a more balanced and authentic approach to expatriate life, fostering resilience and deeper personal insight.
This article follows the Direct Message methodology, designed to cut through the noise and reveal the deeper truths behind the stories we live.
Moving abroad sounds like the adventure of a lifetime—an opportunity to see a new place, learn a new language (or two), and make exciting memories. For me, that place was Hong Kong. I spent two years there early in my career, right after graduating from Seoul National University. I also spent time in Tokyo, Japan (you can read my experience of Tokyo here).
At the time, I was determined to build an international perspective on entertainment news, and Hong Kong’s bustling media landscape felt like the perfect place to start.
Now, don’t get me wrong: Hong Kong is truly vibrant. It’s filled with dazzling lights, towering skyscrapers, and a unique blend of Cantonese, British, and global cultures.
As a Korean journalist who specializes in covering Korean entertainment and pop culture, I initially found it thrilling to be surrounded by a completely different entertainment scene. But there’s another side to living in Hong Kong that most people don’t mention, and it’s a side that can hit you hard if you’re not prepared.
If you’re thinking of moving there—or anywhere overseas—there are a few things you should know.
This article offers my personal perspective on the hidden challenges of being an expat, from cultural misunderstandings to crushing loneliness, and everything in between.
Adjusting to the Hectic Pace
When I first set foot in Hong Kong, the excitement was almost overwhelming. The noise, the crowded streets, the high-octane energy—it felt like the city never slept. You might think Seoul is already fast-paced, but Hong Kong’s energy is on another level. Things move at lightning speed, whether you’re hailing a taxi, ordering food at a local cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style café), or trying to close a business deal.
I quickly realized that if you don’t keep up, you might get left behind. Long work hours, the constant hustle, and the pressure to always be “on” became part of my daily life. For someone used to the rapid rhythms of Korean society, I didn’t think I’d be caught off guard by an even faster tempo. But I was wrong. This never-ending rush can be thrilling, but it can also wear you down if you’re not careful.
The Downside: The relentless pace made me feel like I was always behind on something—an article I needed to finish, a phone call I needed to return, or a networking event I had to attend. If you don’t learn to set boundaries, it can consume your entire life.
Struggling with Cultural Differences
Hong Kong’s cultural mix is both fascinating and challenging. On one hand, I was amazed by the fusion of East and West in everything from architecture to cuisine. On the other hand, it meant navigating a complex social landscape.
As a Korean journalist, I was there partly to cover K-pop and K-drama news for an international audience. In my mind, our shared love for K-pop would be a great way to connect with local contacts and readers. However, building genuine relationships took more than just a shared interest in idols.
Language Barriers
I’m fluent in both Korean and English, which helped me communicate in many situations. But Hong Kong’s main language is Cantonese, which was completely new to me.
English is widely spoken in the business world, but once you step out of the business district, it’s a different story. I struggled with everyday tasks like reading menus in local eateries or shopping in markets where English signage was minimal.
Different Work Cultures
I was used to certain Korean work etiquette—like seniority rules, group dinners after work, and an expectation for employees to show unwavering dedication to their companies.
While Hong Kong has its own unwritten rules, they’re different enough that it took me a while to adjust. People can come across as more direct, even blunt, in negotiations.
In some cases, that was refreshing—no beating around the bush—but it also felt abrasive at times, especially when I was already stressed.
The Downside: These cultural gaps might sound minor, but over time, small misunderstandings can build up. I found myself feeling misunderstood or isolated, unsure of how to read certain social cues. Even if you speak a bit of Cantonese or rely on English, you might still feel like an outsider.
The High Cost of Living
One of the first lessons I learned in Hong Kong was that everything is expensive. From housing to groceries to transportation, this city can drain your wallet faster than you’d think. For a new expat on a modest salary, it was a genuine shock.
Housing Woes
Finding an apartment within my budget was a huge challenge. I ended up renting a tiny studio in an older building, and even that cost a small fortune. The size of most apartments in Hong Kong is notoriously small, so you quickly learn to live with minimal possessions. Even if you’re making decent money, you might be funneling a huge chunk of it into rent.
The Pressure to Keep Up
The city’s flashy lifestyle can also tempt you to spend more than you should. Between chic rooftop bars, upscale restaurants, and trendy fashion boutiques, it’s easy to get swept up in a culture of consumerism. As someone who loves K-pop fashion and used to covering showbiz events, I felt the pressure to look polished. But I had to ask myself: was I dressing for my own satisfaction, or to fit in with the city’s ever-trending scene?
The Downside: Constantly worrying about finances can be emotionally draining. You might find yourself skipping social gatherings or weekend trips just to stay within your budget. Over time, that sense of financial stress can overshadow the excitement of living abroad.
Battling Loneliness and Isolation
Moving to Hong Kong, I assumed it would be easy to make friends. After all, it’s a bustling international city with people from all over the world. The reality? Everyone’s busy with their own lives, and building a support network can be harder than you expect.
Lack of Deep Connections
Sure, I made some acquaintances—other journalists, colleagues, or people I met at events. But forming deeper friendships required time and effort, and in a high-pressure environment, that can be tough to sustain. There were many nights I found myself in my tiny apartment, feeling completely alone in a city of millions.
Pressure from Home
Meanwhile, my family and friends in Seoul were expecting me to do amazing things. They were excited to hear about my glamorous “international journalist” life, but I often didn’t have the heart to share that I was lonely. It seemed easier to just say, “Everything’s great!” rather than admitting I was struggling.
The Downside: When you’re abroad, it’s natural to crave a sense of belonging. Without a strong support system, you can feel isolated, which might lead to anxiety and depression. And because everyone thinks you’re living an exciting life, you might feel guilty admitting that you’re not entirely happy.
Dealing with Career Pressure
As a journalist covering entertainment news, especially K-pop and K-drama, I was always chasing the next big story. In Hong Kong, I also had to juggle local entertainment updates. The competition was fierce. Everyone wanted exclusives, and the deadlines were always tight. I’d wake up early to scan social media for breaking stories, then go to sleep late after writing up interviews or articles.
Long, Unpredictable Hours
Being on call 24/7 for entertainment developments isn’t unusual. But in Hong Kong, I felt it was intensified by the city’s “work hard, play hard” mentality. I was invited to high-profile events, sometimes rubbing shoulders with celebrities or industry insiders. It sounds glamorous, but it meant my work didn’t end when I left the office. My phone buzzed constantly with updates.
Burnout and Self-Care
Burnout became a real issue. I started noticing that I was drained almost every day. Weekends provided little respite because I felt obligated to network or research. In Korea, I was used to a demanding schedule, but I still had a strong support system—friends and family—to help me recharge. In Hong Kong, those support systems weren’t readily available. I realized too late that I needed to set boundaries to protect my mental health.
The Downside: Career opportunities abroad can be incredible, but the lack of familiarity and support can make the stress much harder to handle. You might end up sacrificing your well-being for a chance to stand out.
The Harsh Reality: It’s Not Always a Fairy Tale
Despite all these challenges, I don’t regret my two years in Hong Kong. The city taught me resilience, adaptability, and a better understanding of how different cultures perceive entertainment news. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and influenced the way I cover stories about Korean celebrities for an international audience.
But let’s be real: expat life isn’t always the fairy tale people imagine. It can be lonely, demanding, and draining. If you’re thinking about pursuing a job overseas—whether it’s in Hong Kong or somewhere else—be prepared to face these hurdles. Learn the local language if possible, research the cost of living, and reach out to other expats for advice.
Most importantly, take care of your mental health. Make time for relaxation, find a community—whether that’s a language exchange group, a dance class, or fellow fans of K-dramas—and be honest with yourself about what you need.
Hong Kong will always hold a special place in my heart. The city’s skyline at night is magical, and the experience shaped me into who I am today—a journalist with a wider perspective, ready to tackle global stories. But it wasn’t a smooth ride, and it definitely wasn’t easy.
So the next time you see someone post photos of their glamorous expat life, remember that social media only shows the highlight reel. The real story is often much more complicated—and that’s okay. Embrace both the highs and lows if you’re really planning to live abroad. After all, it’s in those challenging moments that you truly grow.
