Three years after graduating from college, life in the Philippines had settled into a comfortable rhythm, work, home, weekends with friends. But for someone like me, comfort was never enough. The adventurer in me was restless, whispering for change, for something bigger, for somewhere new.

One day, I decided to listen. From the corporate world, I leapt toward a manufacturing job opportunity in Taiwan. I passed the exams, completed all the documents, aced the interviews, everything was ready. All I needed was the final green light to pay the fee, and my bags would have been packed.But weeks turned into months, and the silence from the agency grew heavier. Then came a phone call from my cousin in Korea, who worked in a factory there. “Why not apply here instead?” he said casually, as if he hadn’t just planted the seed that would change my life.

Without hesitation, I pulled my documents from the Taiwan agency. The next thing I knew, I was sitting at a desk, tracing unfamiliar shapes and sounds, learning the graceful letters of Hangeul. And just like that, my next chapter began.

I spent a week learning the basics of Korean from scratch, and in the following months, I continued studying on my own. Then, for the second time, destiny seemed to snap its fingers, the registration for the examination to work in Korea had opened.

I went to register, which turned into an all-nighter just to line up, get a number, and submit my documents. I took the exam, and out of eighteen classmates I knew from my Korean language center, I was the only one who passed. I submitted my documents to the Labor Department, and in September 2012, I was selected by an employer. The following month, I attended language, culture, and pre-departure trainings. Then, on November 14, 2012, my own K-drama began.

I worked in Siheung-si, in Gyeonggi-do province, and everything felt right, until things turned both dramatic and traumatic at the same time. As a newbie, people tend to take advantage of your inexperience, and not knowing the language well made my first two years in Korea especially difficult. There were unjust deductions, unpaid insurances and benefits, and many traumatic moments I once thought only happened in K-dramas. It took me two years to fully grasp the language, understand my rights, thanks to the many people who helped me, and gather the courage to stand up for myself and resign. I did it! I claimed what was rightfully mine and freed myself from abuse and trauma. Finally, the drama was over!

In 2015, I moved to Bucheon-si and finally started meeting my people, friends who made me feel at home, and began to truly enjoy what living in Korea was like. I had a four-year-and-ten-month contract, and with the first two years already spent in fear, I decided then and there that I would live the rest of my time as if each day were my last.

On my days off and during holidays, I attended festivals, visited museums, wandered through parks and scenic spots, and explored the rich history, culture, food, fashion, and music of Korea. I traveled to other cities, soaked in new experiences, and embraced every adventure. Those were truly liberating and joy-filled days. On September 8, 2017, I flew back to the Philippines with a joyful and grateful heart, and a mind full of wonderful memories and pictures.

When I thought my story had reached its ending, guess what it was only the start of a new season. I had always dreamed of earning a master’s degree, so I began searching for universities in the Philippines, across Asia, and even in Europe.

As if destiny knew exactly how to play its cards, I stumbled upon a Facebook post about admissions for international students in Korea. It was a self-funded program, but I decided to try my luck. I submitted all the required documents, went through the interview, passed, and got accepted.

The agony of the visa process was intense, especially because I had already worked in Korea before. I’ll never forget how my application ended up with more supporting documents than the actual required ones. I had to explain over and over why I wanted to study, and most importantly, why I chose Korea. And then, behold, I got in! On August 18, 2018, my real-life K-drama entered its second season.

Working while studying is allowed in Korea, as long as you have permission from the Immigration Office. During my student days, I worked many jobs, all while doing my best to excel at university so I could earn an academic scholarship, and I did! Of course, I also continued learning more about Korea along the way.

Being back in Korea felt like love, just as they say, sweeter the second time around. On December 24, 2020, I submitted the final copy of my thesis, and on February 4, 2021, I graduated!

I was trapped in Korea because of the pandemic and worked various part-time jobs here and there. In March 2023, after three long years, I finally returned to the Philippines. I’m now enjoying my time with family and friends while working as a freelance writer, contributor, and Korean product evaluator.

My time in Korea, or rather, my times in Korea, was a roller-coaster ride. But it was the chapter of my life where I learned to love Korea even more, understood the world better, and grew into the person I am today. And just like in a K-drama… who knows? There might be a Season Three.