It’s crazy to even type it, but we’ve been back in South Korea for almost a month. In fact, tomorrow will mark one month back on the peninsula, which is wild. Time has flown since we’ve been back. Part of it’s because we spent the first week sick and in the lodge. Part of it is because we’ve just been so busy since returning. Ryan and I continuously joke that our social calendars are more full than they’ve been in years, and we’re grateful for it. Naturally though, I’ve slacked on posting much, so today I’m sharing little bits of life lately in Korea. From daily life to adventures and beyond, we’re just so happy to be back!

Little Bits of Life Lately in Korea

We’re still “enjoying” that proverbial house camping life in which we’re waiting for our HHG and UAB to arrive, but we’re enjoying the loaner furniture from Camp Humphreys. For anyone who found my blog whilst searching “PCS to Camp Humphreys,” I 10/10 recommend getting the loaner furniture, whether on-base or off. It’s made living in an empty house tolerable.

We did buy a couch last weekend…well, two, and they’ve immensely improved our level of comfort here in our home. Honestly, it’s just been nice having space though, and our neighborhood has been so great and welcoming. We’re definitely feeling more at home by the day, which is such a huge blessing. I asked Mieke today on the way to her school whether she misses Alaska, and she said “nope.” She’s so happy to be back, and I think the sentiment is echoed across the board.

What We’ve Accomplished in One Month in Korea

As we sit in an empty house in the evening, it’s easy to wonder where the time has gone, but honestly, we’ve done so much since we’ve been back. I feel like it’s worth calling those things out, if only to remind ourselves along the way.

• We bought two cars (and completed the sale of Ryan’s truck in Alaska)
• We registered those two cars, which is a whole fun ordeal between getting SOFA inspections done and scheduling appointments
• We got Korean phone numbers
• We enrolled Mieke back in her beloved Kinder in Pyeongtaek, and she’ll be there through the year
• We were approved to live off post at Camp Humphreys due to capacity
• We rented a house in Asan-si
• We spent a weekend in Taean with great friends
• Mieke had her first modeling job of 2025 in Seoul
• We went to Minsokchon Folk Village in Yongin
• We went to our favorite Sous Vide Chicken Pub in downtown Sosabeol
• We spent an afternoon hiking in Daejeon (more to come on that!)
• We celebrated Porter’s 9th birthday!
• Multiple get-togethers with great friends we haven’t seen in too long

A Sort of Homecoming

I wish I could explain how much better life – or our quality of life – has been for us since coming back to Korea. That’s not to say there aren’t hardships because, trust me, there are. Anyone who’s been through a PCS knows that you sort of eat it financially those first weeks and months until your LES/OHA/BAH are reconciled in your new duty station, and setting up a new home and life, for that matter, in a foreign country is no exception.

We paid cash for two cars, we had to pay rent, prorated rent, and a deposit on our house, and yes, we’re still getting our feet under us. And yet, we’re happy. There is so much at our fingertips here. Ryan’s work is fulfilling, the kids’ days are balanced between homeschool and play, and I’m starting to take photography clients again. Honestly, life lately in South Korea has been a blessing, challenges and all.