From America to Seoul: An Invaluable Family Journey

Motolani Adedipe embarked on a transformative journey from Oklahoma to South Korea in August, bringing along not just her belongings but her family — her six-year-old daughter, a newborn, and her mother. Originally from Nigeria, Adedipe moved to the U.S. for graduate studies in Texas. It was during an internship in Boston, sharing quarters with a Korean flatmate, that her curiosity about South Korea took root, ignited by K-dramas and Korean cuisine.

Nine years ago, Adedipe started learning Korean online, a passion she pursued even as her career took her to Oklahoma as an associate professor at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. By September 2024, her dedication to understanding prostate cancer survivorship led her to apply for a prestigious Fulbright scholarship, targeting South Korea as her destination, amidst preparing for the birth of her second child.

An Unexpected Opportunity

After enduring months of silence from the scholarship committee, Adedipe was taken aback when she received her acceptance in April. While it was exhilarating, it also posed logistical challenges. Fortunately, her family and especially her husband were understanding and supportive, allowing her to dream up a new life scenario that balanced ambition with family dynamics.

Though her husband, a physician, couldn't relocate with her, they agreed that their daughters would join Adedipe in South Korea. She viewed this as a unique cultural immersion for her children, a chance to immerse themselves in a different universe, albeit temporarily, before returning to their previous life.

Settling into Seoul Life

Transitioning to life in Seoul, Adedipe took on the dual role of educator and mother, homeschooling her eldest in the morning while enrolling her in a 'hagwon' by afternoon. These private institutions are integral to many Korean students' educational journeys.

Adedipe's mother, whose presence in Oklahoma had been crucial, joined them as they settled into a new routine. Searching for a home, Adedipe had criteria in mind to suit her family's needs: a neighborhood safe for children, accessible public transportation, and streets manageable for her mother.

Their new residence, a cozy apartment in Mapo-gu, provided the ideal setting. Though somewhat compact, it was embraced for its beautiful surroundings and the manageable distance to Adedipe's workplace. Her Fulbright funds included a stipend that handled the apartment's cost, which stood at a median rate of roughly $940 as per recent data.

Cultural Assimilation and Connections

Life in Seoul introduced numerous adaptation experiences. Acquiring a registered local phone number turned out to be pivotal for integrating into the digital ecosystem, facilitating everything from banking to communications.

Despite the urban hustle, Adedipe marveled at Seoul's community spirit. A particularly memorable event occurred when she misplaced her stylus on public transit and was pleasantly surprised to have it returned to her, an act of honesty she found touching.

Participating in Korean culture extended to her daughter, who has engaged in a variety of extracurricular activities, including piano and Taekwondo, all conveniently organized within school hours. This setup in South Korea starkly contrasted with the logistical challenge of managing such activities in Oklahoma.

Strengthening Family Ties

This international relocation has fortified Adedipe's family bonds, notably those with her mother. Having been apart for nearly eight years due to visa complications, living together in South Korea has felt like reclaiming lost time.

Reflecting on her path, Adedipe sees her South Korean experience as the culmination of her years-long engagement with the country's ethos. Her role blends storytelling, research, and cultural insights, making each day a testament to a life fully realized, where every passion converges under one roof.