Summary

The author's return to Seoul as a digital nomad in 2023 reveals significant changes, including an increase in international diversity, a boom in coffee shops with work-friendly amenities, a rise in Western-style dessert options, higher Airbnb prices, and a consistent fashion sense among locals.

Abstract

In a comparative reflection on Seoul's evolving charm, the author details their experience as a digital nomad in the city during 2022 and 2023. The article highlights four key transformations: a notable surge in the number of foreigners from various countries, a proliferation of coffee shops equipped with Wi-Fi and power outlets, an influx of Western dessert establishments, and a marked increase in Airbnb rental prices. Despite these changes, the author observes that Seoul's fashion scene remains steadfast, with residents maintaining a stylish preference for neutral tones and diverse yet coordinated styles. The city's ability to blend modernity with tradition, its safety, and the affordability of food and drinks continue to make it an attractive destination for digital nomads and travelers alike.

Opinions

The author was initially captivated by Seoul's blend of modernity and history, vibrant nightlife, and safety.
Seoul's international population has grown significantly, making the city more diverse.
The increase in coffee shops with amenities like Wi-Fi and power outlets is seen as a positive development, transforming the city into a large co-working space.
The author expresses concern about the growing availability of sugary Western desserts, suggesting it reflects a shift towards a more Westernized diet.
Airbnb prices have risen, reflecting a global trend, but the cost of food and drinks has remained relatively stable.
The author admires Seoul's enduring fashion sense, noting the consistent preference for neutral tones and coordinated couple styles.
Overall, the author's experience in Seoul is described as fantastic, with the city offering a mix of new discoveries and timeless qualities.

Seoul’s Evolving Charm: My Digital Nomad Experience in 2022 vs 2023

Uncovering the Top 4 Transformations and One Unchanging Element

In 2022, I came to Seoul as a digital nomad for the first time.

Like many others, I was immediately mesmerized by the city.

The perfect combination of modernity and history, the myriad of landmarks to visit, a vibrant nightlife, and incredible safety standards for a capital of 20 million inhabitants were just some of the aspects that made me long for this city when it came time to leave.

In 2023, I finally got the chance to come back, this time for two months. Yay!

The city has evolved rapidly in this one-year period, more than I could have imagined.

Here are the changes I have witnessed so far:

1. There Are Way More Foreigners Than in 2022

In 2022, I was surprised to see that, compared to many European capitals, Seoul had a large number of American expats.

However, this year it is impossible not to notice how international the city has become, with students and expats from many different nationalities. So far I’ve met Mongolians, Colombians, Mexicans, Germans, Portuguese, and others. This makes sense as I noticed that more and more people on my Instagram feed were coming here for the holidays.

2. The Number of Coffee Shops with Wi-Fi and Sockets Has Skyrocketed

Holy cow! In 2022, you could already find many coffee shops with Wi-Fi.

Now the city has been literally taken over by coffee shops (some as tall as three stories!) that display symbols of sockets and Wi-Fi along with their opening times. It looks like the city has turned into a huge co-working space!

This is great because apartments here can be a little cramped and lack natural light. Therefore, it’s wonderful to have such a wide choice of places to work!

My work set-up at one of the many coffee shops in the city | Photo by the Author

3. The Sugar is Taking Over the Capital

Unfortunately, this is not great news.

In 2022, I remember it not being so easy to find a croissant or a sweet treat when, as an Italian, I sometimes craved a sweet breakfast.

This year, to my biggest surprise, the city is teeming with cake houses, French pastry shops, and cupcake shops. Additionally, tiramisu can be found in almost every coffee shop.

Unfortunately, it seems that the diet here is also becoming more Westernized.

4. Airbnb Prices Are Going Up

This shouldn’t come as a big surprise, considering the rise in Airbnb prices and flight prices pretty much all over the world.

Based on my experience, I would say that cost of food and drinks in Seoul has remained almost unchanged from one year to the other (you can still find a $4 gin and tonic here, as opposed to the $7–8 that you pay in Italy 🥲.) However, the price of Airbnbs has risen by roughly $100–200 compared to last year.

And now let’s move to the one thing that remarkably hasn’t changed!

1. The Fashion Sense of People Hasn’t Changed

Seoul remains one of the most stylish capitals I have ever visited.

People still show a preference for neutral tones, such as beige, cream, gray, and black.

The style for women and girls can vary from street style with wide pants and tight crop tops to vintage-style puritan collared dresses.

Furthermore, it’s still possible to notice couples having a matchy-matchy style.

Conclusions

My experience as a digital nomad in Seoul, South Korea, in both 2022 and 2023 (which is still ongoing) has been absolutely fantastic, marked by new discoveries and enduring certainties.

The city has undergone significant transformations, attracting a diverse array of foreigners, expanding its coffee shop culture, and populating the city with cake houses and pastry shops.

While the rise in Airbnb prices reflects a global trend, I believe that the affordability of food and drinks remains favorable. Finally, Seoul continues to showcase a very interesting and timeless fashion sense.

🌏 Have you visited Seoul, recently, or would you like to? Is there any questions you have?

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