Introduction
Last weekend, I had the privilege of being invited to SONA's "Open Mentoring Day," organized by Robin and his dedicated team. SONA is a platform that connects experienced foreign professionals in Korea with mentees who are seeking guidance as they navigate their life and career paths in this country.
About a year ago, Robin reached out to me to discuss this concept. I was honest with him: we are pioneers in this field. There's minimal institutional support, and we face significant obstacles. Most people prefer to jump on trends and ride existing waves, but we're operating before the wave has even begun to form. The market is incredibly niche, and the audience is small. Yet, what drives us forward isn't external validation, it's our inner motivation to help newcomers find their footing in Korea.
Sharing Knowledge Without Gatekeeping
At the event, each invited mentor brought their unique expertise and firsthand experience of navigating life in Korea. What made the day truly special was our collective commitment to sharing everything we knew, without gatekeeping a single insight. Every one of us mentors had once stood at a crossroads where we couldn't see any clear options. The internet didn't present all the possibilities available, and it was only through extensive research and countless conversations that we eventually found our way forward.
Our goal was to help mentees see the full spectrum of possibilities for building their lives in Korea. Each person's path and motivation is vastly different, but by providing comprehensive information, and most importantly, hope, we gave them something meaningful to contemplate. We wanted them to walk away inspired to do their own research and choose from the many paths available to them.
Meet the Mentors
Here are the mentors who contributed their wisdom at the event. I encourage you to explore their profiles, read their posts and articles, and learn from their journeys:
- Huy-Kim Nguyen shared valuable insights on the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Korea, including Start-Up Visa opportunities available for foreigners
- Danara Kizzy Kuhn focused on personal branding and explained how to navigate Work Visa pathways strategically
- Katie Duke discussed the networking landscape in Seoul and suggested industries that align with various professional profiles
- Casimir Agossou shared effective job-hunting strategies tailored for international professionals in Korea
The Easy Way vs. The Hard Way
We all agreed on one thing: you can do it the hard way, like we mentors did, because we didn't have access to the right information or connections. Or, you can work with a mentor who can provide guidance and point you toward an easier, more informed path to living a fulfilled life in Korea. The choice is yours, but why struggle alone when support is available?
Opening Eyes to Hidden Possibilities
What struck me most was how well-prepared the mentees were. They had done their homework and came with thoughtful questions. However, many of them believed their only option to stay in Korea was through a company-sponsored work visa. What they didn't realize is that there are numerous alternative pathways they had never heard of, pathways that could align even better with their personal goals and circumstances.
The Four Pillars of Success in Korea
To summarize the collective insights from the day, here are the four foundational pillars for building a life in Korea:
- Build your Portfolio – Showcase your skills, projects, and achievements
- Build your Brand – Establish your unique identity and professional presence
- Build your Network – Connect with people who can open doors and offer support
- Build your Life in Korea – Take intentional steps toward creating the lifestyle you envision
If you're considering a move to Korea or are already here and feeling stuck, remember: there are more options than you think. Do your research, reach out for guidance, and take that first step. The path may not always be easy, but it's absolutely possible.
Conclusion
Events like SONA's Open Mentoring Day remind us that building a life in a new country doesn't have to be a solitary journey. With the right guidance, community support, and access to information, the path becomes clearer and more achievable. I'm grateful to Robin and the SONA team for creating this space where mentors and mentees can connect, share knowledge, and inspire one another.
If you're looking for mentorship or guidance as you navigate your journey in Korea, feel free to check out SONA and sign up! Whether you're just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, connecting with experienced professionals who've walked the path before you can make all the difference.
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Kim Ninja (Nguyen Huy Kim)
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