South African in South Korea: Why I Had to Prove Where I’m From | David Shaun Lai

Описание: What is life in South Korea really like for a South African? David Shaun Lai joins Tony on 2 Continents, 1 Mic to share why he left a good life in South Africa, moved abroad with his wife, and found himself defending the identity he had always known.

Born and raised in Johannesburg with Chinese heritage, David opens up about being told he isn’t South African, growing up adopted, and finding belonging across cultures. We explore teaching English in South Korea, culture shock, everyday costs, language barriers, and the challenges of moving abroad as newlyweds.

David also shares how his Christian faith shaped his relocation journey and why he believes moving to another country cannot fix everything you’re struggling with.

In this conversation, you’ll discover:
✅ Why he left a stable teaching career in South Africa for South Korea
✅ How paperwork and visa delays almost cost him and his wife their jobs
✅ What he finds cheaper and more expensive about living in South Korea
✅ How experiencing crime in South Africa shaped his ability to feel safe abroad
✅ The daily reality of living in Korea without speaking Korean
✅ What teaching English in a Korean hagwon is actually like
✅ How moving abroad tests a marriage, even when both people wanted the move
✅ Why finding community matters before you relocate
✅ How adoption, family and faith shaped his sense of belonging
✅ Why moving abroad can change your surroundings without resolving your struggles

Whether you’re considering moving to South Korea, teaching English abroad, or relocating from South Africa, this conversation explores both the practical decisions and the emotional cost of starting again.

Have you ever been told you don’t look like you’re from your own country? Share your experience below.

00:00 “You’re Not South African” — The Identity Struggle
01:08 Why He Left South Africa for South Korea
05:07 Growing Up Chinese in Johannesburg
06:57 Having to Prove His South African Identity
08:38 Football, Zulu and Finding Belonging
13:13 How Moving Abroad Changed His Identity
14:53 South African Food He Misses in Korea
18:01 Adopted at Six Weeks: Family, Love and Identity
27:38 Faith, Marriage and the Dream of Moving Abroad
31:11 Rejection, Resilience and God’s Timing
36:26 Leaving His Mother and Career Behind
38:24 Documents, Visa Delays and Almost Losing the Job
43:40 Starting a New Life in Daejeon, South Korea
45:57 Safety in South Korea vs South Africa
48:39 What South Africa Does Better Than Korea
51:23 Cost of Living in Korea: Transport, Phones and Food
53:14 Living in South Korea Without Speaking Korean
55:39 Moving Abroad as Newlyweds: Marriage Under Pressure
58:39 Finding a Church and Community Abroad
1:02:09 Is God Leading You or Is It Your Own Desire?
1:07:42 Teaching English in Korea: Hagwon vs South African Schools
1:12:01 Can Moving Abroad Really Fix Your Life?
1:14:26 Learn Korean and Zulu Encouragement Phrases
1:15:37 South Africa and South Korea: True or False Quiz
1:17:35 Why You Should Visit South Africa
1:18:50 Finding the Courage to Choose What Happens Next
1:21:06 Final Reflections on Identity, Faith and Starting Again

Follow David:
Instagram - @davidshaunlai
Youtube- ‪@davidshaunlai‬
TikTok - @david.shaun.lai


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