Life as an international student in Korea comes with many challenges — from cultural differences to managing money and finding genuine human connection in a foreign land. But sometimes, we meet people who feel like family, even when we’re far from home.
At the gosiwon where I’ve been living since September 2023, the owner — a kind-hearted Korean lady in her 60s — has been one of the biggest blessings in my journey. From the very beginning, her warmth and generosity stood out. Most gosiwons require a deposit when moving in, and at that time, I only had US dollars with me and no way to exchange money immediately. She smiled and said, “No problem. I’ll give you the bank rate myself.” That small act removed so much stress from my shoulders.
But her kindness didn’t stop there.
Every month, she gives snacks to the residents — not just me, but everyone. It’s never anything huge, but the gesture always makes us feel cared for. During Chuseok last year, I received a gift box of pork meat from my workplace. I decided to share it with her, as a small thank-you for everything she had done for me. She was so surprised and happy — and the very next day, she gave me a return gift with a big smile on her face. That moment felt like home.
One of the most touching parts of her generosity happened earlier this year, in February, when I went back to Bangladesh for a short visit. Most landlords in Korea charge full rent, even if you’re away. But she told me kindly, “Since you’re not staying the whole month, just pay half.” She didn’t just say it to me — she did the same for other international students who traveled home. That kind of understanding is rare, and we all know how special she is.
Everyone in the gosiwon respects and appreciates her. She's not just our landlord — she feels like a grandmother, a guardian, a comforting presence in this fast-paced life. In a country that was once foreign to me, she made this place feel like home.
I truly believe I was lucky to find this gosiwon — not because of the room or the rent, but because of her. People like her are rare, and her kindness will stay in my memory forever.
Life as an international student in Korea comes with many challenges — from cultural differences to managing money and finding genuine human connection in a foreign land. But sometimes, we meet people who feel like family, even when we’re far from home.
At the gosiwon where I’ve been living since September 2023, the owner — a kind-hearted Korean lady in her 60s — has been one of the biggest blessings in my journey. From the very beginning, her warmth and generosity stood out. Most gosiwons require a deposit when moving in, and at that time, I only had US dollars with me and no way to exchange money immediately. She smiled and said, “No problem. I’ll give you the bank rate myself.” That small act removed so much stress from my shoulders.
But her kindness didn’t stop there.
Every month, she gives snacks to the residents — not just me, but everyone. It’s never anything huge, but the gesture always makes us feel cared for. During Chuseok last year, I received a gift box of pork meat from my workplace. I decided to share it with her, as a small thank-you for everything she had done for me. She was so surprised and happy — and the very next day, she gave me a return gift with a big smile on her face. That moment felt like home.
One of the most touching parts of her generosity happened earlier this year, in February, when I went back to Bangladesh for a short visit. Most landlords in Korea charge full rent, even if you’re away. But she told me kindly, “Since you’re not staying the whole month, just pay half.” She didn’t just say it to me — she did the same for other international students who traveled home. That kind of understanding is rare, and we all know how special she is.
Everyone in the gosiwon respects and appreciates her. She's not just our landlord — she feels like a grandmother, a guardian, a comforting presence in this fast-paced life. In a country that was once foreign to me, she made this place feel like home.
I truly believe I was lucky to find this gosiwon — not because of the room or the rent, but because of her. People like her are rare, and her kindness will stay in my memory forever.