When I first arrived in Korea in September 2023, I was nervous, uncertain, and very much alone. As a Muslim student coming from Bangladesh, I had no relatives here and very little knowledge of the Korean language. Everything felt unfamiliar—from the streets and signs to the faces that passed by me. I believed that Allah has written everyone's rizq (sustenance), but I also knew I had to try my best to find it. So I started searching for a job.
I Googled how to find work in Korea and came across job apps like Albamon, Albachunkook, and Karrot. I also looked through Facebook job groups and one day found a phone number in a group for part-time jobs in Seoul. I sent a KakaoTalk message to the number and received a response inviting me for an interview. What I didn’t expect was that the owner was Indian, and when I showed up, the Korean manager told me the position was already filled. I returned home disappointed.
Still, I didn’t give up. A few days later, I messaged again—and surprisingly, he asked me to come back. That’s when I had my first real job in Korea—working at a restaurant, doing various tasks in the hall and kitchen. The Korean manager explained that the wages would be lower than the legal minimum since the place wasn't busy. I agreed because I needed the experience.
That small restaurant became more than just a workplace. The Korean managers and staff didn’t just tolerate me—they welcomed me. They taught me simple phrases, corrected me kindly, and often smiled when I made an effort to communicate. I was a foreigner with broken Korean, but they treated me with patience and respect. We laughed, worked, and even shared meals. For six months, I created some truly sweet memories there.
However, when the university vacation came, I had to search for a better-paying job to help cover my tuition fees. Once again, I turned to Albamon, and this time I was hired at a meat restaurant in Centum. The owner, a Korean man, was warm and understanding. He took time during the interview to speak slowly and clearly so I could understand him. He gave me a chance, not based on my fluency, but on my sincerity and effort.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that living in Korea as a foreigner is a journey of patience, effort, and faith. There are cultural differences and language barriers, yes—but there are also moments of kindness, small connections, and mutual respect.
To anyone new in Korea: believe in your God, trust your effort, and never give up. Language and culture may be different, but sincerity, respect, and hard work always connect hearts.
When I first arrived in Korea in September 2023, I was nervous, uncertain, and very much alone. As a Muslim student coming from Bangladesh, I had no relatives here and very little knowledge of the Korean language. Everything felt unfamiliar—from the streets and signs to the faces that passed by me. I believed that Allah has written everyone's rizq (sustenance), but I also knew I had to try my best to find it. So I started searching for a job.
I Googled how to find work in Korea and came across job apps like Albamon, Albachunkook, and Karrot. I also looked through Facebook job groups and one day found a phone number in a group for part-time jobs in Seoul. I sent a KakaoTalk message to the number and received a response inviting me for an interview. What I didn’t expect was that the owner was Indian, and when I showed up, the Korean manager told me the position was already filled. I returned home disappointed.
Still, I didn’t give up. A few days later, I messaged again—and surprisingly, he asked me to come back. That’s when I had my first real job in Korea—working at a restaurant, doing various tasks in the hall and kitchen. The Korean manager explained that the wages would be lower than the legal minimum since the place wasn't busy. I agreed because I needed the experience.
That small restaurant became more than just a workplace. The Korean managers and staff didn’t just tolerate me—they welcomed me. They taught me simple phrases, corrected me kindly, and often smiled when I made an effort to communicate. I was a foreigner with broken Korean, but they treated me with patience and respect. We laughed, worked, and even shared meals. For six months, I created some truly sweet memories there.
However, when the university vacation came, I had to search for a better-paying job to help cover my tuition fees. Once again, I turned to Albamon, and this time I was hired at a meat restaurant in Centum. The owner, a Korean man, was warm and understanding. He took time during the interview to speak slowly and clearly so I could understand him. He gave me a chance, not based on my fluency, but on my sincerity and effort.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that living in Korea as a foreigner is a journey of patience, effort, and faith. There are cultural differences and language barriers, yes—but there are also moments of kindness, small connections, and mutual respect.
To anyone new in Korea: believe in your God, trust your effort, and never give up. Language and culture may be different, but sincerity, respect, and hard work always connect hearts.