I've visited Korea previously and I loved it there. I also speak basic Korean, and can read Hangul. I also know a few people who live in Korea. The only reason I hesitate to choose Korea is I am a transgender man, and I know Korea is a conservative country. I know there is an LGBTQ community, and I would have access to medical care, but there is not really any protections legal wise.
Taiwan has much better laws protecting LGBTQ people and I know they are generally more accepting of queer/trans people. However going to a country where I don't know anyone and cannot speak or read any of the language feels like it could be very isolating. Of course I would try and learn Mandarin, but I know how difficult it is and I feel like I would really struggle and it would take a while, whereas I already can communicate somewhat in Korean already
I'm not sure which would be the better choice.
torn between Taiwan and Korea
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- ghostrabbit
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Re: torn between Taiwan and Korea
I'd say South Korea is the better option career-wise since you speak the language and have connections there. Laws aren't perfect but attitudes seem to be gradually changing, as articles like this show: https://eastasiaforum.org/2022/01/13/so ... cceptance/.
South Korea's growing tourism industry, which sees more international visitors, may expose locals to different cultures and perspectives over time too: https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in ... -know-5254.
Your existing Korean skills will help you settle in more easily compared to starting from scratch in Taiwan. Korea could be a good fit and you may even help advance LGBTQ issues there during your time.
South Korea's growing tourism industry, which sees more international visitors, may expose locals to different cultures and perspectives over time too: https://gowithguide.com/blog/tourism-in ... -know-5254.
Your existing Korean skills will help you settle in more easily compared to starting from scratch in Taiwan. Korea could be a good fit and you may even help advance LGBTQ issues there during your time.