From the Philippines to South Korea: My Journey as a Teacher, Storyteller, and Community Builder
More than two decades of teaching, cultural discovery, and helping others find their place far from home. By Majella Pagayon | June 14, 2026 More than twenty years ago, I boarded a plane from the Philippines to South Korea with a suitcase full of hopes, questions, and dreams. Like many foreigners arriving in a new country, I had no idea how much my life would change. What I thought would be a simple overseas experience eventually became a journey that transformed not only my career, but also my understanding of people, culture, and community. Today, South Korea is no longer just a place where I live. It is a place I proudly call home. The Beginning of a New Chapter Moving to another country is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Everything felt unfamiliar at first—the language, the customs, the food, and even the way people interacted with one another. There were moments of uncertainty and homesickness, but those challenges gradually became opportunities for growth. With every c...