S2-05 From the Netherlands to South Korea - Mark Balneger

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Balneger, a Dutch expat 🇳🇱 who moved to South Korea 🇰🇷on a whim and ended up building an incredible life there over the past 9 years.

What started as a last-minute university exchange turned into a decade-long adventure!

Since arriving in Seoul, Mark has worn many hats - from working in marketing by day and bartending by night, to starring in over 20 movies and 15 commercials, and even launching his own startup with support from the Korean government. Now, he leads Study in Asia, an EdTech company, connecting international students with opportunities to study across Asia.

It was such a candid and thoughtful conversation about life in South Korea as an expat, growth, grit, and what happens when you lean into the unexpected.

🎧 Listen now to here Mark's journey from the Netherlands to South Korea!

⏰ Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

01:34 Mark's Journey to South Korea

02:34 Cultural Shocks and Adjustments

06:11 Dutch Culture vs. Korean Culture

09:45 Living in Seoul vs. Busan

17:00 Starting a Career in Korea

20:38 Current Role at Study in Asia

24:47 Advice for Moving to Korea

27:56 Life Mantra and Stoic Philosophy

👉 Connecting with Mark on LinkedIn

👉 Connecting with Lucy on LinkedIn