Q. Hi, Alicia! Could you start by telling us a bit about yourself? Where are you from, and what do you do these days?

Hi, I am Alicia from Hong Kong. I am currently studying Korean at a language institute. Before coming to Korea, I worked as an occupational therapist at a hospital.

Q. Could you explain what ‘Occupational Therapy’ is?

At first glance, it might seem similar to physical therapy, but occupational therapy focuses on helping patients through daily activities. Unlike physical therapy, which focuses on physical recovery through exercise and different physical treatment modalities, occupational therapy helps people who struggle with daily life by addressing their physical and psychological needs so that they can live independently. It supports activities like getting dressed, eating, and writing—everything essential for daily living. It’s a broad field that covers pediatrics, geriatrics, and mental health.

Q. What made you decide to become an occupational therapist?

When I was in high school, I did volunteer work and had a chance to meet occupational therapists. Their work seemed really interesting. I remember seeing them work with children, and since kids mainly play, it was fascinating to see that playing could be part of therapy. Also, working as an occupational therapist lets you meet many people and hear their different life stories, which I find very interesting.

Q. When do you feel most fulfilled in your work?

It’s not easy for patients to return to the life they had before they became ill. But I feel fulfilled when I can help them move toward a better, more enjoyable, and meaningful life.

I want to support them in setting new goals and finding their own sense of purpose.

Q. You’re taking a break from work and came to Korea — what inspired you to make that decision?

After turning 30, I decided to take a year off before starting graduate school. I wanted to try something different and also improve my Korean.

Q. Your Korean is very fluent! What first inspired you to learn it?

I have been learning Korean for almost 10 years. K-pop and Korean culture have been famous for a long time, and I especially enjoyed watching a variety show called Running Man. One day, I came across a Korean book at the library, and that moment led me to start studying the language and take an interest in Korea.

Q. What made you decide to move into Mangrove? Was there anything that drew you in?

After I decided to study in Korea, my first consideration was where I should live. Both having personal space and having opportunities to meet people were very important to me. I liked that Mangrove Sinchon offers a single room with a small kitchen and even a washing machine. Plus, the MSC(Mangrove Social Club) offers various activities, which I felt would make my life in Korea more fun. That’s why I chose Mangrove.

Q. Do you remember your first day at Mangrove Sinchon? What was going through your mind when you first arrived?

When I first arrived, I thought, “Wow, this is where I’ll be living on my own in Seoul!” The room was very clean, and the view outside the window was so nice that I liked it very much. I liked how the space was well divided and that there was plenty of storage.

© Alicia Yam

Q. You've lived in both Hong Kong and Seoul — what feels similar, and what’s been totally different?

Both cities are busy and fast-paced, so I got used to Seoul quickly. The subway is just as crowded during rush hour. But Seoul has more open spaces and fewer high-rise buildings, which helps me feel a bit more relaxed.

One of my favorite things about Seoul is that when I look up, I can always see the beautiful, wide sky.

Q. What kind of place did you live in back in Hong Kong? How does it compare to Mangrove?

In Hong Kong, I live with my family in an apartment. The area isn’t downtown, but like Sinchon, it has plenty of convenient facilities and good transportation. Yet, what I found amazing about Sinchon is that not only are there 24-hour convenience stores, but also 24-hour restaurants.

Q. Sinchon’s known as a university town in Seoul. How has it been actually living here?

Sinchon is my favorite neighborhood in Seoul. Everything I need is right here, so it’s very convenient. I think that because there are many universities nearby, there are lots of excellent restaurants and cafes with reasonable prices. There are also many stores, so if I compare prices, I can find good-quality items at a low price. My school is close enough that I walk there every day—it only takes about 15 minutes. And if I want to go somewhere for fun, it’s easy to get around by bus or subway.

Q. Are there any places in Sinchon that you’ve grown especially fond of?

There are many lovely places near Sinchon, yet I particularly enjoy walking along the Gyeongui Line Forest Park, just behind Mangrove Sinchon. I can go for a walk or exercise there, and it’s easy to walk all the way to Yeonnam-dong. Having a good cup of coffee and a hearty brunch after exercising is the perfect way to start my day. On weekends, I enjoy finding new cafes near the park—it’s like a fun challenge!

Q. Have you made any new connections since moving in? Any moments or people that stuck with you?

I’m usually quite introverted, but thanks to the MSC programs, I was able to make many friends. I’m really grateful because everyone has been so kind to me. Before Lunar New Year, one of my Mangrove neighbors took me to a traditional market, where I bought Korean snacks to bring home and share with my family. I’ve also become close with other friends through sports activities, and these days we often make plans to work out together.

Q. What sports do you mainly do with friends?

Recently, I really enjoyed learning korfball for the first time, and I’ve come to like running as well. Before living at Mangrove, I couldn’t run well—my knees would start to hurt after just five minutes. But after joining the MSC running program and practicing regularly with my neighbors, I gradually improved. Recently, I was able to run for 25 minutes—about five times longer than before!

Living at Mangrove has also made me more open to new challenges.

Q. We’ve seen you around at MSC events! Was there a particular program that really stood out to you?

I’m really happy that I could try so many things while living at Mangrove. Since I came to Korea, I’ve wanted to experience as much as possible. The program that stood out most for me was the Strengths Coaching program. I’d always been curious about my personality, my strengths, and how I could use them well. After leaving my job and planning a new path with graduate school, I wanted to better understand myself. The program helped me do that, and now I hope I can accept my personality as it is and use my strengths in a positive way. I’m glad that studying Korean allowed me to join a program like this.

Q. Is there a space inside Mangrove that you find yourself going back to often? What do you usually do there?

Since I’m currently a student, I sometimes study in the workroom on the 5th floor of Mangrove Sinchon. I especially like Workroom D because it’s a private space where I can really focus. It’s a bit larger and quieter than other single rooms, so I can even stand up and stretch when I need a break. I remember spending about three hours there preparing for my final exams.

Q. How do you think living at Mangrove has shaped your way of thinking or the way you live?

As I have said, Seoul and Hong Kong have a similar fast pace of life, but after coming to Korea, my daily rhythm and role have changed a lot. I realized how much people need time and space to rest. I thought, “So this is why we need a day of rest.” Mangrove has lots of spaces where I can slow down and reflect on myself.

Don’t we need spaces in our hearts and surroundings to think about what we truly want and how to do it?

Living at Mangrove has also made me more open to new challenges. Since my time in Korea is limited, I want to try as many things as possible. I hardly exercised before, but now I’ve tried climbing, korfball, hiking, and running. After trying, I thought, “I can do this! And exercising with friends is actually fun!”

I know there are other coliving brands in Korea, but I feel like none have social club activities as active as Mangrove. Thanks to MSC, I was able to meet so many Korean friends.

Q. Is there a dream or goal you're hoping to achieve in the near future?

I’ve been living in Seoul for over half a year now. I hope to find a sustainable lifestyle that suits me, different from the way I used to focus too much on work. I also want to keep up the knowledge and good habits I’ve built here.

And if these experiences can help others in any way someday, I’d be so happy. I believe all our experiences become the nourishment that shapes our lives.