I used to call myself a "Tech Nomad." I couldn't stand using the same smartphone for more than a year. Exploring new technology was my joy, and loyalty to a brand was a foreign concept. That was until November 2020, when I picked up the iPhone 12 Pro. That moment marked the beginning of my long, steadfast "Apple Era."
The "Vibe" Trap: Enduring Inconvenience for Aesthetics
From late 2020 until the summer of 2025, I was a devout iPhone user. I even upgraded to the iPhone 15 in September 2023, pledging my allegiance to the ecosystem.
However, living in Seoul with an iPhone means fighting a daily battle against "Inconvenience." The anxiety of stepping out without a wallet because you can't use Samsung Pay. The stress of frantically scribbling notes during work calls because you can't record them. For a professional working in Korea—especially in my line of work where audit trails are crucial—these are fatal weaknesses.
Yet, I endured. Why? For one simple reason: "Gamseong" (감성). It’s a Korean term that roughly translates to "vibe" or "emotional sentiment." I brainwashed myself: "This inconvenience is the price of coolness." The Galaxy phones looked like devices for "Ah-jaes" (middle-aged men), while the iPhone and Apple Watch combination was simply beautiful.
To be honest, the only real advantages I felt were great photos and a watch that looked better than its Samsung counterpart. Everything else was an exercise in patience.
July 2025: Surrender and the Foldable World
In July 2025, I finally waved the white flag. I ended my nearly 5-year relationship with Apple and crossed back over to the Android camp with the Galaxy Z Fold 7.
Ironically, the biggest reason was my old habit returning: the craving for something new. Bar-type phones had become boring. The expansive screen of a foldable phone was an irresistible temptation for someone who values productivity.
The Verdict: When in Seoul, Do as the Seoulites Do
It has been about six months since I returned to Galaxy. My conclusion is clear: "To enjoy 100% of a smartphone's potential in Korea, you must use a Galaxy."
I no longer carry a wallet. When a business call ends, the recording is automatically saved, allowing me to double-check details later without panic. I review documents on the Z Fold 7's massive screen while simultaneously sending KakaoTalk messages.
During my iPhone years, I gave up 50% of functionality for 50% of "style." Now, I am enjoying 100% of what a mobile device can offer. Rather than "pretty trash," a rugged "Swiss Army Knife" proved to be much more effective for navigating the urban jungle of Seoul.
If you are an expat living in Korea, or doing business here, take my advice: Leave the "vibes" for Instagram, and put a Galaxy in your pocket.
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