I’m a 30-year-old Korean-Canadian guy currently in Korea on a working holiday visa, and I’m seriously thinking about living here permanently. I was born in Korea but moved to Canada when I was young, got Canadian citizenship, and renounced my Korean citizenship.
Now the problem:
Since I never served in the military, I can’t get the F4 visa, which would’ve been ideal. So right now I’m using my working holiday year to figure out whether I actually want to stay in Korea long-term.
If I could go back in time, I would’ve kept my Korean citizenship and just served. But I can’t change the past.
From what I’ve researched, the only way for me to get Korean citizenship again is to give up my Canadian citizenship, restore my Korean nationality, and serve in the military, because Korea doesn’t allow dual citizenship for guys who haven’t served.
For context:
- I have no university degree
- I worked as a barber in Canada
- I’m fluent in Korean
- I have family here in Korea
- I don’t have a high-income job
- I’m still figuring out my long-term career
- I’m not fully sure if Korea is my permanent home yet, but I love it here so far
So my question is:
Should I renounce my Canadian citizenship, serve in the Korean military, and fully commit to living here permanently?
It’s a huge life decision and I’m torn. On one hand, it would solve the visa issue and let me settle here without restrictions. On the other hand, giving up Canadian citizenship and serving at 30 feels like a massive sacrifice.
Has anyone been in a similar situation or knows someone who went through this? I’d really appreciate any input or advice.
submitted by /u/Jandiboy
[link] [comments]
