A very valid question, and like all good questions it can be answered a variety of ways. We normally begin by explaining how Garrett spent two weeks in Seoul during his YWAM outreach. He loved the culture, the people, the deep sense of history and tradition - and he really loved the food.
We then talk about the opportunity for ministry there. Our hearts break for the extreme human rights abuses which continue to happen in North Korea - South Korea's infamous neighbor which is widely recognized as the most oppressive country in the world.
Although we obviously understand our efforts here are restricted, we believe simply choosing to live near North Korea is, for us, the best way of saying "we are with you" - and possibly such a statement can help begin to change the western world's perception of this country (us included).
Also, about a year ago we saw this trailer for a documentary that still hasn't been released, but it rocked us pretty hard. Ever since then it has been a dream of ours to get to volunteer at an orphanage during our time in South Korea.
Lastly, we talk about the very practical reason of paying off student loans. South Korea's EPIK program takes great care of its teachers - providing a good salary ($25k), benefits, travel costs and provides housing. We hope that with some good choices we will be able to pay off a good chunk of our student loans within our one year teaching contract.
The most honest answer, however, is probably some combination of all of the above merged with the reality that we're just two adventurers looking for a good story to live.
