How to navigate Korea as an adoptee returning for 1st time?

Hello, 안녕하세요

I’m a 26 man, and I was adopted from South Korea to Norway when I was 6 months old.

If everything goes after plan, I will visit South Korea next year. Excited, but as well little nervous.

Hope to meet my biological mom, but I’m well prepared that the request may be denied. That’s a topic for another day.

However, I’m curious how Koreans react to us adoptees that are returning? Have any of you met adoptees returning to Korea? What should I know beforehand? Anything, I’m still as lost😅

I will try to learn some Korean phrases and words beforehand, as I unfortunately haven’t thought seriously of learning Korean.

Korean rules and norms are unknown to me, even if I read about it online. I do have some visible tattoos. Can that indicate that I may be a western? Can I be denied access at some places? And what’s people options on it? None of my tattoos is related to gangs, violence or any other controversial stuff.

While in Seoul, is Seochon a good area to stay? I prefer something less central or crowdy.

Also, can you please recommend me cool stuff to do? Cafes, museums, and some skin and scalp treatment places that are used to foreigners?

Thank you, and I’m really looking forward to come visit, and understanding my roots better.