Couple leaves corporate careers to manage family farm in South Korea
A couple who left their jobs to travel eventually settled into running the wife's family farm in South Korea. The husband, Kang Soo-il, had no prior farming experience and learned the trade from his father-in-law. Their story illustrates a major lifestyle change and the challenges of agricultural work.
The couple’s decision to leave corporate life was driven by a desire for travel, but that journey ultimately led them to a permanent, unexpected destination: the wife’s family farm. Kang Soo-il, who had never worked in agriculture, had to start from scratch, learning every practical skill from his father-in-law. The transition represents a complete reversal of professional identity, from office routines to the physical demands of land management.
Their experience highlights how family-owned farms can become a second career path for urban professionals. The steep learning curve, combined with the emotional weight of taking over a family legacy, makes such a move both risky and rewarding. The story underscores that agricultural work is not merely a job but a lifestyle requiring patience, adaptability, and a willingness to embrace unfamiliar labor.
This story could resonate with professionals feeling burnout or questioning their career paths, suggesting that a rural pivot is possible even without prior experience. It may also draw attention to the aging demographics of farm owners, as younger generations might see this as a viable succession model. However, the challenges—financial risk, physical strain, and isolation—may temper enthusiasm, making such transitions a niche rather than a trend.