Five Seasons in Seoul

by Christine Newell

Christine thought a year in South Korea would hit the pause button on her messy life. Her dad's death had left her anxious and depressed, and her career in musical theatre had reached a new low of shopping-centre kids' shows. When she found herself pulled over by the side of the road, dressed as a dinosaur and sobbing uncontrollably, it was clear something had to change.

A role with an experimental theatre company based in Seoul seemed the perfect way to put off dealing with her problems, at least for a year. But she soon found there's no running away from yourself. Travelling through South Korea, immersing herself in its culture and shifting her mindset along with the seasons, Christine discovered that sometimes the place you go to escape your life can hold the answers for how to heal it.

A heartfelt, sumptuous journey through one of the most fascinating cultures and landscapes on the planet, Five Seasons in Seoul is for armchair travellers and memoir lovers alike.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

Christine Newell is an author and freelance writer based in Melbourne. Her memoir, Five Seasons in Seoul, was published by Affirm Press in March 2025. It was chosen as the Dymocks Non-Fiction Book of the month and the Non-Fiction Pick of the Week in The Age/Sydney Morning Herald. Her travel, food and lifestyle writing has been featured in Escape, The Age/Sydney Morning Herald and Onya Magazine. As a professional musical theatre performer, Christine has always been a storyteller. In 2016, she wrote and produced her own one-woman show, Places I Have Been, which premiered to a sold-out audience at the Kew Court House and inspired her to write her memoir. Her musical theatre credits include the Australian productions of The Sound of Music, The Wizard of Oz and Anything Goes. When Christine isn't writing, she can usually be found watching K-dramas with her cat, Darcy, by her side or planning her future travels.

Reviews

[Craig and Phil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Affirm Press for sending us a copy to read and review.
An inspiring memoir about self discovery, travelling, personal growth, being brave and living in the moment.
Christine is at a crossroads in her life, unemployed and she makes an unexpected decision.
To work in kids theatre overseas.
She then chats with the reader about her adventures in Seoul.
Her early days, the experience of grief on her mental health about her father, the insecurities of theatre work, the culture and food in Korea and her time working there.
Christine reflects the wonderful memories in popular theatre productions she performed in and the bonds she made with a few select performers.
The emotion, feelings, energy and passion slide off the page and into your heart.
Life lessons, angst, dismay, elation also appear and even a little time for some romance.
A touching, honest and inspirational account of new life in a city, trial and error of tradition and the struggles and happy that comes with it.

[Naomi Shippen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five Seasons is Seoul is the story of a young woman trying to find her place in the world following grief and disappointment. Her successful career in musical theatre had stalled, and she was grieving for the loss of her father, after his lifelong illness had haunted her childhood. When an opportunity to join an experimental theatre company in South Korea comes along, Christine’s need to escape her current circumstances and desire for adventure sees her grabbing it with both hands.

Five Seasons in Seoul is beautifully written, and Christine’s writing style is effortless and captivating. With her ability to sing, dance, and act, Christine is known as a triple threat, but with writing now a part of her repertoire, the threat has now quadrupled.

As I read Christine’s memoir, I was preparing for theatre of a different kind. In the days leading up to my impending knee surgery, her vivid descriptions of the colourful and pulsating city of Seoul took me away to a different world and was a balm for my worried mind. I felt I had a fellow traveler in Christine, as she faced both mental and physical challenges, and had to learn to accept the things in life outside of her control.

While she had to face some dark nights of the soul, Christine never loses her inherent optimism or passion for the magical world of music and theatre. Her descriptions of the life of a touring performer were fascinating, and I enjoyed the unique perspective of a performer in a supporting role rather than the star of the show.

The love she has for her family, friends, and colleagues shines through, and the cultural differences make for some very funny encounters. There is a particularly funny episode where she describes her experience at a local bathhouse and the no-nonsense masseuse who took her firmly in hand.

Five Seasons in Seoul is a beautiful, evocative story that celebrates the joy and romance of theatre and the music while facing some of life's most painful experiences.

Christine was understudy for the role of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, and like the title character, had to weather the storm to find the rainbow.

Five Seasons in Seoul is the perfect book to read if you want to escape the everyday and immerse yourself in a magical, faraway land. Especially if you’re going through a rough time.

A story to soothe your soul and help you reconnect to your heart’s true desire.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five Seasons in Seoul is a beautiful memoir from debut Australian author Christine Newell. This book was woven with such love and tenderness that I was sad to turn the final page and have to leave it. It’s a touching tale of grief, self discovery, facing your demons and living within the moment.

From Christine’s very relatable early years growing up in Melbourne, to the highs and lows of life as a performer, Christine tells her story with honesty and courage. She doesn’t shy away from relating struggles with her father’s health, her own mental health and the often crippling self doubt and impostor syndrome of a struggling performer.

However, it’s Christine’s time in South Korea that is the real highlight of the book and where her storytelling brilliance really shone. She has a gift for bringing the reader into her world and I felt the wonder, anxiety, fear and joy of every new experience in this vastly different society. I loved learning more about Korean culture and societal constructs, but the pinnacle was the descriptions of food and the culinary adventure of Christine’s time there. My mouth was watering at each new taste and flavour she encountered.

I also really appreciated the look behind the scenes of the theatre. Having enjoyed watching many plays and musical theatre shows, both amateur and professional, seeing the incredible hard work that goes into what we watch on the stage was extremely eye opening.

I have to mention that one of my favourite parts of Christine’s story was her experience of the traditional Korean bath house, IYKYK.

Five Seasons In Seoul is a must for lovers of memoir, theatre and armchair travel.

[Cynthia Timoti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine Newell's memoir is a heartfelt, beautifully-written account of her year in South Korea. It's an honest and inspiring story of personal growth and self-discovery. Christine has a wonderful way of storytelling, and the country comes alive in the book through the food, the culture, the city, and the people. I hope to read more of Christine's work in the future. Highly recommended!

[Ronnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

An honest and vulnerable meditation on anxiety, grief, identity and the transformative power of travel. I enjoyed the informative and well-researched insights into Korean culture and history, and I especially loved reading about the philosophical meanings behind the seasons. I also found the behind-the-scenes glimpse into the life of a professional musical theatre performer particularly fascinating. I thought the author did a beautiful job of weaving all this into a seamless, elegant narrative that captures the joy and heartbreak of expat life. This memoir reads like a love letter to South Korea, the people, landscape and culture, and, most of all, the seasons.

"In Korea, everything in nature has its moment. Like a chameleon changing backgrounds, the landscape reinvents itself with each new season, weaving a tapestry of transient patterns beneath a moody sky."

[Lindsay Bartels · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this year in Seoul with Christine. I loved how she shared her journey - from the new food, friends and places to the insights into Korean history and culture - that challenged and changed her for the better to conquer what comes next. Introspective and relatable, this memoir was a wonderfully captured behind-the-scenes moment in time of an Australian singer, dancer and actress finding her feet in the face of the unknown; processing her self-doubt and learning her inner voice along the way.

[Katie Riddell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! So well written. I felt I was taken on a beautiful journey from the author’s anguish as a children’s entertainer in Australia to a young woman navigating her way through the wonders of a foreign Asian country.

This book has MOVIE written all over it. I can picture the opening scene with Christine standing in her Tappy the Dinosaur outfit, feeling hopeless and in tears as a car splashes a puddle onto her. And unlike other books, the author, is well qualified to play a part in the film! A must read.

[Susan Hamerton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! This travel memoir is a vivid tapestry of landscapes, cultures, and personal transformation, told with warmth and honesty. The author's keen observations and evocative prose make you feel like you're journeying right alongside them. It's an inspiring reminder that the road less traveled often leads to the most unforgettable experiences.

[Nicola Marsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this heartfelt memoir detailing the author's year in South Korea.
The food, the people, the city, comes alive with her vivid storytelling.
You'll want to book a trip by the time you finish reading!

[Rina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars.

Christine thought a year in South Korea would hit the pause button on her messy life. Her dad's death had left her anxious and depressed, and her career in musical theatre had reached a new low of shopping-centre kids' shows. A role with an experimental theatre company based in Seoul seemed the perfect way to put off dealing with her problems, at least for a year. But she soon found there's no running away from yourself.

Christine captured my attention straight away with her storytelling in this travel memoir. Right from the beginning, I was immediately swept away by her world of theatrical performance, high demand schedule, and personal grief.

The writing was meticulous and full of beautiful metaphors drawing parallels between nature and Christine’s life experiences. I loved the detailed descriptions of the ‘pink palace’ (Christine’s home in Korea) and the Korean dishes. This book made me hungry throughout with its description of Korean food and its meanings (yes I had to go to a K-BBQ place after reading this)!

What sealed the deal for me, however, was Christine’s honesty and vulnerability. Her self-finding journey amidst a demanding profession and work schedule while dealing with grief from losing a beloved family member was inspiring, relatable and cathartic. I can’t wait to read what Christine writes next!

(Thanks to Christine Newell and Affirm Press for a gifted review copy)

See my bookstagram review.

[Julie McAliece · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful memoir - full of personal and emotional turmoil gracefully dealt with and explored. I really enjoyed the insight into life in Korea and her life as a performer and equally as a daughter. I highly recommend this book.

[Red Hunt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best story line, but so good for knowledge on Korea

[Georgina · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book informative about Seoul and the Korean people which like the author at the beginning I knew very little about. Korea sounds like a lovely country with beautiful people. I also felt the author did a very good job describing how anxiety feels and the impact it has on a person's life.

That said in general I felt the book read too much like a travel guide, which would be great if you were in the country seeing these beautiful sights but eventually became a bit tedious for me. I also found the repeated descriptions of food a bit boring. My main issue with the book is I didn't get enough of a sense of the characters she meets throughthe theatre, I knew they were lovely but got very little insight into their lives and I didn't get the boyfriend relationship at all.

[H Alexander · Rating 3 out of 5]

Eat pray love, Korean edition.

Newell is not a writer and it shows. Her prose is rudimentary and cliche ridden. The pace drags in parts. The way Korean people and culture is described feels flat, uninspired and relies heavily on stereotypes and not deep knowledge—but that wasn’t too surprising since she only lived there for a year.

The parts of the book that focussed on theatre were the clear standouts of the book. It really shown when Newell delved into her passion.

[GL F · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘…a touching portrait of a city steeped in history and culture…’

FIVE SEASONS IN SEOUL transported me to what sounds like an exquisite city full of life and surprises.

CHRISTINE NEWEALL's memoir of working in a musical theatre company for a year in Seoul in her late twenties is full of growth, angst and joy, which makes for a compelling read.

South Korea wasn’t previously on my travel bucket list but it firmly is now. Thanks for the great read!!!

[Christopher Mclean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly lovely read.

Newell has a fantastic knack for drawing you into every scene and character in this travel and mental health focused memoir. A love letter to the food, culture, history, people and places of South Korea, while not shying away from the ups and downs of everyday life.

I hope there are more travels and adventures to come.

[Andrea · Rating 2 out of 5]

How did I fall for reading a book about Korea (or any other country) by a foreigner in whom I have zero interest. Full of cliches about Korea, stereotypes about the people - and the rest is about Newell's various pains and aches.
If you want tl learn about Korea read something written by a native to the country author!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. Christine’s narrative flowed beautifully. It made one want to visit Seoul. I have passed book on for friends to read and they have enjoyed it. Christine has a wonderful way of explaining her life experiences.👏👏🦋

[David Irving · Rating 1 out of 5]

A quick but tedious read, lacking depth and warmth. The narrative often felt flat and uninspired, with sections that read like Wikipedia entries.

[Colette · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nicely written though with many cliches - I could not finish it. It was like reading someone’s diary that included every mundane detail with very little drama.

[Younghee Park · Rating 5 out of 5]

To Koreans, the concept of inyun (인연 因緣) is more than a mere chance encounter or an incidental relationship. It believes that every connection is not simply random but is formed through a deeper reason or flow of events. Moreover, the impact of these relationships on an individual’s life is considered profoundly significant. Unlike fate or karma, inyun is inherently reciprocal—every relationship we build is not just a coincidence but a meaningful, predestined connection. This perspective is deeply ingrained in Korean thought and culture.

Christine arrived in Korea with no expectations. She found herself navigating an unfamiliar culture and forming new relationships, sometimes feeling intimidated, discouraged, and tested. Yet, by the time one reaches the final pages of her memoir, it becomes clear that it was not the physical place but rather the relationships she forged that ultimately transformed her. She does not merely grasp this idea conceptually; rather, she internalises it through lived experience. The bonds created over shared meals, friendships that emerged in unfamiliar and challenging creative environments, and love that grew from seemingly coincidental encounters—all these moments shaped her. Her honest and reflective writing reveals how these experiences strengthened her, helping her become more resilient and insightful.

Her journey resonated with me on a deeply personal level. As a Korean who has found myself living as a foreigner in Australia, I reflected on my own struggles with adaptation and identity. Learning a new language, understanding an unfamiliar culture, and carving out a place for myself in an environment where I am an outsider can often feel isolating, even diminishing. Yet, what sustains me, as it did for Christine, are the connections I build with people—the bonds that challenge me, comfort me, and ultimately lead me to a deeper understanding of myself. There is a certain camaraderie in that shared experience.

What makes this book quite special is that it is not simply a foreigner’s account of life in Korea. Rather, it is a deeply personal and introspective story of personal growth. Christine does not just observe Korea as a backdrop; she immerses herself in its cultural, historical, and social context, using it as a mirror to navigate her own transformation. Food, relationships, artistic struggles, the unpredictability of love, and the psychological challenges of adapting to a new environment—her five seasons in Seoul are, in many ways, the same periods of growth and self-discovery that readers, regardless of nationality, have likely encountered at some point in their lives or will inevitably experience in the future.

And finally, I must mention how her vivid descriptions of Korea’s streets, nightlife, and food culture were so evocative that even as a Korean myself, I found myself utterly captivated. The red tents of street stalls scattered throughout the city, the rich aroma of fried chicken wafting from bustling hof bars, and the neon-lit karaoke rooms where friends sing with arms draped over each other’s shoulders—her depictions were so immersive that one thought lingered in my mind throughout the book:

“I wanna go to Korea immediately.”

[Belinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was swept up in Christine Newell’s memoir about her year spent in Seoul, South Korea. The vivid descriptions allowed me to feel completely immersed in her experiences, I could almost taste the kimchi! Not knowing much at all about South Korea, I learned so much about the culture, traditions, history, and philosophy. This is a story about losing yourself, then finding yourself in unexpected places.

Christine was living in Melbourne and had performed in Australian productions like The Wizard of Oz, when she was offered the opportunity to work in Seoul for a theatre company. I laughed out loud many times throughout the book, particularly the chapter ‘Carnivores galore’ and the Korean bath house experience.
Foodies will love this book! Your mouth will be watering. I loved the idea of ‘Yak sik dong won’ - the idea of food as medicine, which comes from the Chinese philosophy of ☯️ yin and yang.

Sohwakhaeng is a Korean philosophy that encourages us to look for joy in the small, ordinary moments of everyday life - time spent in nature, a meal shared with friends, a hot cup of tea.

This memoir not only recounts a journey through South Korea but also delves into themes of self-discovery, grief, personal growth, and connection to nature. Newell offers an exceptional depiction of Korea, including its people, cuisine, and landscapes, while also exploring its history.
Here are some beautiful quotes from the book:

“Every season that unfolded before my eyes was a gift of new offerings and unexplored terrain. It was one of the things I loved most about the city - the way the seasons dictated the patterns of life.”

“According to Korean belief, spring is the beginning of the yang cycle, commonly associated with warmth and light. It is a time of hope and rebirth, when nature bursts forth in all its glory and insects and animals awaken from their slumber.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars

[Kyra Geddes · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Hallyu’, aka the ‘Korean Wave’, is the term given to the relatively recent surge in global popularity of many of South Korea’s cultural exports, including K-pop, K-dramas, cosmetics and food. But long before everyone was dancing ‘Gangnam style’ or buying seven different kinds of kimchi from their local supermarket, a young Australian woman called Christine Newell made the brave decision to accept a one-year musical theatre contract in South Korea, a country she knew virtually nothing about. Still grappling with the tragic death of her father and unhappy with the direction her career had been taking in recent years, Christine jumps head first into this fascinating but wholly unfamiliar new world and - inevitably - she lands with a bit of a thud. Thankfully though,
as it says on the back cover, ’travelling through South Korea, immersing herself in its culture and shifting her mindset along with the seasons, Christine discovered that sometimes the place you go to escape your life can hold the answers for how to heal it.’

While my original interest in reading Five Seasons in Seoul was to learn more about South Korean culture in advance of our upcoming holiday, I ended up learning so much more. Along with fascinating insights into the musical theatre world and life of a performer, and numerous interesting forays into subjects such as western vs eastern medicine, I really felt privileged to share in Christine’s emotional journey, at times heartbreaking, but ultimately uplifting.

Travel broadens the mind. We all know that. As does reading, of course! Hence the double attraction and convenience of armchair travel, in the form of reading a beautifully written memoir such as this.

[Mell Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A huge thank you to Affirm Press for sending me a copy of Five Seasons in Seoul to read and review!

I wasn’t sure if this book would be for me—I’ve never read a travel memoir before—but I was happily surprised by how much I loved it. Christine Newell is an amazing storyteller, and her writing is beautifully crafted, filled with rich metaphors and vivid descriptions.

This memoir isn’t just about a journey through South Korea; it’s about self-discovery, grief, and personal growth. Newell paints an incredible picture of Korea—the people, the food, the landscapes—while also diving deep into its history. I found the historical insights especially fascinating, and they left me wanting to learn even more about Korea’s past.

Another aspect I really enjoyed was the glimpse into the life of a performer. The honesty with which Newell discusses her struggles—whether it be her confidence as an artist, her grief over losing her father, or simply navigating life in a foreign country—makes this memoir incredibly raw and relatable. She doesn’t shy away from the darker parts of life, which makes her story feel all the more authentic.

Reading about her growth over time, her increasing confidence, and the way she slowly finds her place in the world was both moving and cathartic. Five Seasons in Seoul is a heartfelt and beautifully told memoir that will resonate with readers, whether they’re interested in travel, theatre, or simply the human experience.

If you love immersive storytelling and honest, introspective narratives, this one is absolutely worth picking up.

[Lee McKerracher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Christine Newell has given a fascinating insight into moving to another country with a culture so different to her own. What prompted her to do so, was the culmination of years of stress and anxiety, and a family tragedy.

Her life in Seoul could not be any more different to what she was used to in Australia. The cultural practices, societal expectations, history, role of women, food, hierarchy and on and on and on. But slowly she gets the hang of life in South Korea and starts to unpick its vibe and the impact this experience will have on her.

Working in the theatre in Seoul was a whole new experience for her and Roger, the director, was a challenge but there were reasons behind his behaviour, Christine just had to work them out.

I enjoyed the details about life in Seoul; it's history and the everyday lives of people there. Her insights from the view of a foreigner, were compelling.

An enjoyable book.

[Madeleine Cleary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished Christine Newell's beautiful debut and travel memoir, Five Seasons in Seoul, which is out with Affirm Press. As a former expat and massive K-drama enthusiast I was excited for this one.

While it’s a beautiful exploration of Christine’s memories as a performer in South Korea for a year, her travels and of course, the food, it was so so much more. It was also a quiet exploration into grief, anxiety and what happens when life can sometimes go off track.

The beauty of this book is in the quiet and simple moments of Christine’s memories: the joy of sharing a meal with colleagues turned friends, the lightness of an afternoon cycling in nature, the simplicity of walking around your favourite neighbourhood.

But also THE FOOD. Oh my goodness, the food.

It was the book I needed right now and it was a delight to sink into.

[Marion Taffe · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much to say about this beautiful story. It's a love letter to Seoul, but it is also an insightful exploration of anxiety, grief, perfectionism, performance, healing and ultimately hope.
As the year unfolds, so does the author. She is a young woman working as a stage performer while learning to live on her own terms without constant stage/life cues. I especially love the role of food - not just because Newell's descriptions made me drool, but also because of the way Korea's philosophies on food and seasons nurtured her soul.
Once upon a time I was a travel editor. I loooove good travel writing - it not only transports the reader to another place but invites them to experience all the flavours, fears and insights with the author. This book is all that. You are taken there, not just in that place, but right there in their shoes.
And a book is much cheaper than an airfare!

[Alex Andra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this open-hearted book, which depicts the author's long, tough and wonderful year as a performer in a new and unfamiliar country. So many aspects of this book struck a chord. The wonderment of discovering a new country, culture, language, cuisine, customs, and the layers of nuance to decipher. The author's descriptions of anxiety are so accurate, describing the physical and emotional sensations, as well as the anxious thoughts and fears, expressed so authentically. Descriptions of the episodes of imposter syndrome are so relatable. There are also all the experiences in the book which are completely unique to the author -it was utterly absorbing to read this warm and honest voice and experience this sometimes gruelling and ultimately joyous year.

[Holly Cardamone · Rating 5 out of 5]

… a bridge ‘lit up the sky with a thousand coloured lights, which bounced off a midnight sea, across the velvet water and into the twinkling stars.’

How’s this for a banger of a line? This is a memoir where armchair travel is just one sliver of an incredible story of grief, resilience, growth and presence. It's written with such … compassion is the best word I can come up with. It’s evocative, the descriptions are almost visceral (the love hotel scene had me snort laughing on the train) and this feels like a love letter to Seoul, family (found and biological) and most importantly to self. Highly, highly recommend.

[Selina Pettit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christine's writing has a way of making you feel seen. Her depictions of mental health struggles, burnout, and self-doubt resonate deeply. These challenges, however, contrast beautifully with her breakthroughs, new relationships, and exploration of Korean culture and history. Her vivid descriptions of Korean food especially made my mouth water—I genuinely felt envious of her delicious culinary experiences. Her memoir captures what it means to feel lost, yet also to find a sense of belonging in a place so far from home. It was an absolute joy to read, and I couldn't have asked for more in a memoir.