An Interview with Christine Newell, Author of Five Seasons in Seoul A Life Changing Year in South Korea (Affirm Press, 2025)

Christine Newell was a professional music theatre performer, her musical theatre credits include The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz. Christine wrote and produced a one-woman show, Places I Have Been, which inspired her to write this memoir. When she is not writing, Christine can be found in her local cafe or planning her next travel adventure.

Did you always plan to write a travel memoir and did you keep a journal while you were in Seoul?

No, I didn’t ever plan on writing a travel memoir. When I was performing, I never considered that I might write one day, but when I did decide that this would be my path, I knew immediately that it would be a travel memoir. Memoir has always been my favourite genre. I’ve always been curious about other people’s lives, the struggles they’ve faced and how they’ve overcome them, so that was a huge motivator for me when writing my own story.

I didn’t keep a journal when I was in Seoul, so I relied on memory, emails that I’d sent to friends and family back home, and photos. I also had the support of my former colleagues and would often check in with them to make sure that I had remembered something accurately.

When did you start writing your memoir and how long did it take you to write?

I wrote the introduction in 2018 when I went back to Seoul for a visit. I intended to keep going, but when I arrived home, I got distracted by other things and had trouble fitting writing into my life. I dabbled occasionally, but I didn’t fully commit until 2020 when Melbourne went into lockdown. It wasn’t so much the extra time that made the difference, but the fact that lockdown and some other things that were happening in my personal life prompted me to reassess my priorities. The book went to the top of my list and now it’s published. It took just over five years in total, but I was only writing consistently for three of those years.

Can you tell me about your writing process and what is your writing routine?

My process is to write whatever is on my mind and let the words flow naturally. When the words slow down and the time feels right, I go back and edit. I do my best writing first thing in the morning. I don’t work well at night, so if I get up late or do something else with my morning, I get edgy because I can feel my best hours slipping away. I have a morning routine where I get out of the house early, get my body moving and grab a takeaway coffee. Then I do a meditation before I start writing. Meditation is an important part of my process. It helps me focus and start the day with a positive mindset.

What makes this story meaningful for you and why do you think it will resonate with its readers?

It’s meaningful to me because my time in South Korea was such a unique and transformative experience. I also go into detail about my father’s illness, the impact that had on me as a child and the sacrifices my mum made to support us, so on a very personal level it has been lovely to pay tribute to my parents through my writing. I’ve been very honest about my mental health battles and my struggle with impostor syndrome, and I hope it’s that honesty that will resonate with readers. I also hope my love of South Korea shines through in my writing and that the connection I feel with a country and culture that is not my own will resonate with readers.

How did you find adjusting to life back in Melbourne and are you still involved in the theatre?

Adjusting to life back in Melbourne came with its own set of challenges. When I first came home, I experienced the same disconnect I felt when I arrived in South Korea. But I was keen to take the lessons I learned, both personally and professionally, and move forward with my life, so that’s what I did. I did keep performing for a while, but a few years ago, while writing and producing my own one-woman show, I fell in love with the writing process and knew immediately that it was the next step for me.

I loved the seasonal aspect of your writing as well as the descriptions of the local cuisine, what was your favourite season? And favourite and least favourite dish?

Every season in South Korea is distinct and has something special to offer. I loved them all for different reasons, but if I had to choose, I would say Autumn, when the humidity of summer lingers, and the maple and gingko trees start to change colour.

My favourite dish is dolsot bibimbap, which is rice, vegetables, egg and gochujang (red chili paste) served in a hot stone pot. My least favourite dish is sundae (sausage made with pig or cow’s blood). It’s a very popular street food in Korea, but I can’t bring myself to eat it.

Is there anything you would have liked to have told your younger self?

That it’s OK to be different and that those differences might turn out to be your greatest strengths.

Are you planning any more trips to Korea or anywhere else?

I was in South Korea last July, but I’m hoping to go back again now that the book is published. I’d also like to go somewhere completely different like Iceland or Scandinavia.

Finally, do you have any upcoming projects or events that you would like to share and where can we find you online?

I absolutely loved the process of writing and publishing Five Seasons in Seoul, so I’m keen to keep the momentum going. I’ve started a second book, but it’s in the very early stages, so it’s soon for me to try and articulate my idea. I’m also hoping to do some freelance writing in the wellbeing and travel space, so I’ve been working on that as well.

You can find me at www.christinenewell.com or on Instagram at @christinenewellwriter. I have a very exciting book club event coming up on Friday 27 June at the Korean Cultural Centre Australia, which is in Sydney, and I’ll be posting the details for that on my website soon.

A special thankyou to Ari Ryan at Affirm Press for organising this interview.