Seoul, South Korea

Love in the Big City takes place primarily in Seoul, South Korea in the early 21st century. Young seems to have lived in the city all his life. There are mentions throughout the novel of specific neighborhoods that Young lives in or visits, including Gangnam, Daehak-ro, and Itaewon. The novel provides considerable insight into South Korean life and culture. In Part I, Young is conscripted into the South Korean military, as it is compulsory for young men to serve in the military for around 18 months, depending on the branch of service. Homophobic attitudes are common, as evidenced by Young's mother's behavior and the scene in which Young is called a gay slur by some nurses in a health clinic, but South Korea is not any more repressive in this regard than most Western nations. The author also includes references to common Korean foods and beverages, such...