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Despite the ongoing pessimistic discourse about the thousands of families divided against their will during the 20th century in South Korea, a growing number middle and upper-middle-class families choose to separate and lead a transnational life, encouraged by a return policy implemented since the end of the 1990s valuing transnational experience and favouring global exchanges. Yet, transnationalism as a value and a project for families is problematic. Facing educational escalation and narrow labour market prospects, a growing number of affluent families send their children to study abroad, alone, accompanied by their mother, or under the supervision of a relative or an acquaintance. These lasting separations aiming at a higher social mobility often entail unpredictable and sometimes tragic results.