Anyone ever been to S. Korea...

[Precious_Lady]

I am leaving to teach there and would like to read/hear some actual experiences that people have had in that region.

 

[Lady Reiha]

I don't know much about South Korea, only North.
But this site might help you out:

http://www.korea.net/

 

[Precious_Lady]

Thanks

Thank you...I have actually done a lot of research online. I was hoping for soe stories of personal experiences.

 

[Lady Reiha]

Thank you...I have actually done a lot of research online. I was hoping for soe stories of personal experiences.

Sorry, can't help you there.

 

[silverwhisper]

precious lady: where will you be located, in seoul/suburb or elsewhere? also, are you proficient in korean, either written or spoken? the alphabet will take some getting used to if you aren't familiar with it.

be aware that if you have to use someone else's computer, windows can be adjusted to switch b/n korean and english: since XP, there's no [language] edition of windows. let me know if more information along those lines will be necessary.

i'm of korean ancestry, and i've only been there a few times, but last during the 80s. you can reasonably expect most koreans in seoul to have some (very, very) basic english, as many koreans learn english in high school.

koreans, like most asians, generally have a much higher tolerance re: personal space than most americans, so that might be the most difficult thing for you to adjust to initially.

breakfast in korean cuisine tends to be the same types of things as are available at other meals. yes, that can include kimchee.

i heartily recommend against driving, should it ever come up.

was any of this helpful?

 

[Ardeche]

Tip

A friend of mine went to teach in Bangkok, Thailand and someone told her to join the Facebook network for the area. She was able to meet a lot of contacts and get firsthand information from people in the area. If you are on Facebook, that might be of some help. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Precious_Lady]

Silverwhisper:

I will be located in Suji, a suburb of Seoul. Besides teaching English, I hope to enroll in Korean classes to learn faster than just by being a "tourist". I have watched a couple of videos that the company I am going through led me to online.

I will have my laptop with me...but if i need to know...i will definitely ask....

I have had a couple of recent immigrant kids from Korea while in student teaching, they were a lot more affectionate than the normal 12 year old.

I have heard about the kimchee for breakfast...we will see how I cope with that...

I do NOT plan on driving anywhere!!! I have heard a few horror stories...

Thank you for your information, it was very helpful. I am super excited that I get to go on this adventure!!

 

[Precious_Lady]

knde:

Thank you for the suggestion! I should have thought of something like that before now!!!

 

[BonesJackson]

Precious

I was stationed in Korea back in 2005 and I must admit I had the time of my life. It started off horrible but got better. I was in Yongsan which is in Seoul.

If you don't drink much that'll change. Soju is like the drink of choice for any occasion. It's also cheap.

you may like kimchi. I can't stand it. The smell is horrible but some people grow to like it.

When I first got there, about a week in, I saw someone get hit by a car and have their brains strewn about (the reason why it sucked when i first got there). So watch out when walking across the street. They drive very violently out there and alot of times they do not stop at red lights.

Watch out for mo-peds.

I don't know if you're in a relationship or trying to get into one but you'll probably have a lot of soldiers flirt with you. That's just what we do.

The food (besides kimchi) is incredible. I love it.

People have a different style of dress over there....I'm used to people matching when I see them. Lots of times they won't. The younger females seem to wear heels at all times. And skirts. NO matter the weather.

June and July is very rainy. and very muggy.

Winter is cold (in my opinion...I"m from Texas) I saw snow for the first time in my life out there and wished I never had.

Hope this helps. PM me for any specific questions I may be able to answer

 

[Precious_Lady]

BonesJackson:

Thank you for the insight... pm forthcoming

 

[AuntieM]

precious lady: where will you be located, in seoul/suburb or elsewhere? also, are you proficient in korean, either written or spoken? the alphabet will take some getting used to if you aren't familiar with it.

be aware that if you have to use someone else's computer, windows can be adjusted to switch b/n korean and english: since XP, there's no [language] edition of windows. let me know if more information along those lines will be necessary.

i'm of korean ancestry, and i've only been there a few times, but last during the 80s. you can reasonably expect most koreans in seoul to have some (very, very) basic english, as many koreans learn english in high school.

koreans, like most asians, generally have a much higher tolerance re: personal space than most americans, so that might be the most difficult thing for you to adjust to initially.

breakfast in korean cuisine tends to be the same types of things as are available at other meals. yes, that can include kimchee.

i heartily recommend against driving, should it ever come up.

was any of this helpful?

Kimchee is not a breakfast food! Unless you have a cast iron stomach!
Just because it's available doesn't mean you have to eat it. I was there many, many years ago. The markets have dog meat for sale (among other delicacies) and there are a lot of good & bad things available. Just be careful. Many see Americans as targets for opportunity among other things.

 

[Spenser41]

here is a hug from a very old friend. Hugs and kisses hon.

 

[Precious_Lady]

thanks for the hug! They are always needed so far away from home!

SO, S. Korea so far...has been pretty freakin awesome. I love the lax public intoxication laws and the general social atmosphere here! Getting around is fairly easy, I am in Incheon City and I love it. The food here is great! I do have to admit I would pay 20 bucks for a Taco Bell right now! I do get some interesting stares, and have been asked once if i was Russian...which means am I a prostitute. I truly love being here and would recommend it to anyone with a 4 year degree that wants to have an adventure!

 

[silverwhisper]

precious lady, that's great--i'm thrilled you're having fun there! :>

ed

 

[Precious_Lady]

Silverwhisper: Thanks! Teaching here is SOOOO much easier than teaching in the States! I do miss my family terribly, but the new friends I am making make up for it for the most part. The only bad thing so far is the the 2 1/2 year relationship I was in fizzled really fast once I got here....but I guess it was time to move on anyway!

Well, I am out to meet the "crew" for Kalbi and Kimchee!! Have a wonderful day!

 

[silverwhisper]

sorry about your relationship but as you said. :> thanks, you too!

ed