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lenker
Joined: 05 Jul 2009
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 Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 8:48 am Post subject: I LOVED my year in Korea! Don't listen to all the pessimism |
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Hi everyone,
I've been meaning to write this post for a long time! I just wanted to let anyone who is unsure of moving to Korea that I had such an amazing time!
There are so, so many post here on these forums telling all the pessimistic side of things. The Cafe was a great resource for me before my move but I almost didn't go because of certain postings saying 'don't come, this place is hell!!' Looking back, it always seemed that they were hating but staying in Korea.
This place is absolutely wonderful and people can give fantastic advice. The one thing I found was that when I was actually in Korea, I stopped coming on here. A lot of the negative people have nothing better to do than sit at home, spouting complete crap about Korea and it's citizens.
Ocassionally, before I decided for sure to go, I would see postings like this that said Korea was great. Then about 2 replies in, the hate would start- "you've only been here 3 months, you don't know anything' etc.
Well, I have over a year of Korea experience now 
I love Korea! I really had the most wonderful year! Sure, occasionally there were moments of stress but it's all part of the experience. There's so much to see, so much to do and so many amazing people to meet!
The students I had were so lovely and it was awesome to see them progress.
Koreans are awesome! You can find bad people in any population but I really found 99.9% of Koreans to be the most caring and kind people you can meet.
If I could give some recommendations to people who are planning to go, they would be:
Learn how to read Hangul. It might look confusing but it's the most logical writing system ever and it takes only a few minutes study to realise this. So many foreigners never bother and I can't understand why. It's so easy and helps so much when living in Korea!
Learn some Korean! You'll have hangul down, so it will be no problem to you
If you don't know anyone yet, use facebook! Search for your area or join any of the wonderful Korea based pages and get in touch with people! Everyone will be lovely, I promise!
Go out once and a while. I know people who sat at home and watched western tv but had NO fun! There's a lot to do and it doesn't have to cost anything!
Travel!! Go around Korea- visit the islands, climb mountains and go swimming in Busan! Save some money and go to the Philippines, Thailand, China, Japan. where ever! Trust me, it's worth spending that small bit of your wages to see Asia!
Don't take everything to heart- sure, you will come against obstacles and have moments of wanting to explode but it's all part of experiencing a new country and a new culture. Read up on Korea and it's culture. Once you understand simple things like why Koreans giggle at awkward moments, you will have a much easier and better time.
Meet the locals- it's easier than it sounds. There's loads of Koreans who want to mingle with you guys and gals! Go out to bars, go hiking, go on facebook organised picnics!
Overall, my advice is GO! Make the move and have the time of your life! |
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soupsandwich
Joined: 20 May 2011
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 9:12 am Post subject: |
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Hi everyone,
I've been meaning to write this post for a long time! I just wanted to let anyone who is unsure of moving to Korea that I had such an amazing time! |
Well, nice to see someone actually had a good experience in Korea...and write about it.
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There are so, so many post here on these forums telling all the pessimistic side of things. The Cafe was a great resource for me before my move but I almost didn't go because of certain postings saying 'don't come, this place is hell!!' Looking back, it always seemed that they were hating but staying in Korea. |
Well, their perception is their reality. Many bad things happen to ESL teachers in Korea....you can't ignore that because you had a good experience. But..nobody should take it away from you, either. Yes, there people who end staying even though they are unhappy. Why? Many reasons I guess.
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| This place is absolutely wonderful and people can give fantastic advice. The one thing I found was that when I was actually in Korea, I stopped coming on here. A lot of the negative people have nothing better to do than sit at home, spouting complete crap about Korea and it's citizens. |
That is true. Dave's is a breeding ground for sanctimonious people who think are gods amongst mortals. Now, I would not say they spout complete crap. AFter all, the U.S. embassy does provide a subtle warning for those considering to teach in Korea. Just because your experience was good, does not mean the others who have not been successful does not mean your outlook is the reality of Korea...or Korean people.
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| Ocassionally, before I decided for sure to go, I would see postings like this that said Korea was great. Then about 2 replies in, the hate would start- "you've only been here 3 months, you don't know anything' etc. |
AT the time, those people were write. There is a period known as the "Honeymoon Phase".
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Well, I have over a year of Korea experience now Very Happy
I love Korea! I really had the most wonderful year! Sure, occasionally there were moments of stress but it's all part of the experience. There's so much to see, so much to do and so many amazing people to meet! |
Good!
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| The students I had were so lovely and it was awesome to see them progress. |
Definitely a bonus!
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Koreans are awesome! You can find bad people in any population but I really found 99.9% of Koreans to be the most caring and kind people you can meet. |
Well....I think many would agree and at the same time...many people would disagree.
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If I could give some recommendations to people who are planning to go, they would be:
Learn how to read Hangul. It might look confusing but it's the most logical writing system ever and it takes only a few minutes study to realise this. So many foreigners never bother and I can't understand why. It's so easy and helps so much when living in Korea! |
Yes,it does help, obviously. Hangul is not that complicated to learn.
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| Learn some Korean! You'll have hangul down, so it will be no problem to you Very Happy |
Even when you realize the co-teacher, kids or average passerby is throwing insults at you?
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| If you don't know anyone yet, use facebook! Search for your area or join any of the wonderful Korea based pages and get in touch with people! Everyone will be lovely, I promise! |
OK...now you are sounding as if you are selling something.
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| Go out once and a while. I know people who sat at home and watched western tv but had NO fun! There's a lot to do and it doesn't have to cost anything! |
Most things cost something.
| Quote: |
| Travel!! Go around Korea- visit the islands, climb mountains and go swimming in Busan! Save some money and go to the Philippines, Thailand, China, Japan. where ever! Trust me, it's worth spending that small bit of your wages to see Asia! |
True..during the first three months perhaps. But did you not realize that one location in Korea is pretty much the same as another?
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Don't take everything to heart- sure, you will come against obstacles and have moments of wanting to explode but it's all part of experiencing a new country and a new culture. Read up on Korea and it's culture. Once you understand simple things like why Koreans giggle at awkward moments, you will have a much easier and better time. |
True. But many people don't go to Korea for the cultural experience. Most go for the money ( and the initial ticket to Korea). Also, you may have a different version of what an "obstacle" in Korea is.
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| Meet the locals- it's easier than it sounds. There's loads of Koreans who want to mingle with you guys and gals! Go out to bars, go hiking, go on facebook organised picnics! |
Can be true. But it gets old when you realize they just want to learn free English lessons from you. Not the case 100% of the time...but very, very common. It gets old..quick.
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| Overall, my advice is GO! Make the move and have the time of your life! |
You heard, him/her.........GO! Have fun.
...find out for yourselves.
soupsandwich |
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sojusucks
Joined: 31 May 2008
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 1:01 pm Post subject: |
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| It all depends on your school. If you're lucky enough to get a good school then you can have a great time. If you get a bad school then it can be a nightmare. In other words, much of it depends on luck. |
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jc1257
Joined: 22 Aug 2010
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 3:26 pm Post subject: |
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| soupsandwich wrote: |
True..during the first three months perhaps. But did you not realize that one location in Korea is pretty much the same as another?
soupsandwich |
Having done a ton of travel in Korea over the last 15 months I can tell you that this is 100% not true. Maybe if all you do is visit a temple in each city, but if you try the unique things for each area and get off the beaten path a bit Korean can have some of the most beautiful places to visit. |
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Cedar
Joined: 11 Mar 2003
Location: In front of my computer, again.
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:00 pm Post subject: |
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| I first came to Korea in 1996. I've lived here on and off since then (about 11 years in Korea, total). The OP is right. Negative attitudes breed negative experiences. Suspicious minds believe the Koreans around them are insulting them/out to get them when they're not. There are bad hagwons. There are bad experiences. But the good outweighs the bad for anyone with the eyes to see it. |
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minos
Joined: 01 Dec 2010
Location: kOREA
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:19 pm Post subject: |
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| sojusucks wrote: |
| It all depends on your school. If you're lucky enough to get a good school then you can have a great time. If you get a bad school then it can be a nightmare. In other words, much of it depends on luck. |
Yep, good school school with reasonable hours allows you to do what the OP talks about comfortably.
All my friends stayed a few years and when I looked at our jobs we always banked around 3+ million a month and worked only a few hours a day(like 3-4 and finished before 8 usually).
My friends at normal hagwons and crappy PS jobs left in a year and were always bitching.
However, as you get older, things will get old. It was a blast my first 2 years. After that everything became kinda normal. I traveled and drove around a lot so the mystery is kinda gone now
I think you reach a point where you decide to go all in (get an MA, marry, learn high level Korean) or begin to decide where to head next. |
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eamo
Joined: 08 Mar 2003
Location: Shepherd's Bush, 1964.
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:22 pm Post subject: |
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We all experience our time in Korea differently for many different reasons. Some of those reasons are about who we are, and some are about what Korea/Koreans are.
The idea that one's own experience in Korea, good, bad or somewhere inbetween, is what everybody else should experience is ridiculous. |
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soulofseoul
Joined: 23 Mar 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:40 pm Post subject: |
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| minos wrote: |
| sojusucks wrote: |
| It all depends on your school. If you're lucky enough to get a good school then you can have a great time. If you get a bad school then it can be a nightmare. In other words, much of it depends on luck. |
Yep, good school school with reasonable hours allows you to do what the OP talks about comfortably.
All my friends stayed a few years and when I looked at our jobs we always banked around 3+ million a month and worked only a few hours a day(like 3-4 and finished before 8 usually).
My friends at normal hagwons and crappy PS jobs left in a year and were always bitching.
However, as you get older, things will get old. It was a blast my first 2 years. After that everything became kinda normal. I traveled and drove around a lot so the mystery is kinda gone now
I think you reach a point where you decide to go all in (get an MA, marry, learn high level Korean) or begin to decide where to head next. |
banking 3+ mil. at 3-4 hours a day??? Id like to know where these jobs are? |
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Died By Bear
Joined: 13 Jul 2010
Location: On the big lake they call Gitche Gumee
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:44 pm Post subject: |
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Originally posted by Lenker:"Don't take everything to heart- sure, you will come against obstacles and have moments of wanting to explode but it's all part of experiencing a new country and a new culture. Read up on Korea and it's culture. Once you understand simple things like why Koreans giggle at awkward moments, you will have a much easier and better time.
Meet the locals- it's easier than it sounds. There's loads of Koreans who want to mingle with you guys and gals! Go out to bars, go hiking, go on facebook organised picnics!
Overall, my advice is GO! Make the move and have the time of your life!"
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TROLL!!!
Kidding!
Last edited by Died By Bear on Tue May 31, 2011 4:51 pm; edited 3 times in total |
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soulofseoul
Joined: 23 Mar 2010
Location: Seoul
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:46 pm Post subject: |
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as to the OP....yeah to get info on here is good, but I wouldnt waste hours on end posting like Ive seen many do.
It makes me wonder why people waste so much of their time posting pages upon pages of comments/feelings/thoughts.
Id rather spend my time making more money  |
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soupsandwich
Joined: 20 May 2011
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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| Having done a ton of travel in Korea over the last 15 months I can tell you that this is 100% not true. Maybe if all you do is visit a temple in each city, but if you try the unique things for each area and get off the beaten path a bit Korean can have some of the most beautiful places to visit. |
100% NOT true?
Well............it must be nice seeing Korea through your eyes.
soupsandwich |
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Ramen
Joined: 15 Apr 2008
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 4:53 pm Post subject: |
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| soulofseoul wrote: |
| minos wrote: |
| sojusucks wrote: |
| It all depends on your school. If you're lucky enough to get a good school then you can have a great time. If you get a bad school then it can be a nightmare. In other words, much of it depends on luck. |
Yep, good school school with reasonable hours allows you to do what the OP talks about comfortably.
All my friends stayed a few years and when I looked at our jobs we always banked around 3+ million a month and worked only a few hours a day(like 3-4 and finished before 8 usually).
My friends at normal hagwons and crappy PS jobs left in a year and were always bitching.
However, as you get older, things will get old. It was a blast my first 2 years. After that everything became kinda normal. I traveled and drove around a lot so the mystery is kinda gone now
I think you reach a point where you decide to go all in (get an MA, marry, learn high level Korean) or begin to decide where to head next. |
banking 3+ mil. at 3-4 hours a day??? Id like to know where these jobs are? |
i won't tell.  |
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mayorgc
Joined: 19 Oct 2008
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 5:13 pm Post subject: |
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| It all depends on your school. If you're lucky enough to get a good school then you can have a great time. If you get a bad school then it can be a nightmare. In other words, much of it depends on luck. |
I have to agree with this 100%. I'm pessimistic by nature, so I point out the negatives easily (like I used to do on Daves), but I must have had the best luck in the world while I was in Korea.
I'm not sure if I have a horseshoe stapled to my butt or anything, but I had an absolute blast for 2 years while I was in Korea.
My school/co-worker/principal/kids were all amazing. My co-worker and her husband treated me like a true friend. My principal was regarded as the best principal in the country by the entire school (female principal). and My kids treated me like a rock star (I think 90% of english teachers get treated this way).
I'll have to admit though that it wasn't all luck that contributed to my awesome time at school. My skin tone and personality also benefitted me greatly. Since I'm Chinese, I blended in much quicker at school. The kids warmed up to me right away and there were many teachers who didn't even know I was a foreigner. My personality also really fit in well at my school. I was a little bit quiet and I came off as humble sometimes, so that just worked out in my favor.
Outside of school, I lucked out and met my future wife while using public transportation. 1 week after landing at Incheon, I was out sightseeing in Seoul and the stars must have been aligned. Having her with me my entire time in Korea also made things a million times better/easier.
I also love videogames and Korea still has tons of Tekken arcades. I couldn't have landed in a more perfect country.
Things would have been much different had I got placed at a different school.
Korea absolutely isn't for everybody. Some people hate it there (for good reason) and leave before the year is up. Some people end up loving it there and stay forever.
I don't live in Korea anymore but I miss it so much sometimes. |
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cj1976
Joined: 26 Oct 2005
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 5:34 pm Post subject: |
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There are so many factors that determine how good or bad your stay here is.
Location, workplace, choice of people you associate with, etc. Your own attitude and personality is a big factor, too. I've met some people who just like to complain because they must love the sound of their lips flapping. These people will bitch wherever they are. |
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Ramen
Joined: 15 Apr 2008
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| Posted: Tue May 31, 2011 5:59 pm Post subject: |
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| cj1976 wrote: |
There are so many factors that determine how good or bad your stay here is.
Location, workplace, choice of people you associate with, etc. Your own attitude and personality is a big factor, too. I've met some people who just like to complain because they must love the sound of their lips flapping. These people will bitch wherever they are. |
just like everthing in life. |
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