Job Discussion Forums

[wayne1523]

Mind to share the cultural experiences had in Korea in comparison to Taiwan? (for those who have taught in either or both these countries) I just came back from teaching a year in Korea and I am looking to make Taiwan my next stop. In honest reflection, with all due respect to Koreans and their country, I found Korea to be kind of bland and tame. Maybe because I am Chinese or Asian myself and have been to other vibrant cities such as Hong Kong, but I did find the cultural experience aspect of Korea to be a little subpar to my expectations. I had thought it would have been more exotic. I also thought that they were more xenophobic and their attitudes were more rigid than expected. Alot of what they care about is too heavily predicated on physical appearance, status, face, etc. A very unique society indeed in that sense, and again, not to take away anything from them because one country and economy can not rise at that pace without that organized and formal structure. But for the foreigner, it is not the MOST friendly of places. You don`t hear many people saying `I`m going to Korea for vacation` who aren`t Korean. Still, I have utmost respect for Korea and that country will always have a place in my heart since being there for 1 year is a considerable amount of time. I made many good friends and memories there.

But, I`d like to know about it in comparison to Taiwan. People say that the styles are similarly shared between these two countries, and that Taiwan is sort of a Chinese version of Korea. At the same time, people do tell me that Taiwan is overall a better and more fun place to visit. The people are foreign-friendlier and the English-speaking level is higher. What do you guys know about this?

[Mr. Kalgukshi]

Found at the top of this forum:

http://forums.eslcafe.com/job/viewtopic.php?t=64186