Korean Job Discussion Forums

[beachbumNC]

So, I'm really going to miss my cat. It seems like Koreans must despise cats, but that's their problem and not mine. How do you go about taking your cat to Korea? Can you bring it back after your contract is up? Does it cost a billion dollars? Is it best just to give my cat to my landlord with her big house in the country with a huge yard and giant trees?

Thanks much.

p.s.: How could anybody possibly despise cats? You know Hemingway had like a dozen of them. That's a real endorsement for cats if I ever heard of one.

[Bibbitybop]

Koreans are scared of cats' eyes. Many also think they are evil.

Anyone can dislike cats...if they are allergic to them!

Have you heard of those $2,500 allergin-free cats? Expensive p()ssy there.

[RACETRAITOR]

Most Koreans despise cats, but some Koreans love cats.

[Oreovictim]

I like cats; I hate Hemingway.

I'm never home sick, and I don't miss many of my relatives, but I do miss my cat. I should take her over here between contracts. It's funny, I see dog food everywhere, but you have to look really hard just to find cat food and litter.

[storysinger81]

Well, I guess I'm gonna find out because I just booked my flight with Korean Air to include my cat in the temperature regulated, pressurized cargo compartment of the airplane.

For entry to Korea, the cat needs a rabies shot more than 30 days, but less than one year ago. The cat needs a certificate of health from a vet no more than 10 days prior to entry into the country (this can be tricky if you take into account time zones). It's costing around $300 one way, but does not count as excess baggage in addition.

My kitty is pretty big (just over 5 kgs), but smaller cats might be able to fly in the cabin with you and might be cheaper. Korean Air was extremely helpful in arranging the situation (although I have not actually made the flight yet, so who knows?).

My vet recommended testing tranqs on land before administering them; there is much debate about this topic, but it is a 18 hour journey for us... I have a great vet rec from the teacher in my current position (Daegu) and a cat-loving boss who will help with the transition. My cat was an abandoned rescue animal before and it took her almost 2 whole months to spend much time with me instead of hiding under the bed, so I think it will be less traumatic for her (and for me) to bring her with me than to be abandoned again.

The 48 contiguous states have differing regulations about cats in terms of re-entry, but it seems comparably complicated to bringing her to Korea as it is bringing her home... now if you're coming from Hawaii or England, that's another issue altogether.

Hope that helps.

[Julius]

I saw some ajoshii fool run out of a restaurant and creep up on a cat like he was about to grab it, with his friends thinking it was a big joke. I spun round and stood between him and the cat and glared before he stopped and went and sat down. I must say I'd punch someones lights out if I saw them being cruel to one of the street cats.


Most westerners were brought up with pets and animals and have a respect for them.
Koreans though, by and large seem to view animals as lower than nothing....makes me angry.

[faster]

Apparently no quarantine coming to Korea, but you'll certainly have one returning to the states. Not to mention the trauma.

[superacidjax]

[storysinger81]

[ardis]

They can't ALL hate cats that much, because I've most definitely seen Korean films/music videos/dramas where someone cuddles a cute kitten that is definitely NOT supposed to be a sign of the devil.

Most of my college friends here in the States hate cats, though...with a huge passion.

[happygirl]

[twg]

[contrarian]

I actually managed to befriend a Korean feral cat. It took patinece, a lot of cans of Tuna, a few small injuries and a few small piles of catshit on my floor. He was an Ok guy, just a bit defensive.

[Juregen]

[beachbumNC]