Korean Job Discussion Forums

[davester13]

Here's my situation: my current teaching contract will end at the end of August, and I plan to teach again in Korea, either in December or January. In between that time, I'm planning a trip to SE Asia for 3 months and, at some point, I need to return to the U.S.

1. Like most, I'm trying to do my SE Asian trip as economically as possible, so I'd rather fly to Bangkok from Korea (at end of August) instead of Seattle (mid-September). But, because my Korean visa will expire at the end of August, I don't see how I'd be able to do my trip and return to Korea before finally going back to Seattle. Is it somehow possible for me to pull this off, or am I forced to return to Seattle first, then go to SE Asia? What would you do?

2. Also, the currency. Since the Korean won is stronger than the dollar, it seems I would benefit more by keeping my won and not converting it to dollars. (Am I missing anything?)

3. Finally, if you were on a 3-month trip through SE Asia (and having most of your cash in Korean won), how would you carry your money in the SAFEST and MOST INEXPENSIVE possible way: all cash in money belt, all traveler's checks, credit cards, ATM card.... a combination of these? (Traveler's checks cost money, but so do ATM's & credit cards with service fees, right? And could I find servicible ATM machines often enough?)

Thanks for your help.

[oxfordstu]

2. Yeah don't convert it into dollars. It's something like 32 baht to the dollar right now, so you'll get screwd.

3. All of the above. Take cash, traveller's checks, and if you have an int'l atm card, use that. Just cover all your bases.

[davester13]

[ajgeddes]