Korean Job Discussion Forums

[adeline]

I have a chocolate lab, hes young, a bit insane, and about 60lbs. I know i can get it written into my contract that I need an apartment that allows dogs but Im wondering if i should bring him at all. Im not worried about him being eaten! Mostly Im afraid having a large dog will make it impossible to go places, and might freak people out. I already get a fair number of people running accross the street to get away as soon as they see him (and thats in Toronto). I doubt anyone would let him in their cab and it seems i can't take him on any public transit in SK. Does anyone have any insight? Whether you've just seen large dogs around or have one yourself id like to hear about it. I love him dearly but if its going to be miserable to have him there id rather make him and me happy and give him to my mother.

[spliff]

I wouldn't, it doesn't seem like the best environment for large dogs here not to mention you might only have limited time to take care of it. If it got loose it could end up as soju anju for a pack of Adoshi's. And don't expect your employer to get you a large apt just for your dog....

[kat2]

Leave him at home if at all possible. You'll probably be living in small studio apartment. Koreans are just getting used to small dogs, but big dogs still freak most of htem out. There aren't a lot of parks and there's no places to let your dog run off hte leash in the city. We have a pug, and life is alright for her, but htey are a small, low energy breed.

[Tony_Balony]

If you love your dog, bring him but you'll have to have him leased at all times. There are many people here with large dogs. He won't be eaten if you watch closely. If you ditch your loved ones, you'll feel shame the rest of your life.

You can get a rooftop place so the dog can be out on his own occasionally.

[sojourner1]

I have only seen small dogs, like the 1/2 to 2 pound apartment dog, but I am sure Koreans would love seeing your 60 pound chocolate lab. You're right it is a problem if you don't have your own car to transport it around in. I have never seen a dog on a bus or poking out a cab window nor in a restaurant. Unfortunately, it's not like traveling in Europe with a dog where dogs are accommodated on public transit, restaurants, and hotels.

I would say leave to leave him with your mother and if you get established in south Korea with a car, a wife, and a house with a small yard, then have him brought over.

[kreitler7]

Leave it at home. Korea is a terrible place for a dog (Seoul anyways). The apartments are too small, and the sound insulation between apartments is brutal. Chances are, when you aren't home, old Rover will be barking up a storm, and that's really annoying. In Seoul, there aren't even many places to walk on the grass (they fence it off). You will be at work for 8 hours or more. That is too long for a dog to be cooped up in an apartment. If you really need companionship, consider buying a cat when you get here. Cats are very clean, QUIET, and generally more suited to apartment living I think.

[adeline]

well hes fine with being tied up in the apartment all day as when he was young he would eat my furniture if i didn't tie him up so now hes used to it. Mine is a quite small studio, although im sure its a lot bigger than what i would have there. I don't let him off leash here cause im right downtown and it would be pretty dangerous. But I plan make a change in Korea and live out in the sticks. so im thinking i would have more places to walk him. im going to look into getting a car though, cause it seems transport is the biggest problem.

[adeline]

he doesn't bark, even at other barking dogs, i live next to three that bark nearly constantly and it drives me insane

[Yesterday]

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2211/2050735497_da062cb402.jpg?v=0

[teachergirltoo]

I don't have much insight for you, except to say that there are a few 'monster' dogs I see daily at my local park with their owners. One guy seems to ride his mountain bike everywhere with his dog, but if you want to be on the go as far as the subway goes you will probably have a problem. If you take a position in the suburbs with a large park nearby you will probably find it much easier for daily life.

[bijjy]

I think you could totally do it if you were living somewhere 'out in the sticks' in Korea. You could probably take him hiking in the mountains. I think most ppl on Dave's live in larger cities where it wouldn't be as easy. I was thinking of bringing my dog over (she's about as big as yours) but ended up not, because she's very old and wouldn't have adapted as easily as a spunky young pup.

*edit* Do NOT lose him though, because I heard that there are more dog meat restaurants in rural areas than anywhere else. Maybe get some Korean ID tags for him with your cell number on them.. that may help a bit.

[kat2]

Have you checked with teh airlines? Many of htem have a max size for animals they will transport. That might settle the question right there.

You should also consider your work schedule. AND DON"T BELIEVE WHAT YOUR BOSS TELLS YOU ABOUT YOUR SCHEDULE. Make sure your dog can go 9 hours or more without leaving the house (8 hours at work plus transportation to and from). You probably won't be away from home any longer than that ,but you might depending on your job.

[Scotticus]

I say to bring him. Whenever you're feeling down, you can take him for a walk and laugh as the Koreans freak out and back away. I once saw two stray Siberian Huskies on my way to work (how there were two stray Huskies in Seoul is beyond me). The looks/reactions from the people near them were priceless.

[bijjy]

^ I bet they belonged to somebody. Koreans' favorite dogs (so they say) are huskies. Almost every Korean I've met who likes dogs says they prefer huskies.

In real life they are more apt to own a toy breed though.

[loose_ends]