Korean Job Discussion Forums

[antgonz]

I am sure the first month is confusing and frustrating but afterwards being there - did it make you happier than your home country or were you the same? I want to know because I keep reading on the boards that some people think the people in South Korea are really unfriendly and rude. Is this the case or is it because the people going there are not aware of their cultural etiquette? What specifically is the best point of living in South Korea? I am not going to miss my family but what are some ways to ease into the transition?

[RACETRAITOR]

[runlikegump]

Tis a good day if I get to chuck the Pirsig on someone: The only Zen you find on mountaintops is the Zen you bring there.
If you are self-assured, well-adjusted, adaptable, and easy-going sort in the small town that spawned ya, you will probably be so here. If you are a whoa-is-me, can't cope with everything not being exactly the same as the small town that spawned me, non-coping moron, then you can stay up late at night and post on these boards.
I agree with the Traitor - there's lots to do, make some friends, and make yourself at home.

[anyangoldboy]

I chose to come to Korea and so I was happy here...I had a tough first job but wanted to stick it out because I don't like to quit and I really wanted the experience of teaching...

[Temporary]

Love it. Best decision I have made in my life.

[chris_J2]

Some tips:

* Learn about the Country & it's culture
* Keep in touch with family by cellphone / email
* Take up a hobby (eg photography, hiking)
* Make Korean friends
* Make friends with Expats
* Learn the language (Hangul)
* Have an open mind
* Counterbalance loss of old friendships with newly formed friendships
* Be patient
* have a backup Support Group

[rumdiary]

I loved my time in Korea and I'm going back in March. Easy work (compared to teaching in the United States), tons of stuff to do in Seoul, traveling around Korea is very cheap and I made friends from all over the world. I think it helps if your first job is at a school with several foreign teachers so you have a support group and you can make some friends quickly. Get Skype and a webcam and you can keep in touch with your family and friends for free.

[nobbyken]

[Justin Hale]

At first, absolutely, because I was pampered in the difficult first month. All told, yes, very happy, but the problem is....Korea gets boring after a while. It's a utilitarian (definition 2) country only. Those who like simple pleasures....money, yummy girls and an easy job will think Korea is fabulous, but those with the faculty of discerning what is aesthetically excellent will get bored after 2 years.

[Mebertz]

[bluelake]

It was so many years ago it's hard to remember... However, this is where my house, wife, son and job are, so it's home to me.

[mindmetoo]

I'm happy everywhere I live. I also like to make fun of everywhere I live. I for one see a connection.

[OiGirl]

Best thing I've ever done...every time!

[Mebertz]

Mindmetoo,

I love your avatar. It is one of the funniest things I've seen. Is it a real trading card?

Mike

[agentX]

Don't pay attention to a lot of the messages of this board.
Some commentators here are sarcastic, but aren't very good at it- so you can't tell if they're being honest or not.

Oh hell yeah I'm happy! This place has a lot of interesting things going on.
Sometimes I step outside my door, I have no idea what to expect.

For instance just last week I travel 1 block and I see a woman in the bed of a pickup truck dressed in a hanbook holding a leash dragging a man with no shirt on (But a tie) down the street. Behind him are 6 dudes in suits and one of them is wearing a construction worker's hat and is hitting the guy with what I think is a bamboo sword.
I asked my co-teacher about this; she says it's "Korean Culture".

Ah, reminds me of San Francisco...