Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Bama]

Hello, all:

I am thinking of teaching at a hagwon in Korea for a year. I would like to live in the southern part of the country, like Busan or thereabouts.

What I would like to know, from any who may have had experience, are these questions:

Will there be any places for nightlife that native Koreans go to? I don't really want to hang out in the western places.

After a couple of months, is it acceptable to invite my bosses and their families to a dinner party at my home?

Will korean bought electronics plug into my laptop?

Any answers will be appreciated!

Thank you

[peppermint]

Will there be any places for nightlife that native Koreans go to? I don't really want to hang out in the western places. Of course there will be. you might even have trouble finding the western hangouts, if you're the only foreign teacher at your school. Koreans don't often do things alone though, so you might get some awkward responses, particularly in restaurants

After a couple of months, is it acceptable to invite my bosses and their families to a dinner party at my home? Acceptable, but likely inadvisable. Most hagwon provided apartments are tiny one room type places. Even if you are one of the lucky few who get a civilized apartment, the bosses family likely won't speak much English, and may be uncomfortable with the idea. Dinner for the boss and coworkers might be a better idea.

Will Korean bought electronics plug into my laptop? you may need a plug adapter so your western laptop will plug into a Korean wall socket, ( they're not hard to find, and cost about a dollar there) but computer ports are the same everywhere.

[bellum99]

There is no way to explain how life is here in Korea. You may not want to live out of Seoul, you may not want to invite the boss (trust me), you may need to have some western food. You have to come and experience it yourself...like sex for the first time.


---No one can really explain Korea to another person..everyone sees Korea in a different way.

[spliff]

[laogaiguk]

Most Asian homes are not like ours back home. It's much more natural here to go out for dinner. Inviting people to your house, though done sometimes, especially house warming parties, doesn't happen that often.

[Bama]

Thank you for your responses.

I suppose it will not do to hostess my boss and his family at my home.


I would like to make a reciprocating gesture if my boss entertains me. Would it be acceptable to host he and his wife at a nice restaurant?

I am wondering whether or not to hold informal get-togethers at my home. In my cultural milieu, it is appropriate to host/ess friends for drinks and discussion. Does anyone think that this is a thing that Koreans and expats will enjoy?

Do karaoke bangs have songs in English? Can you bring your own CDs into the bang?

Thanks again for your correspondance.

Bama

[rebel1]

.....no, seriously!?!

[Bama]

Seriously.

[normalcyispasse]

You're overplanning. When/if you arrive here you'll find that Korea is probably quite different from your expectations.

[xtchr]

[Dome Vans]

[nomad-ish]

OP, just wait until you get here and settled before you worry about throwing any parties/get-togethers for your boss or anyone else.

as for the singing rooms (norae-bangs), they usually have a big book filled with korean and english songs, so no need to worry about that

[Mi Yum mi]

Why don't you see how big your place is. Why don't you wait and see what kind of boss you get. I can't picture you having a party for some a$$ you hate in your one room 3mx3m apt.