Korean Job Discussion Forums

[inmytree]

So I'm pretty new here and my school isn't exactly full of foreign teachers to hang out with. While i have hung out with some people in my time here, I find myself being alone most of the time. When I was home I usually went out atleast on friday's and saturday's, so it's weird just sitting at home all the time. I get anxious.

While I don't have a particular problem going to a bar by myself, most of the places around me are of the sit down with the group you came with. This does nothing to solve any isolation problems I have, plus, i usually am given a sad look from whomever seats me.

So I guess my question would be, what have you all done in the past to combat this? Surely some of you have come here and not been put in the best situation for meeting people.

Thanks in advance.

[DaeguKid]

[inmytree]

Ha,
I'm into girls. For better or worse

[Bafsy]

Whereabouts in SK are you?

[Beej]

OP,
If you are bored you can use your time learning to spell. Sollutions? Come on. You're better than that.

[Easter Clark]

Get out and explore. Get on the train and get off at a random stop. Spend the day wandering around. I guess you've already done this with the buses. Try to get in good enough with your coworkers that they will invite you out once or twice a week--this means learning the language and taking a bit of flak in the beginning--when I asked my coworkers where I could drink poktanju, they were kind enough to take me to a restaurant where I could try it. After a drunken night out, we now get together once or twice a week. My Korean isn't too great and neither is their English, but after a few drinks, who cares?

For meeting women, check out:

www.koreancupid.com

and

www.koreanfriendfinder.com

Spend a few thousand won and get on those sites. It's worth it!

At home, www.mininova.org is a great place to find TV shows, new movies, music, etc. Buy a guitar and learn how to play it. Get an X-Box and some games.

If you're more of a social animal, get on facebook and check out some of the groups there. A lot does depend on where in Korea you are, though. Daejon has a very active group on Yahoo Groups, for example.

Hope this helps...I'm pretty antisocial by nature myself, but if a guy like me can find companionship in an isolated place like rural Gyeonggi-do at a public school (granted, it took several months), anyone can!

[inmytree]

I live in Gangnam.

Additionally, I could practice my spelling (apparently holding on to a key too long is flame worthy). Regardless, that wouldn't help me with the lonelyness factor.

I should probably spell check this, seeing as I do have the time, but i guess I'm going to risk it.

[spliff]

[nicholas_chiasson]

[inmytree]

yes, it's a 'happening' area. (did i really just put happening in quotes...wow). But all the places i have found are like big drinking halls where you sit with the group you came with. This makes it tough to interact with people. If you have suggestions of good places to go, i'm all ears.

[spliff]

[espo]

I have the same problem with my job. I work alone so I don't meet a lot of people. My advice is make friends with bar staff at a Western-friendly bar, buy them a drink and chat to the people who know them. Go to Hongdae or Itaewon bc there are tones of ppl who go out by themselves there, especially to places like Wolfhound, Hollywoods. Or join a group like a sports team or gym. Or do a tour like the DMZ. Or do singles night, there was one last night at a wine bar in Itaewon and there were tones of ppl there.
a lot of ppl go through lonely spells so dont worry it will pass i promise

[nicholas_chiasson]

[plus99]

[valkerie]

OP - Big Rock in Gangnam is a good place to go alone. Nice owner (Korean guy, 'Andy' ). Plus, as someone else mentioned, check out the Facebook stuff. Lots of Seoul activities, some groups are more active than others...

I live at the next station...happy to introduce you to some people who either live locally or visit the area often.