Korean Job Discussion Forums

[joeheckel]

I am preparing myself for a couple years in Seoul and have not found any mention of Alcoholics Anonymous. I was hoping there might be someone on here that knows of an English speaking group. Or perhaps a few people with an interest in starting a group?

[Justin Hale]

Jesus, good luck with that. In Seoul you can get piss drunk daily for $3 - an absolute nightmare of a city for an alcoholic I'd imagine.

[prideofidaho]

found this:

Alcoholics Anonymous in Korea: www.aaainkorea.org 319-5861

on this monster of a list. Just about anything you need. wicked.

http://forums.eslcafe.com/korea/viewtopic.php?t=32521

The thread is 3 years old, but worth a shot.

good luck man, I hope you challenge yourself and give it a go!

[ED209]

I don't mean to discourage. Seriously, if you are a recovering alcoholic don't come here. You won't be able to leave the house at night without seeing restaurants and bars overflowing with drunken locals. Often during a week night. These same bars and restaurants are open until the wee hours and there is little effort to discourage this behaviour. In fact it is often expected from bosses that you drink yourself into a coma, then turn up for work the next day. It would be a challenge indeed for an AA member to come here, good luck.

[RACETRAITOR]

[prideofidaho]

I didn't really feel it was my place to make an opinion on what some other human being does, and I stress that I am generally disinterested in what others do, but I think you two are missing an interesting point.

I'd say that yes, there is a large drinking culture here, but that's easily found everywhere. And if someone is arguably recovering, I'd imagine they are probably actively trying to be comfortable in all situations, and remain in their conviction rather than practicing avoidance.

I've personally never felt someone insulted by my refusal of a drink. It doesn't happen often that I do refulse ...but if anyone took grave offense to a refusal, that's more to do with their own problems than any sort of social nicety. And in all reality, that's the OPs deal, isn't it?

[sojourner1]

Oh yes, anyone who chooses not to drink can live and work in Korea. In fact, western countries offer more brands and types of alcohol than Korea does as well as a more dangerous crazy party culture so I would bet anyone with level head can do just fine in Korea.

[RACETRAITOR]

[prideofidaho]

If you have a *beep*, does that heighten the chances?

Just messing around.

I have no experience with recovery, but I'd hazard to guess that those who do are keen on self-determination.

[Harpeau]

Over the years, there have been some 12 step groups at the USO near Samgatchi Station and over at the International Lutheran Church. I wish you well in your journey.

[NilesQ]

AA in Korea is the best AA I have had the pleasure to have been a part of in my 7 years of sobriety. There are daily meetings. The USO has M-F discussion meetings at 6:30 and a speaker meeting on Saturday night at 6:30. There are meetings at churches in Hannam dong on Sunday. All English and all with a lot of solid long term sobriety.

American Forces Pacific runs its 28 day program for substance abuse at Yongsan Barracks. So, every month or so there is a fresh group of newcommers bringing the reality of what drinking is like, if you are an alcoholic, into the rooms. Really awesome. I miss AA in Korea a lot. Someone posted the link to their website here. Check it out for contact info. And feel free to PM me here if you have any questions that you think I could answer.
Good Luck

[joeheckel]

Thanks for all the replies. Been without for over 12 years but would like to stay active in the program while I am in Korea. No worries about seeing folks get tipsy.....I just get more enjoyment now by watching others get silly drunk instead of being the one that others watch drink without self restraint.

[RACETRAITOR]

[seoulteacher]

[maddog]