Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tacitus14]

Has anyone had a successful long distance relationship with a Korean? How did you make it work? Any that have gone bad? I'm sure someone's covered this but that search function's garbage.

[egrog1717]

Been doing it for 3 months now pretty well... The trick is to pick up that phone/skype/text message device/email/etc etc etc on a regular basis... Maybe not as often as you can, but more often than you should... You're thousands of miles away and that makes it rough, but even if you don't have anything to say ramble aimlessly because its time spent together (strange as that sounds)...

Buy yourself a decent webcam... Set up some face to face time... Do things together over the internet (I play WoW with my gf on Saturdays for example... Geeks are people too ya know )...

Its just about establishing open lines of communication and using them on a regular basis... Or convincing them to come and visit and show them how great working here is in the hopes that they'll stay

[BIG EDIT - Sorry, you said with a Korean... LOL... My gal is Canadian through and through... Not that that really changes anything]

[esetters21]

[nobbyken]

Managed for a year and a half from the UK.
Get used to the time difference and find a good method of calling.
I used to call from the UK from 1-5p a minute, depending on landline or mobile.
MSN or Skype is excellent. Possible also to but flowers and stuff over the internet for delivery in Korea.

[nosmallplans]

buy her a ring. that ought to be good for at least 6 months.

[seoulsucker]

Tried it.

EPIC FAIL.

As my friend once said, "Dude, your ****'s not that long."

[bogey666]

[tacitus14]

ya were gonna get a set of those terrible couple rings. Ohhh, it makes me cringe, but it will be funny I guess.

And about it not being a Korean thing. I guess you might be right...But you know, with the whole conscription thing and weekend married couples and families separated for the sake of English education, it seem more engrained in this culture that than mine. I dont know maybe your right and it's just plain shitty for everybody...[/quote]

[PeteJB]

Long distance relationships usually crumble after 3-4 months but there are exceptions depending on situations/personality etc. I think the best way to handle a long distance relationship is to NOT take it too seriously and NOT continuously stay in contact with endless messenging/phone calls/emails/etc. Sure, don't go around dating anyone else - be honest to yourself about what you want out of the relationship. If both parties are sincere, then you can go any amount of time until meeting again and you will always think about that person no matter what. If you find yourself wavering at the slightest temptation then you aren't fit to handle long distance. Why do couples where one is serving time in the army often work, even though they rarely keep in touch?

[English Matt]

Having had a long distance relationship in the past, I would ask you why you are considering one? Mine was born out of necessity, in that I was at University at the time and it was impossible for me to pick up my life and move to Romania.

What is it that is taking you away from Korea? Not having a go, just interested.

My personal opinion on long-distance relationships is that they can work, but not for very long (obviously there are some exceptions to this). Mine lasted for a year and a half...but it was a tough time. You worry about where they are and if they're ok, you might meet someone else who turns your head, and being lonely this can be a dangerous mix and tempt you to stray....if you don't stray then you'll suddenly realise that maybe the same thing is happening to her...will she / will she not be as strong as you, etc, etc.

If she is really that important to you, I would suggest you find a way to stay here for a while, or put a ring on her finger and take her with you. Otherwise, if you plan to have a long-term, long-distance relationship then I can only warn you that you are in for a period of emotional ups and downs that doesn't make for the most rewarding of experiences.

EDIT: Sorry, I realised that I totally failed to consider that it may be her leaving Korea, leaving you here - in that case, go for it...but as PeteJB says, try not to take it too seriously.

[tacitus14]

I'm going back to go to grad school. One semester on, then back to Korea to study Korean at a university full time for the summer. I've been here for a couple of years, but teaching English in a public school has a serious glass ceiling. My university's on scholarship, economy in shitter, won down the drain. Time to go back to school and I'm happy with that choice. And she's wants me to do it too.

Is she that important?? You know when you know. And I know.

[esetters21]

[English Matt]

If you're only going away for a semester, then absolutely, good luck to you....it'll fly by in no time at all and then you'll be back here

[jkelly80]

[dharma bum]