Korean Job Discussion Forums

philinkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2003

juat wanted to ask anyone whose come back to korea for a second year how it compared to your first one. I just finished a yr there in byeongjeom and did enjoy my time and am thinking of going back. the thing is byeongjeom was so quiet no other foreigners at my school so thinking of accepting a job in jongno, more in the thick of things. still undecided but kind of feel theres still a good time to have in korea. money is good, good job, food good and cheap, guaranteed hot summer, excitement of a different place. just wondered how others thought of having a second year there

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

I'm finishing my second year, and everything has seemed so much easier than it was the first year. I know most of the Korean I need to know for daily life, I don't get lost, I know where I like to hang out, what I like to eat, how to control my classes, and a bunch of little things I had to learn the hard way last year.

Plus, since I knew what to watch out for, I had a much more pleasant job than I had the first time around (and connections I'd made from my first year got me into a better job). Of course, that job is now ending on a nasty note, but that's another story.

The downsides were watching most of those friends I'd made from my first year leave one by one, and it's just not quite as exciting when everything isn't so new.

Still, I'm looking forward to starting year number three.

Squid · Joined: 25 Jul 2003 Location: Sunny Anyang

Stratospherically.

kangnamdragon · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Location: Kangnam, Seoul, Korea

The second year is better when one learns from one's mistakes... Razz

osangrl · Joined: 04 Nov 2003 Location: osan

In terms of teaching yes , it was much better, easier, i felt more relaxe and confident.

In terms of social life, it just wasn't the same. My first year here was the best, it was like a one year spring break. I just felt when i came back , new girls were stomping on my grounds. Im also getting older, and feel inhibited to act like a drunken crazy *beep*, like back in the days. Razz

Juggertha · Joined: 27 May 2003 Location: Anyang, Korea

The second year was by far less exciting.. take that however it sounds.

haya · Joined: 12 Jan 2004 Location: Seoul

I agree with most of what Son Deureo was saying.

I have a lot of fun in Korea.. really enjoy it. The second year went by a lot faster than my first year -- time really flew my second year, and it was over before I was ready for it to end. Which is why I'm coming back for round number 3. Cool

just because · Joined: 01 Aug 2003 Location: Changwon - 4964

katydid · Joined: 02 Feb 2003 Location: Here kitty kitty kitty...

For me, the honeymoon period is definitely over, but I don't mean it in a bad way. First year, for the first three months, everything and everone was just a big WOW. Second year, things never got to be that wow-ish. I don't think "the thrill is gone," but certainly what I am doing, the job aspect can not be ignored. It's hard to look at Korea from a backpackers POV when you are here for two and counting years. But that is OK. After this year, I'm gonna try to set myself up back home and ee what I can do with myself there. Then maybe I'll check out another country.

Bulsajo · Joined: 16 Jan 2003

2nd year way better than first, and third way better than second.
Things kind of levelled off at that point.
Agree with Kangnamdragon- 2nd year is when you get to use to your advantage all the info you got the hard way during your first year.

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Second year was a lot more fun. First year was fun in a different way.

My first year everything was new and I was part of a unbreakable nucleus of foreign (co-worker) folk who did just about everything together. Great relationships with them. Still strong relationships with them.

My second year I was fiercely independent and knew just enough to get myself into all kinds of good trouble of the best kind. (But my co-workers were almost non-existance in my social life - as opposed to my 1st contract). Had a great time though as I selectively chose my friends out and about the greater expat world.

Both were really different.. but good in their own ways. (I'd rather live through the 2nd time though - if I had to choose).

chandler bing · Joined: 04 May 2003

Second was much better. A lot more boring, but I prefer it that way.

desultude · Posted: Mon Jan 19, 2004 3:20 am Post subject:

I'm just beginning my second year.

My first year- I didn't learn enough Korean, and wish I had spent some time in Seoul, or had gone to Japan and China. I learned a hell of a lot about teaching English (my previous teaching experience was in something else). I sorted out some things about Korean culture.

The most important thing I learned my first year was that living outside of the States was not only possible, but really quite good. My freaked out family and friends seem to be adjusting well to my non-return.

I lost twenty pounds quite easily, and adopted a much healthier diet.

I started reading more about Buddism, and doing some meditating.

I did some great traveling- Australia, Thailand, and, alas, a bittersweet visit to the States.

My plans for the year? Get a little more serious about learning Korean. Sort out where I want to go next- working in Seoul maybe.

Get more serious about meditation and fitness.

Find some good friends and a social life. I am rather isolated on a university campus outside of town. I love my students, and like some of my fellow teachers, but haven't really found a peer group. Its been okay for the last year, because I have traveled with old friends, and have been busy making my life here, but it is now time to branch out a bit. Being single and over 50 in Daegu hasn't quite worked for me.