Korean Job Discussion Forums

jammo · Joined: 12 Dec 2008

im new but ive noticed a lot of negativity on this board.

why did you come, what has living in korea got going for it and what keeps you here?

look forward to the responses and ill be able to chip in when i arrive Smile

jammo · Joined: 12 Dec 2008

this thread was influence by the previous thread asking 'what do you dislike about korea' or something to that effect

kiwiduncan · Joined: 18 Jun 2007 Location: New Zealand

Generally most of the expats who are relatively happy and having a good time in Korea don't have time to post on DavesESLCafe, which is why this site hosts more than its fair share of miserable buggers.

What do I like about Korea? Getting out in the countryside on my bike was nice. New Zealand's beautiful too but there's some kind of charm and familiarity with the Korean farmlands, forests and mountains that I really miss.

I miss Korean food too, but maybe that's because it's lunch time Very Happy

jammo · Joined: 12 Dec 2008

thanks for the reply mate!

i can empathise with the sentiment

and looking forward to others chipping in of course Smile

Straphanger · Joined: 09 Oct 2008 Location: Chilgok, Korea

I came here for a vacation, I'm staying for the mountains. I like the topography. Plus, I've been to a lot of job sites. This is certainly not the best assignment I ever had, but it's not the worst. In this economy, are you really going to let go of a paycheck? Things would need to get a whole lot worse before I would consider going for my two birds in the bush. The job ain't difficult either, and the Boss gives me special projects to keep my mind entertained so I don't shoot myself out of the boredom of a Hakwon program.

Mochi · Joined: 20 Oct 2008

You can't beat the nightlife in Seoul.

Underwaterbob · Joined: 08 Jan 2005 Location: In Cognito

Scenery, proximity to decent ski slopes, some of the food.

Mostly Korea is a very easy place to live, I have enough time off and money to pursue the things I wish I could live off in the first place (good at everything, expert at nothing). Teaching is also a far more rewarding profession than any of the crap I did to get by back home, and as it turns out I'm pretty good at it.

crescent · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: yes.

nene · Joined: 11 Jun 2005 Location: Samcheok, Gangwon-do

The food, and the cost of eating in restaurants.

The free time, which comes more from being less connected to people and society than the job (9-5).

The savings, and the travel opportunities.

The personal growth opportunities that come from being in different society than the one I was raised in.

Trains.

The ease of the job, though really this is a love-hate thing with me.

Download speeds. (I got a movie in less than 3 minutes the other day!)

The feeling that I can't put a name to of being in public and not understanding what anyone is saying. Almost like being a ghost.

The fact that it's not 15 years ago, and I can get any information I want at the click of a button, and some food things I want with a little effort.

jkelly80 · Joined: 13 Jun 2007 Location: you boys like mexico?

Seoul's nightlife blows Shanghai's out of the water when it comes to choice and price.

Lots of English here, don't need to know the language that well.

Nightlife here is pretty varied, lots of Hofs, but also nice cafes and such.

Really nice 'nature' stuff outside of Seoul, sometimes not crowded.

Travel opportunities as noted.

Missihippi · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Location: Gwangmyeong

I like not having to drive anywhere. Getting from one side of the city to the other for only W1000. The nightlife here is great (considering where i come from). The people are generally nice, although beit in their own way. Being in a drinking culture is also a plus.

michaelambling · Joined: 31 Dec 2008 Location: Paradise

chevro1et · Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Location: Busan, ROK

Abundance and low expense of public transit and taxis.
Proximity to variety of vacation destinations
Cheap, FAST internet
Cheap, delicious local cuisine
Easy to make new friends (both local and other expats)

crescent · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: yes.

jeni_escobar · Joined: 27 Oct 2008 Location: Gwangmyeung

Almost everything..... but mostly, I love not being in the US! Haha..... It's fascinating to live and work in another country... this will be an experience I tell my grandkids about! If I was going to stay here a loooong time (or anywhere else, for that matter) I'm sure certain things would get to me, but overall it's a great experience. I feel lucky to be a native English speaker! Very few people in the world can move abroad and find a decent paying job so easily.