Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Protonoto]

I plan on visiting Korea and Japan this summer but I'm a little concerned about being able to get by without knowing the language (I'll have a trusty phrasebook) and I was wondering about a few things:

Firstly I'll be turning 20 when I'm in Korea, will I be able to get drunk over there at this age?

I was also wondering about ATM machines. I hear there are global machines, same with Japan but it's just a matter of finding them. Is it worth taking travellers cheques? If so what sort of places can I cash them?

I'm hoping I won't be stranded without being able to speak the lingo. I don't know how many people speak good english over there.

There was more.. damn I've forgotten though!

Thanks for any help.

[hugekebab]

Even though English is not widely spoken in both Korea and Japan, the people in both countries will generally go out of their way to help you if you need assistance with things like getting a train/tube/bus etc etc.

Usually the lengths at which people will go to assist you are almost unbelievable. In both countries, after enquiring about a subway or bus I have had the locals insist upon taking me to the correct line/bus stop and even had one guy in Korea offer to go with me for half my journey (which I refused, but the offer was there)

As a tourist you will find people in positions of responsibility generally incredibly helpful e.g. people at information desks will break both their arms to help you and usually people in the street will too.

Both Korea and Japan are much easier to traverse than London. Even though I'm British, I have found it easier to do all the public transport stuff in Korea and Japan simply because there's always a helpful face. You really don't have to worry about that side of it at all. If you do ever end up taking a wrong turn it generally turns out to be a nice adventure and nothing more.

What I would say is, when drinking in Korea (and Japan but to a lesser extent) try not to get rowdy/argumentive with the locals if you've had a few too many brews, as you will ALWAYS be in the wrong should the authorities be called.

Other than the above points, both countries are much, much safer than your own and the people will be exponetially more helpful in the interactions you will likely have as a tourist. (the stuff people whinge about on these boards is to do with living here; not stuff that will generally affect you as a tourist.)

Neither countries will end up refusing to serve you alcohol.

You'll have a great time, my mate just came over for a couple of weeks (we did Korea and Japan) and he had a ball.

[morningmimi]

There are Citibank ATMs all around Japan and Korea. They take most ATM cards. But both places a cash run countries so get some bills at the airport right when you get there.

I haven't been to Korea yet but I lived in Tokyo, and trust me, you can get by without knowing a word of Japanese.

[Capo]

ATM with work in the subways and the conveinence stores, banks its hit n miss.

People are helpful, approach a young person and they will usually speak english well enough to help you. In general you'll probably find korea easier than japan, there are far more english signs and less complicated systems. for example seoul has 1 subway company tokyo has 3.

[definitely maybe]

if you're turning 20, you're already 21 korean age and legally allowed to drink. no worries there. as for advice about staying in control, that's valid anywhere, isn't it?

regarding traveller's cheques, they are less than convenient in korea. money changers around the city won't change them. furthermore, a number of the bigger hotels won't change them for you unless you are a customer. that leaves you with banks, which don't open on the weekends. there is an off chance that you'll be refused at the odd branch too. standard & chartered's atms have always worked for people who've come to visit me, so i suggest atm use.

[Protonoto]

Thanks for all the replies, sorry it took a while to get back to this thread! It sounds as if it'll be good. I wondered though what is meant by standard and chartered atm's though. Thanks again!