Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sheilabocchine]

Hello!

I am happy to say that after 2 months of heavy research and many interviews I have accepted a job in Suwon, starting in May. I'm very excited. I've been trying out Korean restaurants in Phoenix, visiting Korean grocery stores and attempting to learn basic Korean. I've always picked up languages quickly, but I believe I'll need to be in Korea to really understand their language.

This forum has been very helpful in my research, but I do have a few more questions:

*I've read that the apartments don't come with dryers in Korea. Is that true? I'm afraid I've never used an iron in my whole life. When I lived in NYC I actually dropped my clothes off at the Laundromat and they took care of washing, drying and folding. Do they have any of those in Suwon?

*I've read that deodorant is something Koreans don't use and that I should stock up before I leave the states. Is that true?

*Unfortunately, I have recently found out that I am allergic to many food items and have been shifting my diet accordingly. Will I be able to find organic fruits and veggies in Korea? Do they have health food stores so I can get things like coconut oil and flaxseed oil? Or anything like a whole foods grocery store?

*I'm hoping to go to Korea with a $1000, but I know I'll have at least $500 with me. Will that be enough to live on for the first month?

*Do they have juice bars in Korea? I drink green juice (lettuce, kale, apples and lemon) almost every morning and will definitely miss my juicer.

I'm sure I'll have more questions, but those are good for right now!

Have a wonderful day,
Sheila

[RJjr]

[TBirdMG]

Sheila,

You're going to be in for a shock. To be honest, overall, the Korean diet in healthier than the American. Most of the foods you are seeking are available in Korea, but will most likely be served/sold in a different manner and context. Keep in mind the geography of the peninsula and you will find a number of substitutes/complementary foods as well.

Here are some comments:
*I've read that the apartments don't come with dryers in Korea. Is that true?...
-As previous poster said, you may end up with a combo washer/dryer. If not, get used to hanging damp clothes for a day or two, and yes....ironing. Dry cleaners are readily available in most urban areas. In my opinion, they don't do a very good job for the money. I was an amateur ironman myself, but figured out that a week's worth of ironing can be done in 30-45 minutes. You will have to learn or, if in a rural area, maybe outsource to a local ajumma. That's a local woman (usually 50+) who will pick up, clean to your specs, and drop off for a reasonable fee. Usually around $5-6 a load if on a regular basis.

*I've read that deodorant is something Koreans don't use and that I should stock up before I leave the states. Is that true?
-Deodorant is not readily available in stores here. So bring 3-4 for the year and use conservatively. You can find it in the nicer markets/shops in Seoul, but it's expensive and with poor selection. Or meet a nice soldier base and get on base for cheap shopping. You will also find that your change in diet will make you less 'foreigner' stinky. A reduced diet of dairy/meat, coupled with increased consumption of fruits/veggies/fermented foods actually reduces BO. But it's usually offset by garlicky breath and methane. Oh well, share and share alike. Often soap and talcum/baby powder suffices.

*Unfortunately, I have recently found out that I am allergic to many food items and have been shifting my diet accordingly. Will I be able to find organic fruits and veggies in Korea? Do they have health food stores so I can get things like coconut oil and flaxseed oil? Or anything like a whole foods grocery store?
-Organic? Unlikely. Korean produce is WELL washed before eating, and most fruits with thin skins are peeled/removed (apples/pears/grapes) before eating to reduce risk of pesticide ingestion. Health food stores are a novelty, although I am sure there are a couple good ones in Seoul. Be ready for sticker shcok, though.
Outside Seoul, simply NO. The better markets will carry a fair assortment of imported products, but there is often little rhyme or reason to the selection. Here today, gone tomorrow. But generally, food is fresh and there is less of an emphasis on unhealthy packaged food (save ramen). Vegetarians do not fare well in Korea. You can get by doing the 'yes to fish/chicken, no to beef/pork,' but otherwise, you will STRUGGLE. I had a strict vegetarian friend go from 150 to 135 lbs. in 8 months simply because he would not compromise.

*I'm hoping to go to Korea with a $1000, but I know I'll have at least $500 with me. Will that be enough to live on for the first month?
-Depends on who you work for and how the pay is structured. If you are PS, you should get a settlement allowance up front. If not, then better to have the $1000 if you need to go a full month without pay. If you're at a private hogwan, you could just ask for a $500 advance on the first pay...but it may create a bit of tension. Figure $10 a day for food + initial expenses for the housing. Also, your health exam ($50ish) and ARC (?) costs, if the boss isn't paying.

*Do they have juice bars in Korea? I drink green juice (lettuce, kale, apples and lemon) almost every morning and will definitely miss my juicer.
-I have never seen a juice bar. Maybe someone else can help you. If the juicer is that important, bring it....or buy a blender and a strainer after arriving.

[plynx]

[prideofidaho]

Hey Sheila, you'll be able to find flax seeds and coconut oils but it might be a bit of a trek. Alternately, you can order some from dealers in the states, but it'll cost a lot and you may have problems at customs.

I buy flax seeds from a foreign market in a central part of seoul called itaewon. If you've got dietary concerns I'm sure you will be able to work them out with a little effort. In a city of 40 million people, there have to be at least a few with a similar allergy to you!

Organic, on the other hand, is difficult. It's just really hard to know what's organic and what isn't. For bananas and apples and produce with thick peels, I've heard that it's not as important that they be organic (as long as you're not eating the peel), but with apples, all the good stuff is in the peel. You'd have the best luck at department store groceries, and high end organic shops, which can be found in the most random of neighbourhoods if you look a little.

Good luck!

As for the money thing, I came here with about the same, and it was rough, but I did it. I'd make sure you had a credit card of some sort just in case.

[BS.Dos.]

[lou2565]

Should you literally bring cash on hand...or is it OK to have it in a checking account and then exchange when you arrive?

[prideofidaho]

most banks in big cities have international banking machines. better to leave your money in the bank and withdraw as necessary. I think that's what most people do.

[lou2565]

Ok good...that's what I figured...

[Straphanger]

[michaelambling]

[MilkChocolate]

I would suggest bringing the cash in hand and when you get to the airport there are currency booths where you can change your money before you walk out. Not every ATM will accept foreign cards, you would probably have to go to Seoul to find one that does.

[Xuanzang]

[tzechuk]

[curiousaboutkorea]