Korean Job Discussion Forums

[justin moffatt]

Haven't posted in a long while, but occasionally peruse the board. So here goes:

Approaching my 4th year in Korea, finding that many assumptions and speculations about Korea has been verified, substantiated, and validated. After witnessing various posts on Dave's being quoted in Korean newspapers, I have been hesitant to write here. Regardless, today my Korean wife and I ventured out to Hangang Park again (close to Yeuido) to rent a bicycle for sightseeing around the river. We walked for over 1 hour and a half, and could not locate ANY rental shops. Recent construction may have relocated these rental locations, however, absolutely no signs in Korean or English indicated otherwise. We came across 2 sets of "foreigners", who also could not locate these rental shops. Of course, Koreans who had rented bicycles were less than helpful, and the information booth at the ferry terminal actually told me in Korean to "go away" and refused to offer assistance. No surprise the Police "shack" was closed, boarded up, small padlock and all.

As someone who often deals with Foreign investors, and expatriates here (both in corporations and the teaching community), Korea gives the semblance of promoting tourism, yet cannot even simplify accessibility for some of the few tourist attractions in Seoul. Moreover, after doing business and travelling in most parts of Asia (even China), the overall demeanour and attitude here is very negative (in major cities) and not foreigner friendly. That being said: BRING ON THE APOLOGISTS!

[The Grumpy Senator]

Sorry.

[Old Gil]

I don't really care much for this society as a rule, but I have to say I think Korea is pretty tourist friendly as a whole. My parents were here for a week and really liked it. They definitely had a few overtly racist/xenophobic moments but on the whole they said people were friendly and overall service was quite good.

[ThingsComeAround]

It's because you went to the park in the first place. You are supposed to drop 십만원 in the casino

[Bloopity Bloop]

Perusing something means reading it all the way through.

In any case, I agree with you in that Seoul, at least, is not that foreigner friendly. It's good enough, but not at the same level as comparable cities in other countries. I found Shanghai, Yokohama, and Tokyo much more accessible to foreigners. That's just me, though.

[Xuanzang]

The rental shops used to be to the left of the Hangang exit for Yeouido station. Seoul has gotten a lot tourist friendly over the years but definitely not going to win any good service awards. I think it's because no matter how much the Korean government tries to promote the Seoul of Asia - no one comes here as part of their to do bucket list. Just not a premiere tourist destination compared to Shanghai or Tokyo.

[Joe666]

Are you using the Hangang park scenario as just one example of frustration you have encountered in the Hermit Kingdom or is this the only example? Most of us here at Dave's would assume that today's mishap was a link in the massive chain of pissedoffdom.

I would just like to thank you for finally breaking down and posting it on Dave's. You are much better man than I. I took a silent nutty and posted on Dave's 3 months in. I feel like going wild right now. Not for any reason other than I know with absolute certainty that something is going to set me off any hour now. It's inevitable.

My anger management classes are just not working.

[Captain Corea]

There are two large rental shops in Youido park.

[I-am-me]

[Jane]

Someone didn't call 1330!

I think Seoul is set up for tourists, but not sure how human-friendly the country is.

Incidentally, I loved Shanghai, but I didn't find it that great in terms of being an English speaking tourist (e.g.,I never located a single map of the city after 3 days of being there), although that wouldn't stop me from recommending it or going back again.

[Old Gil]

[weatherman]

Seoul: A better place to live than to vist.

[cj1976]

[chris_J2]

[shinramyun]