Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Born In The USA]

Hi guys and gals, I've been reading through this forum for the past couple weeks, and finally decided to join up myself! I'm an American guy in my mid-20's moving to Daegu in August. Some of the stories I read on here kind of have me concerned (such as how us foreigners are treated by native Koreans), but I am sure I will adjust. I am pretty excited about the opportunity and to experience a new culture. I've tried to learn some Korean, but haven't committed too much time towards it yet. I am still working on the alphabet. Anyways, I don't really have a question or good comment I guess (sorry!), but I just wanted to say hi and that I look forward to communicating with you guys on this board.

[nchannah]

hey. I'm an American girl in my almost-mid-20s moving to Busan in August. 'sup?

[Born In The USA]

Hi nchannah! I tried to send you a private message but this forum requires 25 posts before you can PM. Must be to prevent scams or something. Anyways, I just wanted to say hi. What part of the states are you from? I'm from New England.

Also, would love to hear feedback from any others about what to expect about first moving to Korea?

[fugitive chicken]

Hi guys, I've been here for about a year and a half in Bucheon (up by Seoul) Don't worry about what you hear from some people on this site yet. Yes, that stuff does happen, but not as often as you think. People are usually more vocal about it.

What do you want to know? Any specific questions?

The first couple weeks are always the hardest, but once you get through that start finding more English speakers it always gets better. expats are everywhere who have been through the same thing you have.

I really do suggest learning at least how to read Korean before you get here. I did that, and although I barely understood anything of what I read, it helped immensely!

Anything else?

[nchannah]

aww, I don't have 25 posts either. Looks like our super-confidential conversation will have to be public, haha. I'm from the south. So why did you pick Daegu?

fugitive chicken, you're probably going to laugh at me, but I'm most worried about getting my internet set up in my apartment. Do most school-provided apartments have the internet already set up? I don't speak any Korean so I'll definitely need my google!!

[fugitive chicken]

I would say you probably won't have internet set up in your apartment.

In my situation, I work in a public elementary school and have a co-teacher whose job it is to make sure I'm settled and doing well in the country. I asked her if she could help set it up for me. She called the company and took care of the details on signing up. Then that Saturday when I was home, the technician came in and hooked me up. Everything is easy if you have a Korean help you. You might have to wait a couple weeks to get your registration card from immigration becuase you need the number to let companies know your legally allowed in the country.

Until then you can use PC rooms that charge basically a dollar an hour to use their computers. They are literally on every block in nearly every building since internet gaming is so popular here. I did that my first 6 months because my new computer decided to have a hardware problem...

[eamo]

I wonder why Dave's doesn't have a greet-and-meet page? Bad idea?

[Burndog]

I don't know eamo...maybe the old cynics would just go on there to grumble and yell at people about their 'honeymoon period' or whatever! I think that it would a smashing thing though.

As for the OP...welcomeish! My advice would be to avoid the negativity and cynicism for as long as you can. I love living here. In my third year, and still happy as a lark! Don't let the negative stuff on here cloud your mind.

Have fun!

[nchannah]

Thanks fugitive!

[Globutron]

Yes, I started a similar thread in my first few weeks here and the instant response was 'hah, get back to us when the honeymoon period if over, after that it's doom and gloom' or something along those lines.

Well... I've never heard of a 4 month+ honeymoon, and I'm still happier than I've ever been in my life...

[nchannah]

I really appreciate all the positivity here. Though at the same time I feel like reading through the horror stories has prepared me a bit just in case something goes wrong.

[lithium]

[nchannah]

North Carolina

[jammo]

i may have just been lucky but i arrived, went my local KT office and got my net setup pretty easily. youll need an ARC of course. there should be at least one person there that speaks english. my guy was in the back office and was very helpful.

good luck in your endeavours

[Leon]