Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hadeshorn]

For some reason, I became nostalgic and looked up my old posts from when I was writing more on Daves ESL when I was living in Korea from 2003-2006.

I came over and worked in Wonderland in Seoul which was right outside Gaerong station. My contract was for 1.8 million and provided the usual trimmings.

When I was there, Taxi's were 1600won, Beer was 2000won a pint and subways and buses I think were 600 won. I still have my metro card.

In 2004, I got the dream job that I still sometimes have dreams about to this day. I worked at Korea Kent Foreign School until I was fired in 2006. It was a fantastic job and I lived in Haebongchon. I would regularly get food from Istanbul, Phillies or call up Dominos. I would also go out drinking at Gecko's, Bricx and Pollys.

To people that were curious, I was fired because the headmaster did not understand computing and I got blamed for something I did not do.

What I miss about Korea is that there was always something to do. I miss hanging out on the Army bases because I volunteered with the USO and that allowed me a base pass. I really miss Yongsan and how you can lose yourself in that district and that there was always something new to see or buy. I miss that with all the cheap beer and weapons for sale on the street, I never once felt unsafe. Whereby here where I am in Australia it isnt the same story.

But I think leaving in 2006 was the right thing to do. Since I left I studied Law and became an admitted Legal Practitioner. The life in Korea was just so easy and effortless. I was scared that I would wake up and be 40 and still living there. While that is not all bad, there is only so much I can do in korea.

I met so many awesome people and still keep in contact with them to this day. My life admittedly is not as interesting back then but one day it will be again.

I hear things are getting tighter over in Korea but still would like to over on a short trip to visit some old haunts.

If I may provide some advice but not sound too condescending.

1) Never put off visiting places. I lived right under Seoul tower but never went up and visited it until it was my very last day in Korea.

2) If you want a surreal shopping experience, head down to outside Osan AB.

3) Learn a Korean martial art, a great way to bond with the culture and kick ass when you get home.

4) Remember that you arent there forever. Have a plan of what you want to do with your life.

5) Go to the movies at Midnight on a Saturday. You will be the only one there.

6) Go to a Noraebang by yourself and belt out some tunes when you are angry. Enjoy the puzzled looks that you get!

7) Go to Everland in the winter, it feels like christmas. Go to Caribbean bay in the summer.

Go to the Dongdaemun Shopping Market at night and look at the buildings that light up.

9) Go rollerblading along the Han River.

and finally...

10) Take plenty of videos and photos so that one day when you are back home and feeling nostalgic, you can relive all the old memories.

I am writing this because I remember reading posts from people who taught back in 1998 when I was there in 2003 and loved comparing the differences. Now its my turn to be one of these guys who taught way back when.

[Radius]

Hey nice post. So do you ever plan on coming back to teach, or are you pretty much settled in AUS.?

[hadeshorn]

Doubt I would come back. However I could see myself working at an international school again if I become a burnt out lawyer. Teaching Pre-law subjects in high school or computing again. Teaching at Kent was very enriching as well as frustrating.

Right now I am in the process of being vetted by our Justice Department so I can work as a prosecutor.

But I really do miss it as Korea. But im worried if I did go back, the old adage may be true... You can never go home again.

[Radius]

yea, well good luck to you, you seem to be doing good for yourself. And thanks for the tips you mentioned, sometimes i find myself doing the same thing over and over here on the weekends, sort of getting in a rut. The visit to Everland in the winter sounds right up my alley.

[cert43]

I know what you mean.

I have been gone 6 months, but there isn't a day that Korea doesn't
cross the ol' mind (maybe that is b-c I only hangout with Koreas in Korea towns though).

Glad you have managed to become acomplished

Live on'

[Kikomom]

7) Go to Everland in the winter, it feels like christmas. Go to Caribbean bay in the summer.


I

[Louis VI]

[mc_jc]

You had missed so much since you left- Korea is not the same. That is what I love about the country; it can change even if you have been gone for only a few years. Life never stays the same in Korea.
I left Korea earlier this year to take up a senior post at Bagram AFB in Afghanistan and I am now at a Forward Operating Base a few miles from the main airport in Kandahar.
Do I miss Korea? You bet your ass I do.
Do I plan on going back? very soon if a position opens up.

You know, you don't have to be an English teacher or any teacher for that matter to go back to Korea. Because you are going to work with the DoJ, it means you are going to be in the government system. If you could later transfer to the DoS, you might be able to put in for a lateral transfer or be appointed to a post with USFK or with the US Embassy (you know they are going to move it to Cp Coiner once it is vacated). With a law degree and the experience you will get with the DoJ, you might be able to apply for a government transfer at the grade of GS-12 or even GS-13.
You will be alotted housing onbase at the Embassy Compound or at Humphreys or Osan, or they might give you a housing differential that will allow you to have a carpeted apartment off base.

I know your intentions are not to go back to Korea, but you might as well keep your options open.