Korean Job Discussion Forums

[ankhetbast]

I have read over all of the pertinent posts regarding dogs, yet I see a lack of information specifically mentioning big dogs. Specifically, I'm wondering how difficult the housing situation is when bringing a big dog (ie Akita). Did the recruiter/employer have a change of heart when you mentioned your dog? (I'm hoping for Seoul, if it makes a difference) Did you show up with your dog, just to be turned away? Are there any tips big dog owners could give me about having a big dog there in general (other than the obvious crowded city, small apartment things)

[Carla]

[Skippy]

If you can avoid bringing your dog. Coming to Korea the first time try avoid bringing baggage like pets, children, big health problems. You will just have big problems, hassles and will have a higher chance of imploding. I am not saying it can not be done. It is just difficult and very very difficult for a newbie.

Some hints. The apartment you will get will likely be small. Repeat small. Not American standard small. I mean small studio. My place is about 6 big paces length wise. 3 big paces width wise. Now you might get bigger but not that much bigger. For big dogs it will get cramped. Also some places will say out right no dogs. And many school reuse apartments again and again. So if the landlord says no dogs, the school will not say okay lets look for another that will take dogs.

Also your hours might severely affect how you dog gets treated. If you have a split shift and are you ready to leave school to give the dog a walk. Do you think he will like being cooped up for 6 hours or MORE?

Next off. It will be problem with future bosses and recruiters. With the market it is now. Recruiters will do this to problems - I do not want them so thus I will not deal with them - Next person please. Expect many places once they find out you have a dog to go NEXT!

Also everybody and their dog (hah I kid myself) want Seoul. You go for Seoul you will likely end getting paid less and being messed around with the apartment. Know if you go for a smaller city or town. The school might very well work with you to accommodate the dog.

[sulperman]

Search on Youtube for Seoul teacher apartment. Assume that you will be placed in something as small as the smallest you see there, as that is the most likely outcome. Is that enough room for you and your dog? If so, go for it.

[AsiaESLbound]

These apartments are the size of a smallish bedroom. I couldn't imagine having anything else walking around in my way. I already have to be super careful to not jam a toe on my bed, table, chair, fridge, and door facings. It's that close feeling where back home you had plenty of room to walk without accident and have a big dog without running into each other.

However some teachers staying long term have a large really nice house style place they secured on their own by paying something in the line of $10,000 deposit. As mentioned before, you can take a look at what it's like by checking out the many videos online.

[eamo]

Just a word of warning....

I have a miniature schnauzer. He's about 11kg....only about a foot tall......to me he's a small dog. Yet, roughly about half of the Koreans we meet when out walking seem terrified of him. They see him as a big and dangerous looking dog! A mini schnauzer!!


So, if your dog is in any way big, you'll get a lot of people shrieking and jumping out of his way. Refusing to share an elevator with you. Comically cowering in doorways as you walk past.....some really insane stuff.


I've got used to this and now just laugh at the people terrified of a dog which is about 12 inches tall. It's their problem. Not mine.

It'll be fine if you live in a 'Villa' neighborhood where no one cares what their neighbors do.......but if you live in a high-rise complex then it will probably be a problem.

[allovertheplace]

Dude, as everyone else has said it will be rough. Akitas are really big and it puts a giant stress on the dog to fly in a crate for 12-15 hours, then sit in quarantine, then live in tiny apartment...repeat after 1 year.

I knew someone who had a dog and youll have plenty of support for dog sitting (if youre out for the night or traveling), which is a good thing. Also, it will be cool to have some companionship your first month or two.

All that being said, if your dead set on brining the dog rethink your decision to go to Korea. Im not saying either choice is correct but the two dont mesh well to me. Part of leaving the west for Korea involves cutting some strings. Dogs cant really be cut but it might be too painful for the dog to come.

I actually had a dog in University, was forced to move around a bit, then just needed to leave already. I felt terrible for the dog but found a great home for her which was better for her than moving around to little apartments every 6 months.

Either way, dont want to preach, but I really feel for you. Hope either way it works out. But a cautionary tail- the biggest tool I grew up with put his dog before EVERYTHING in life. He delivers pizza.

[warmachinenkorea]

OP it is possible to rent a hosue if your in a smaller area. My friends have two pitts that do well in the little court yard area of theri home.

You know your dog and how much exercise and space he/she needs. Each dog has it's own quirks and you know your dogs. With adequte exercise and mental stimulation I think the dog will be fine.

My wife and I have a 20 kg Bullterrie Mix (foster from Jeju) a Yorkshire Terrier (our own) and a cat(our own) We live in a little larger than average apt. THe dogs do well because we exercise them alot. It will be more difficult traveling and stuff with a big dog. If your a homebody then it's ok. Finding sitters and get the dog around will be a challenge but possible. Quality nutrition will be expensive(but worth it) in Korea. Vetting overall is cheaper than the states but you might need to shop around to find one you're comfortable with.

Big dogs here are usually used for guard dogs and most ppl will be fearful when you are walking it.

BTW: Do you know where you will be living?

[MalFSU1]

If you are absolutely set on bringing your dog, do it a favor and don't move to Seoul. I live in a rural province and it's still hard enough for us to find green space around our apt. for the dog to roam around in. Also, Koreans really don't know how to interact with dogs..like one person said they will act like your dog is a giant lion that you have no control over(our dog only weighs a whopping 8kg). If you live outside of Seoul you can get more apartment for your buck giving you guys more room, and there are less people, cars, and concrete to contend with when trying to get your dog the exercise it requires.

[northway]

My old place was about 100 square feet (9.3 square meters). That's too small to share with a hamster, let alone a dog.

[jonpurdy]

+1 Don't bring the dog. Especially a big dog like that.

It's difficult enough leaving a small dog at your place for 6-8 hours on it's own. Especially since the school-provided place will be so small.

If you're intent on doing it, go rural (or at least small city). You'll get a better chance of getting a big apartment. Plus, there's green space to walk and play with the dog.

[Troglodyte]

[Lunar Groove Gardener]

Here's what I'd do:

Take the money that it would cost to fly the dog over
and give it to a person that lives in the countryside
where you presently live.

Pay for all the vet and food expenses of the dog for the year that
you are away.

In this way the dog will have a great year.
And you can reunite when you return from your travels.

Bring it to Seoul and the dog spends
a year cooped up in a small high rise apartment, gets walks on concrete
dodging traffic a couple of times a day, and has no other
dogs in their life.

It is a sacrifice that some dogs may be willing to make to be with their
owners, but from the dog's-eye
view, one is awesome and one is not awesome at all.

Should you decide to ruff it, definitely let all parties concerned know what's up
before you sign the contract. Not sure how many landlords in whichever specific area of Seoul are going
to welcome your large pet.

P.S. you may even inquire with pet care individuals in your area.
The people that own and operate these sort of things are a good
match to the task of long term pet residency.

[T-dot]

If you are looking to travel, keep the dog back home.

I have a bigger dog (25 kg jindo), but I walk her twice a day and have to limit the amount of trips or travelling I have to do. My dog is a part of my life and family.

I made the choice of putting my dog first and I dont regret it.

Thats a choice you're going to make and its something that I doubt a lot of foreign teachers are capable of making.

So, if you want to travel around or go pub hopping till the wee hours of the night; keep your dog at home.

If you plan on bringing the dog because you might get lonely? Keep the dog at home.


As far as housing goes; the biggest problem was finding a place that will allow a bigger dog. Most landlords worry that the dog might rip the floors, scratch the walls or bark louder (due to its size).

[gtaycher]

I would like to ask a question. I have Giant Schnauzer 120lb is a large, powerful, and compact breed �Very Protective. My question is.. Koreans will consider him as a HUGE monster? Or some kind of dragon? Since I am moving to Seoul for 5 years. Where is the best please to rent a property and how much it will cost?