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Korean Job Discussion Forums
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mikesaidyes
Joined: 26 Apr 2011
Location: Sanbon, South Korea
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 Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 11:33 am Post subject: Contract Signed! Now It's Time For Logistics... HELP! |
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Ok, so I'm moving to Sanbon on/around 15 August and starting teaching the next week. Soooo, of course I'll ask my recruiter for their input as they've been very helpful, BUT:
Is it easy to establish yourself speaking zero Korean? You know, bank accounts, getting a new iPhone, setting up internet and utilities etc.
MOST IMPORTANTLY: What's a good book or program to use to learn Korean? Keep in mind I'm cheap.
Any tips, things you realized, whatever, ANYTHING is greatly welcomed! I'm SO EXCITED. |
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Gorf
Joined: 25 Jun 2011
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| Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 2:47 pm Post subject: |
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The easiest and cheapest way to learn Korean is to just go on youtube or google one of the many sites that will help you learn it.
http://www.youtube.com/user/BusyAtomdotcom is a good site
It's very easy to get by with no Korean, but it's smart to at least learn how to read the alphabet before you go over. Most of those things you mentioned will usually be done with the aid of a native Korean, usually someone who works at your school. Most people will be able to speak minimal English and you'll use your hands and inflection in your voice to explain things for the rest. When you get to Korea and you get a phone you can dial (Your 4 digit area code)-1330 for free 24 hour translation services.
You can sometimes get internet and utilities taken out of your paycheck by your school, but if not someone will explain it to you. It's pretty simple. |
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mkpopcorn
Joined: 22 Apr 2011
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 3:09 pm Post subject: |
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NO! Its not easy to get around without knowing Korea. Koreans are a-holes who refuse to talk to you, and ignore you and don't speak English (even though they have since kindergarten). My advice, know EXACTLY what you are getting into. Don't expect to meet amazing Korean friends, because Koreans don't make foreigner friends. Don't expect to rely on the expat community, because they flip-off newbies. And be prepared for the toxic air, toxic water, solely based meat diet and a lot of time alone. Stock up on movies now, but if your extroverted you are kind of screwed.
Hope this helps. |
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mikesaidyes
Joined: 26 Apr 2011
Location: Sanbon, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 3:12 pm Post subject: |
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| Sounds like it's sunshine and roses in Oregon today. |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 4:13 pm Post subject: |
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| mkpopcorn wrote: |
NO! Its not easy to get around without knowing Korea. Koreans are a-holes who refuse to talk to you, and ignore you and don't speak English (even though they have since kindergarten). My advice, know EXACTLY what you are getting into. Don't expect to meet amazing Korean friends, because Koreans don't make foreigner friends. Don't expect to rely on the expat community, because they flip-off newbies. And be prepared for the toxic air, toxic water, solely based meat diet and a lot of time alone. Stock up on movies now, but if your extroverted you are kind of screwed.
Hope this helps. |
You've been here for what, two weeks? Man, I'm glad you didn't pursue working at my school after receiving the contract.
OP, you sound like a positive person. I'll grab a beer with you. Also, PM sent. |
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mikesaidyes
Joined: 26 Apr 2011
Location: Sanbon, South Korea
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| Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2011 4:20 pm Post subject: |
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| North- saw it. I'm enjoying South Carolina's finest- wings and half priced wine. Will respond later. I'm down for a beer or ten! |
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mkpopcorn
Joined: 22 Apr 2011
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:19 am Post subject: |
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| mikesaidyes wrote: |
| Sounds like it's sunshine and roses in Oregon today. |
Just saying the truth. Wait and you'll see. |
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tukmax
Joined: 06 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:31 am Post subject: Re: Contract Signed! Now It's Time For Logistics... HELP! |
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| mikesaidyes wrote: |
MOST IMPORTANTLY: What's a good book or program to use to learn Korean? Keep in mind I'm cheap.
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The Seogang workbook plus textbook 1A. About 10 dollars each. Fantastic resource for newbies. |
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mkpopcorn
Joined: 22 Apr 2011
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 6:37 am Post subject: |
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| northway wrote: |
| mkpopcorn wrote: |
NO! Its not easy to get around without knowing Korea. Koreans are a-holes who refuse to talk to you, and ignore you and don't speak English (even though they have since kindergarten). My advice, know EXACTLY what you are getting into. Don't expect to meet amazing Korean friends, because Koreans don't make foreigner friends. Don't expect to rely on the expat community, because they flip-off newbies. And be prepared for the toxic air, toxic water, solely based meat diet and a lot of time alone. Stock up on movies now, but if your extroverted you are kind of screwed.
Hope this helps. |
You've been here for what, two weeks? Man, I'm glad you didn't pursue working at my school after receiving the contract.
OP, you sound like a positive person. I'll grab a beer with you. Also, PM sent. |
I might have stayed longer if I was at your school. Based on my current situation, I don't need more than two-weeks to conclude that Korea is horrible!! Of course, maybe given a different situation, my perception would have been different...you obviously like it. P.s. I AM a positive person, Korea has just brought the negativity out of me. One reason why I don't like it :/ |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 9:12 am Post subject: |
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| mkpopcorn wrote: |
| I might have stayed longer if I was at your school. Based on my current situation, I don't need more than two-weeks to conclude that Korea is horrible!! Of course, maybe given a different situation, my perception would have been different...you obviously like it. P.s. I AM a positive person, Korea has just brought the negativity out of me. One reason why I don't like it :/ |
Open your mind and chill out. At this point you just sound racist and ridiculous. I don't think you actually are, but take a step back from where you are. |
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mkpopcorn
Joined: 22 Apr 2011
Location: Oregon
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 2:47 pm Post subject: |
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| northway wrote: |
| mkpopcorn wrote: |
| I might have stayed longer if I was at your school. Based on my current situation, I don't need more than two-weeks to conclude that Korea is horrible!! Of course, maybe given a different situation, my perception would have been different...you obviously like it. P.s. I AM a positive person, Korea has just brought the negativity out of me. One reason why I don't like it :/ |
Open your mind and chill out. At this point you just sound racist and ridiculous. I don't think you actually are, but take a step back from where you are. |
I don't know how you came up with racist, but you're right I'm not. I just see things for how they are. |
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ssuprnova
Joined: 17 Dec 2010
Location: Saigon
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:14 pm Post subject: Re: Contract Signed! Now It's Time For Logistics... HELP! |
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| mikesaidyes wrote: |
| Is it easy to establish yourself speaking zero Korean? You know, bank accounts, getting a new iPhone, setting up internet and utilities etc. |
Yes. Once you get here get the medical check ASAP (as in, literally, the next day you arrive). Then get an ARC - in my case the school has done most of the legwork, so just ask for help.
When you have your ARC you can open a bank account, set up internet, and get a phone. Bank account - go to a larger branch of KEB, someone will be able to speak enough English to open a bank account. While you're there you may as well open a foreign currency account and apply for an international debit card.
Next, internet - in my case the only option was SK. Have one of your Korean coworkers help you, get them coffee after, it's a good icebreaker. Get two birds stoned at once.
As for the phone, I'd recommend going to a KT global store like the one in Gwanghwamun. They'll explain everything to you in English but the gist of it is you sign a 2 year contract and pay 10-20K extra per month for the phone. If you won't be staying for two years just get an iPhone anyway and find someone to take over your contract before you leave (or pay the balance).
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MOST IMPORTANTLY: What's a good book or program to use to learn Korean? Keep in mind I'm cheap.
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Before you get here download Monash University's Korean textbook (http://arts.monash.edu.au/korean/klec/textbooks.php). It's great since it only teaches you banmal and the most common polite form (~요) without getting too much into real polite language (~입니다, ~습니다). Oh, and did I mention it's free?
Also check out TTMiK (Talk to Me in Korean), it's a great resource based on podcasts and downloadable lessons in PDF.
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Any tips, things you realized, whatever, ANYTHING is greatly welcomed! I'm SO EXCITED. |
-Learn to read Korean before you get here.
-BUY A KINDLE! or another ebook reader - it's very convenient and saves you a lot of money in the long run.
-Bring a headset and webcam to chat with your family.
-If you have an iPhone or another widely-used phone just bring it with you and you can use it here in Korea.
-When you see a foreigner, especially out in Sanbon, just smile and say hi. Some people are assholes but there are plenty of friendly expats. Worst case scenario they'll ignore you. Also, Beomgye is an area where a lot of us expats hang out (two stops from Sanbon).
-Spend as much time traveling during the summer/early fall as possible. Check out WinK travel group on Facebook. They have multiple trips every weekend, it's a great way to meet people if you're new to Korea.
-Bring some non-bulky snacks, they'll help you get through the "I miss home" stage.
-Don't go out drinking every night, especially in your first few weeks.
-Don't skimp on necessities - you'll end up buying them anyway, but if you buy them straight away you'll get more use out of them (rice cooker, etc.)
-Buy all your electronics/appliances online (gmarket or interpark). |
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northway
Joined: 05 Jul 2010
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| Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2011 3:20 pm Post subject: |
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| mkpopcorn wrote: |
| I don't know how you came up with racist, but you're right I'm not. I just see things for how they are. |
Look at your first post again and think about what you're saying. It's rather offensive (and having been here longer than you, largely inaccurate). |
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