Korean Job Discussion Forums

[D. Darko]

Can anyone fill me in on areas in Korea where it is possible for teachers to get into some more country-like surroundings, yet not be too far from city fun? I want to get housing that has access to something like a yard, or even nature nearby - reason being because I want to bring my cat over with me. Problem is, I know he won't be happy stuck in an apartment all the time. And I'm not sure a rooftop apartment in Haebongchon will satisfy his outdoor urges either.

Maybe around Yong-In, or somewhere else in Gyeonggi-do? I do remember some house subdivisions in Incheon, but would guess that those were mostly lived in by owners. Anyway, I guess any small town or city outskirts might fit the bill, but I would like to hear of any specific areas you know of. I'd really like to bring him, but not sure just how much trouble it will be finding a good situation. Any shared experiences and insights into this would be greatly appreciated - especially from people who are doing this!!

[fermentation]

I'm speaking from limited experience, but its generally not a good idea to let your cat outside here. Too many cars, feral cats (and dogs in rural areas), and people who might not take kindly to cats. It'll probably be safer for him to stay indoors.

[Underwaterbob]

I doubt there's a safe place to let your cat outside within 100km of Seoul. I'm in the boonies, have a decent sized yard and we don't dare let ours outside. Cats are not exactly beloved here: often regarded as pests.

Attitudes are changing though. Koreans are gradually realizing that pets are not simply toys to be trifled with and thrown away when inconvenient. There are even some animal rights activist Korean celebrities.

A few nights ago I saw someone walking their cat, who didn't even need a leash. That cat is definitely outside the norm though.

[schwa]

"Areas" is pretty much useless, it all depends on housing type. Even small towns have highrise clusters that would be unsuitable for cat roaming.

Traffic dangers, some Koreans unkind towards cats, problems from meeting up with feral cats. Dealing with elevators?

I've had cats all my years in Korea & felt compelled to keep them indoors. Not ideal, but they were happy enough. They could lounge at sunny windows.

What I've got now is a small house (jutaek) with a small garden & securely enclosed courtyard where my cat loves to hang out. But that wasnt an easy find & I had to do it on my own. You wont find a school willing to seek that out on your cat's behalf.

If your cat requires outdoors, unless you go very rural, it will almost certainly be happier staying home with friends or relatives.

[D. Darko]

I guess you're all pretty much confirming what I thought - that it's going to be very difficult finding a good outdoor situation for my cat. Well, maybe having a rooftop access may work for the little guy for a couple of years. Of course, even with that set-up, I would worry about him getting lost in the urban sprawl.

If only I had someone to watch him while I'm away. Anyway, thanks for your responses.

[catman]

It is a sad place for cats.

[luckylady]

[Emark]

I'm not disagreeing with any of the comments made. However, I did have my 2 cats here in Korea from 2004-2008. I had main floor or second floor apartments. I used a scrap piece of wood (180cm x 20cm) with a cut out on the bottom to stick in the door to act as the cat door. I let them go outside and they seemed content. I got a laugh at the adjumas trying to scare and being scared of them. After a certain amount of time in a new place, the people got community got used to the crazy foreigners with the cats. My cats were naturally distrusting of any and all Koreans. I think they didn't like people that couldn't speak English. Overall, it was difficult and often I had to settle for second best in accommodations. I was luck to have discovered a REAL vet that genuinely LOVES cats in Suwon. Both cats visited here multiple times for ailments and got the best treatment. I didn't want to leave my cats in Canada with anyone else. I don't regret bringing them here, but I will never entertain having a cat in Korea again.
Both cats ended their time in Korea by returning to Canada. One died from intestinal disorders in 2010, the other is living healthily with my ex-wife.
It is possible to successfully bring and keep cats here and let them freely roam outdoors. Mine were here for 5 years.

[D. Darko]

Oh yeah, he's definitely fixed. But this cat isn't normal. He loves, loves, loves being outside. If I brought him over, he'd eventually figure out that he can't go outside - but I would pay the price. He is very vocal and will protest mightily. I would prefer not to break his spirit. And I could just imagine how much he'd freak out if I tried to put a leash on him and walk him around! Dunno...maybe it could work in the right situation. But finding that in Korea?....

[D. Darko]

Interesting. Did you live on the outskirts of Suwon, where maybe it wasn't as crowded? I wouldn't be worried about the Ajummas, but rather Korean men who may just be mean and abusive. Hey, maybe I could teach my cat some Korean!

You seem to have mixed feelings on this, which seems appropriate. Seems the bottom line here is, it's possible to find - or make - a decent situation for cats, but not easy.

Maybe finding a rooftop apartment will work?

Thanks again to all, new comments always welcome!!

[NilesQ]

I'd be more worried about what the other cats would do to him than what people might do. I've seen some scary looking cats here. They fight!

[D. Darko]

My cat is a ninja-like Nebelung hunter; he seems to enjoy defending his turf. He went after a raccoon just the other day.

I just think of how some Koreans - I know, not many - that kill dogs for Boshintang. I've actually heard it happen, and it is some horrible, soul-staining shit. There are simply elements of society, East or West, that have no respect for animal rights.

Me fears the humans more....

[Emark]

I lived in Yongtong and Pal-dal of Suwon. Tight streets and densely populated. I did Suji for about half a year too until I moved off to the country setting of Namyang-ju. Namyangju was where my one hunter cat brought in a flying squirrel. I better post a pic of this or nobody will believe me. ( I tried to post a pic here, but I don't know how to upload one on this forum. )
As an aside, don't go for the country life. I thought it would be clean air and fewer "issues" with the natives.

I will admit that the other cat got into a tangle with a Korean cat. That resulted in a trip to the vet because he developed a big puss filled cyst on his back where he took a claw or a bite. That was a good reminder to make sure kitties shots were up to date.

I have lots of good stories about Peter and Paul in Korea and as I mentioned before, it was worth the inconvenience of second rate apartments and not going on long trips or overseas excursions away from Korea.

[D. Darko]

You are a brave person letting your cats run outside like that. I would think they'd get lost in the typical maze of Korean back streets. I bet your cats like Namyangju better! Just curious - what types of issues did you have in the country with the locals?

[Underwaterbob]

The smaller city where I live euthanized a bunch of strays last year in an attempt to bring the population down. Judging from the number of strays this year, they only succeeded in killing a bunch of helpless cats.