Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ranman]

You may have seasonal depression. Even when home, it hits me hard during the winter months when the sun goes down early.

[Who's Your Daddy?]

If it is seasonal depression, try taking vitamin D.

I find exercise, but also getting out the house most important. If you can get a walk in nature (like TJ's hikes), it is really good. The fresh air, but also nature doesn't feel like Korea - it's trees etc. just like home.

If you need a companion try one of those Korean friend finder sites. There are some fun people there.

Also if you could join a Korean language class. You'll meet some cool people there.

If you are near some bike trails, maybe buy a bike. They're pretty cheap, and you can really explore.

[nicwr2002]

My first year here I lived in Naju and I never saw a foreigner on the street. I would just hike the mountain that was close by there and get lost in nature. There was one 'foreign' type bar you could go to Wabar haha. I went there in hopes of meeting some foreigners and that worked, in my town. Since then I've gotten a K-g/f and lots more Korean friends who I work with, who also understand me as a person and not a foreigner. I've heard home sickness comes in spurts of 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months. The 3 month mark being you've finally gotten settle, but maybe don't have many friends yet and missing some things from home. The 6 month mark it's half way through and you wonder if you can do another 6 months. Finally, 9 months you are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but you still have a ways to go.

[oppa637]

I guess this may be between the 6th and 9 month mark.

I hope to be back home in may pending what obama does to the economy.

But you guys have been great help. Any good church recommendations. I still haven't found a place to settle in yet.

[hiamnotcool]

[KimchiNinja]

[happiness]

[Weigookin74]

Your honeymoon period where everything is new and exciting can last for your first 3 to 4 months. After this, the real culture shock and everything being different begins to set in. It comes and goes in phases over the next several months to a year. But trust me, it's easier in some ways now than a few years ago. More western products, more Koreans who speak English, even in rural areas, more foriegners here, ect. Once you get used to it, it's just like a routine of life like back home. I live a semi western lifestyle in a modernizing country nowadays. But adapt to the Korean aspects as well.

Get some hobbies, learn basic Korean, know the names of places, go to Seoul, find out where to buy foriegn food if need be, get western fitted clothing (if Asian size doesn't fit), and try to adjust. Go for walks, go away on the weekend to Seoul for some R&R, ect.

[oppa637]

Yea, even though its cold, I've been forcing myself to just go out and walk around. It helps a lot. As long as I don't let my mind wander, its been getting easier.

I don't know now if I'm homesick, seasonal depressed, or going through a "quarter life" crisis but this emotional roller coaster is starting to really tire me out.

[fosterman]

[John Stamos jr.]

Get the Skout app.

[oppa637]

[John Stamos jr.]

[dairyairy]

You could follow this man's advice, especially if you teach at a hakwan.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-F62B6BX0xs

[Steelrails]

Booze