Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Botasky]

Should I declare that I have asthma on my medical check form? It's very manageable and I can't see it being a problem, but I don't want to shoot myself in the foot for job applications. On the other hand, I don't want to run into problems if they ever see me using an inhaler.

Also, how is your asthma in Korea? Mine gets worse in damper conditions and disappears in the heat. I've heard air pollution is pretty bad. I'm heading or Busan hopefully.

Has anyone any experience with these issues?

[transmogrifier]

I had asthma back home, but it disappeared when I came to Korea. Found out I was allergic to cats when I went back home to my family's place, touched a cat for the first time in a year or so and immediately got asthma for the first time in the same period.

So I guess it all depends on what triggers your asthma. The pollution and pollen here would be negative factors, I would guess; hopefully other asthmatics will be able to give you a little more help than me.

[World Traveler]

Try to get a job on Jeju Island. The cleanest air in South Korea is there. Jeju is warmer too.

[ttompatz]

Asthma is a non-issue for the medical, employment or the ARC.

Meds are readily available but bring a couple of inhalers with you since you do need to see a doctor to get replacements.

.

[repeatpete]

asthma isn't what it was. As you know, there are now guys in combat with asthma who listed it and it never affected them but in the past the mere mention was enough to get you crossed off.
If you feel it is debilitating, perhaps you should mention it. Maybe you could submit your peak flow meter score?
I agree with your suspicion that it may cause your application far more harm than good. Especially if it is manageable.
You didn't ask but while I'm here; there are very good antihistamines you can get from pharmacies here though I suspect they may be quite strong. However, they will very swiftly take care of allergies.
As previously commented, it depends on the stimuli. Air pollution in the big cities can be an issue which suddenly puts teaching in the countryside in the plus column. Being next to the sea must equally count as a positive.
Is air pollution a factor for you?
If so, check on these levels before, say, running/cycling.
Bars can be quite smoky here which is easily dealt with I guess but may be a consideration.
I suspect if you will be in Korea for just a year, this aspect (pollution) shouldn't be a significant factor for you.
Just to add, what has caught me out is rooms without heat in cold weather. I used to find it strange when people did not remove outerwear when they were inside but I quickly learned. So, funny to think of now, but stocking up on thermal underwear when winter comes back around is a good idea.
Can anyone else add how much inhalers here are and if they are available?
In addition, I don't think there is a taboo about using your inhalers in public but again, more informed voices should weigh in. To be honest, I have never noticed.
Ultimately, my asthma has never significantly affected me but I do notice getting wheezier when air pollution is bad or like the previous poster mentioned, cats. The latter is easily avoided, the former usually passes.

[Died By Bear]

Every time I step off the plane at Inchon airport, my sinuses are clogged up and throat raspy in 10 minutes.

Very bad pollution in Korea.

[Botasky]

Thanks for the info.

I'm 50/50 about declaring I have asthma. Considering how common it is worldwide I personally don't think it should be an issue, but that doesn't necessarily mean it won't. Perhaps I should keep it quiet and if they ever notice my inhaler I can say it only flared up in Korea.

Don't want to be dishonest, but at the same time I don't want to lose out on a job I want......

As far as what triggers it I can never really tell. Definitely if I'm around an animal I'm not used to, a cat or dog, it can kick in, but generally it's dampness or temperature changes. If I come into a hot stuffy room or go from a warm room into a damp night. Jumping into cold water. But from experience, any time I leave Ireland my asthma pretty much disappears.

I like the look of Jeju. It's like an island paradise, but I think I'd prefer to go there for a holiday than to live for a year. Busan looks good to me. Warmer than Seoul but still a big city. And easy access to the rest of Korea suits my plans to see the country.

@ttompatz how sure are you about the medical check? I'd far prefer to declare it if it won't be an issue. Don't want any employer to think I'm dishonest.

Thanks again

[Aine1979]

The main issues for the medical are a clear drugs test, and not having HIV, TB, Hepatitis or any mental health issues. Asthma is not an issue.

[ttompatz]

[Botasky]

That's great news. Thanks. Just wasn't sure what to expect on the medical check they send. Happy no to mention it. I can't see my asthma being an issue for me in SK. Pretty sure it'll be better if anything. I've gone abroad in the past and never needed to use my inhaler only to get off the plane in Dublin and need it within minutes. I'm not made or this country (weather)

[transmogrifier]

Dodge7 just wanted you to know that Koreans are going to break into your house and rub cats on your pillow, because they hate you.

And cats.

They also plant a lot of pines because they heard that Westerners suffer from a number of allergies, and they like to be dicks that way.