Korean Job Discussion Forums

[seoulonmind]

During the decision process I have spoken with a few Koreans that now live in the United States and some of them say that I should visit before I commit to living there. Although I have never visited or lived in an Asian country, I studied in Europe for two years (once in high school and once in College). I adapted to their way of life very well and became very fluent in Spanish and Catalan. So I know about all the stages you go through with culture shock. My question for you guys is: When you moved to Korea what were the obstacles you came upon. How hard was it to get thru those first couple of months? What did you like/dislike about Korea?

When I was 17 and went to Spain with the American Intercultural Student Exchange, we were 15 exchange students, and 12 survived the entire year.

I think I will adapt well, but I am allergic to seafood, and do not eat exotic foods, so I am wondering about food etc. OK, I am rambling now, but any information would be greatly appreciated.

Bri

[Grotto]

I found that the first 3 or 4 months pretty much fly by...you are in a strange new country, lots of things different from back home. New language, new foods.

Be brave try a little of everything.....Korean bbq is great, dwejagalbi, sam gap sal, mok sal, dak galbi, some things are a bit spicy but I can now eat things with no problem that would have had me reaching for the water bottle before.

Obstacles....pronunciation of Korean words, being unable to read signs.

Your allergy to seafood? Fish included? Kimchi contains small amounts of anchovy.

Good luck

[Derrek]

There's plenty of western food to eat in the Seoul area. Get out into smaller towns and cities and it's much more difficult to find (unless you like eating McDonalds every day).

I'm a big fan of Subway restaurant in Itaewon (the subway near my home in Bundang sucks). I also have fallen in love with cheese Donk-as-s-uh. It's a sort of thick fried tenderloin with cheese inside.

As for culture shock, it happens here and there when you can't talk to everyone you'd like. Also, the manners of the people here are horrible, and in general Koreans seem very selfish and materialistic.

That takes some getting used to.

I got hit with a little culture shock at 3 days when some girls working at a grocery store said, "hello", and I was so happy to speak to someone, I said, "Wow... do you speak English??" They starting screaming and giggling... then ran away. Everyone around us in the store erupted in laughter.

The first "real" culture-shock happened at 5 months.

[SuperFly]

It's not adjusting to Korea that you should worry about....it's going back to the west after 3 or 4-5 years in Korea that's the head trip....reverse culture shock.

[Alyallen]

[VanIslander]

Do you like chillies, you know, the ones you might sprinkle at Pizza Hut? If so, then there are many Korean dishes which aren't very foreign. Chinese cabbage isn't very different, sprouts are the same as back home, and rice is rice.

So, you could eat bibimbap once a week, jajungmyeon once for lunch, gimchi dzigae for dinner, to mention just three in my regular diet.

Korean food can be quite tame if you pick and choose your dishes, and as long as you like chilli peppers.

[seoulonmind]

[just because]

[seoulonmind]

Thanks "Just Because" You have made some valid points. I realize that Asia will be MUCH more of achallenge, but I adabt very well and am comitted to making this work. Any more advice I should? Any tips about finding a good school/director?

Bri

[paperbag princess]

i had an easier time adapting to an african village with that didn't have running water or electricity than i am having to this place. i've been here 6 months and have still not adjusted. if my boyfriend wasn't determined to finish his contract i would be long gone.

i would come visit, also that way you can see your perspective school and not get screwed over. some people really like it here, lots of people don't. as with everything else it's a matter of personal taste.

[PatrickSiheung]

I first came here in 2002. I remember the first week being difficult because I had a really crappy apartment. The hardest thing for me was getting used to the really dirty living area. If you come here for a contract insist on seeing pictures of the apartment you'll be living in first. If they won't send them to you, move onto the next thing. Ideally, yes, you should visit first. You can always do a visa run when you find a job. A day in Japan wouldn't be so bad either

The food took some getting used to. If you have a seafood allergy, I would be extremely careful with what I eat. Even if there isn't seafood in your dish, it's likely seafood was near it and for those with serious allergies, it could pose a problem. Other than that though... the food is great. Try eating Ramen everyday to build up your tolerance to spicy things. Get one that's pretty hot for you and gradually build up to the really spicy ones.

Anyway, the first few days here I could barely eat anything. But over time you will find many dishes that are safe for a sensitive stomach. The above post was right, the BBQ here is great! Nothing beats going out with some friends for a tall cold one and some BBQ.

To make settling in here more easy, I would suggest you get a nice clean apartment. Even if it's small... if you have a clean place to sleep it could make all the difference. The rest of the country is pretty damn dirty LOL If I had a clean place last year I would have been much happier and more comfortable.

Oh... Summers are very hot =\ Already today in Bucheon was pretty uncomfortable.

[Demophobe]

Just keep an open mind, free of preconceptions. Everything is different. When I came here, there was no kind of forum like this (well, Dave's was in it's infancy, and there wasn't a wealth, anyways)....you have a deciced advantage of being able to read all 80+ pages on this forum and the numerous other places on the internet and make an educated decision.
It's as good and bad as anywhere, for it's own unique reasons.