Korean Job Discussion Forums

Son Deureo! · Joined: 30 Apr 2003

If you live in Seoul, try YBM's Korean classes. They do a good job, and you will make pretty fast progress. They tend to attract a lot of non-Westerners, too, so it's a good opportunity to meet Japanese, Chinese and others through speaking Korean.

I took classes for three months and loved it until I had a scheduling conflict with my job. Hopefully I can go back next month.

I have to agree, learning Korean makes living here much more worthwhile. I'm by no means fluent yet, but what I have learned has made my life here both easier and more interesting. In addition, it makes me feel like I have more of a reason for being here, I'm learning something everyday, and if I'm lucky, it may open new opportunities for me here later on down the road.

It may not be the answer, but it sure does add to my quality of life.

philinkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2003

yeah mate. im joining YBM in jonggak starting september

thanks

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

When I was living in Seoul I really wanted to learn Korean, so I enrolled in YBM. I attended 2 classes and they were nice enough to refund my money for the rest of the lessons. I joined the beginner class, but they went so fast, I could not catch up. And when I joined everypne except me knew the aphabet and how to read already. I was a complete beginner, knowing NOTHING. They were so nice there, but I just could not do it. Now that I can read and write.taught myself. I can read but slowly, wish there was a place here I could learn, but here isnt.
Anyway, reading Korean is needed so u at least can read the bus maps and the resturant menu!

Toby · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: Wedded Bliss

Toby · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Location: Wedded Bliss

OP.

If you don't think yourself as different, then no-one else will and you will find Seoul a really good place to live.

Itaewon is nasty, but it is a good place to meet people. Seoul Pub, Three Alley's behind the Hamilton and to the left, and also Scrooges from what I hear. Friendly staff and customers.

teachingld2004 · Joined: 29 Mar 2004

I live 4 hours from Seoul, and anyway, I work mornings. But how do I cope? I go to the sea all the time, I take long walks, I travel in my area and the surrounding areas, and come to seoul once in awhile. I cope. Mostly I love it here.

jazblanc77 · Joined: 22 Feb 2004

Stopping fighting everything and everyone you don't agree with.

Hollywoodaction · Joined: 02 Jul 2004

Homer · Guest

Mashimaro,

I second that.

Phil, the problem seems to lie with your lack of interest for Korea itself. This could explain why you feel this way.

Perhaps moving to a country that holds more interest for you might do the trick?

peemil · Joined: 09 Feb 2003 Location: Koowoompa

Oh mate... I've just learnt after two years. I have my circle of friends. My girl. My apartment. Bugger culture. I just work here.

I am happy. And although some really get into this country. It's just a pay cheque for me.

TheUrbanMyth · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Location: Retired

I would say it depends on the job. If you really enjoy what you do (teaching) , then you will likely enjoy Korea. If you don't then you will be looking to find fault with everything Korean. I've always found that when Korea starts to grow a little stale, moving to a new city usually does the trick. You have to learn how to navigate all over again. Then you have to find grocery stores, barbershops, dry cleaners, pizza shops (that's my main vice Laughing

) and so on. I enjoy just walking around and "exploring" the new terrain.

Might it be the case that you need a change of scenery?
Just my two cents.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Re; "bugger culture" I once overheard a guy talking about teaching English; "going to a country in Asia to teach English to 'learn about another culture' is a dreamy, goofy thing done by 20 year old women, mostly. You're there to do a job. Employers just sell the 'learn about Asian culture' thing to bring over those gals, since there are more guys out here and not enough female teachers".

philinkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2003

yeah just realised how really finding heart in your work is important. i agree with the post 2 above. i think thats a really important thing for everyone to feel self worth. decided to put more effort into some classes etc. what do you reckon?

Homer · Guest

Sounds like an excellent idea.

Best of luck Phil! Very Happy

Ya-ta Boy · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Location: Established in 1994

There is some good advice on this thread.

Isolation is probably the biggest single factor causing problems for the foreigner population. Learning some Korean and finding and making friends (of whatever nationality) will help. Keeping up contacts back home is also good--the internet has been a godsend in that department.

Taking classes or developing an area of interest will also help. People who have hobbies/interests that excite them are always happier people. We seem to have a need for creative outlets.

One of my major problems here is food. I like Korean food, but only a couple of times a week. I've always enjoyed cooking, so I decided to put a lot of effort into improving my cooking skills. I search for good recipes on the internet and try them out. I eat Indian food, Ethiopian food, Greek food, along with dishes from home. It allows me to be creative and to satisfy a craving for diversity, as well as my craving for comfort foods.