Korean Job Discussion Forums

[benharper]

Hi all.

This is my first post on Dave's, so be nice!

I'm considering accepting a job in Yeongju (just north of Andong). I am wondering if any of you are in or near this town, or have visited the area. If so, can you share your thoughts? I am interested in what kind of social life one can have in a city as small as this, as well as cultural/tourist destinations. Also, what is the expat population like? Any and all information will be appreciated.

Thanks, B.

[adventureman]

Are you VERY interested in studying Korean langauge, or have deep vested interest in completely immersing yourself in Korean culture?
Are you VERY independent and self-reliant and can entertain yourself easily? Have you studied anthropology? How old are you? Have you ever visited Korea before? Are you comfortable being the only foreginer at your work/town?

These are all questions that I would consider before doing the small-town experience my first time out....

[just because]

[Ya-ta Boy]

Can I offer a bit of advice?

Be prepared to feel socially isolated here. Since you probably don't speak Korean, your social life will be restricted to a) the adults you meet at work--co-workers and adult students and b) the ex-pat community. Nearly all the Koreans you meet will be warm and friendly, but most will speak poor English. It will limit the topics of conversation. It can be frustrating when your normal humor doesn't work. As almost anyone here on the board will admit, the ex-pats are a crap shoot. A good number are strange people. And not in a good way.

English language TV is limited. Lots don't have any. So that means reading a lot, but the bookstores are up in Seoul. Hence the attraction of the bars. Drinking every night is not good for your liver. Hangovers and lack of sleep are not good for your job performance.

Whether you go to a small town or a large city, be prepared to spend a lot of time alone. Come with hobbies that you can do alone. Be creative in preparing for this.

Consider things like:
* health clubs cost about W50,000 a month and are open from very early in the morning till late evening.
* buying a bike and riding for exercise
* writing or drawing
* study some topic in depth (bring the books or order on-line)
* take an on-line class
* study Korean, even if you will only be here a year. It's good mental stimulation.
* take up cooking as a hobby--bring a good supply of spices. Learn to cook healthy meals in one pan. You can make a lot of things in an electric skillet. (You will not likely have an oven.)

Life here can be great and rewarding, but you need to be able to survive (emotionally) independently. Be prepared.

[logan2003]

Yeah I had to work out in the country side by myself.......it sucked until my wifed arrived. ALone can be difficult if you are into PC games then that help....it helped me. Chatting online, surfing, movies. I guess meeting people out in the larger city will help but not every here has all of thier screws so be wary!

That said and done if you can get a girl friend that would help ALOT!
Lonely is the biggest issue here foriegners face because of the language barrier/ and cultural barrier. If you have hobbies then bring it alone with you! If you like to read bring a nice supply of books my wife and I brought over Robert Jordans wheel of time all 10 parts....so I will have some nice reading when i read through it again.

best wishes!!

[snifey]

If you like books...
I brought a few with me and was going to have some more sent but i found a cheaper way to get them here. Go to www.yesasia.com. They have a huge selection of books and it is based in Asia so you can get the books very quickly and cheaply.

[VanIslander]

There may not be much of a social life with expats but...

when you're the only foreigner around, you'll have plenty of invitations and opportunities for a social life

locals will be willing to show you around, go out for dinner, billiards, bowling, singing, drinking, etc

so, there is a social life in rural areas, though not the kind of city folk.

[oneiros]

[Manner of Speaking]

oneiros,

AWESOME links. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

If I ever meet you in person, I owe you a beer.

[No L]

I'm in Yeongju myself and it's not THAT small. I would estimate the ex-pat community to be about 30 people, which is actually quite nice. Andong has about 40 expats. Most hagwons here have more than one foreign teacher. You're social life doesn't have to be only drinking, although it can be if you want it to.

You get a much better feel for Korea living in a small city. If you want to live in a bubble, live in Seoul or another big city. People who live in Seoul don't seem to get out of it much. If you really want to experience Korea, a small city is a better choice. Sure, you're missing some of the conveniences. Foreign food is hard to find/not availble, there aren't any BKs, not as many people speak Englsih (and not as well), but it still can be an incredibly enjoyable experience (I lived in Andong for 3 years and have been in Yeongju for a couple of months.)

As to tourist destinations in Yeongju, Sosu Seowon (Confuscist Academy), Buseoksa (one of the largest Buddhist temples in Korea), Huibangsa (another Buddhist temple) and Sobaek Mountain are all nearby and very popular. There are many more sites near Andong and the other surrounding cites. If you need to get away for the day or weekend, Seoul and Daegu are only 2:15 and 1:30 by bus respectively.

You don't have to study Korean to get around in Yeongju, but it certainly helps and there would be more opportunity to use it than in Seoul. Learning to read (actually very simple) is a definite asset, but I know plenty of people who have never bothered and still get around fine.

There are plenty of tv channels with English programming the majority of the time (Arirang, Hallmark, Discovery, OCN, CJV, Dong-A, Super Action, XTM, CNN). They plays shows like CSI, 24, Alias, Friends, That 70s Show, Stargate: SG1, Tru Calling, Law and Order, etc. English books are not available here, but a quick trip to Seoul or Daegu fixes that or online orders to www.yesasia.co.kr, etc. offer free shipping.

Some people aren't made to live outside Seoul, but for others, it is an excellent opportunity to really explore Korea.

Talk to one of the current teachers at the school you are considering. He/she can give you the best advice.

Feel free to PM me if you need more info too.

[Ya-ta Boy]