Korean Job Discussion Forums

philinkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2003

was thinking about this today and think its one thing and a perfect example of a 'love hate relationship' . i think many people must have this similar feeling, well i would imagine so.
job is easy and enjoyable to a reasonable extent, the money works out really well so can save a lot, seoul has a cool party lifestyle, the restaurants bars etc, get to visit cool other places in asia.

however, korean culture, the closed off nature of society can really do your head in, i mean seriously. i think its really difficult sometimes to just think straight here due to things being so different. i think its a place i need to make a constant effort to stay positive. hence my love hate relationship.

how about you all?

stalinsdad · Joined: 25 Jan 2003 Location: Jeonju

I concur

OCOKA Dude · Joined: 04 Oct 2004 Location: Seoul

Randall Flagg · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 3:30 am Post subject: Re: your relationship with korea?

jaganath69 · Joined: 17 Jul 2003

I like it much better since I moved to the countryside and don't have to deal with the tryhard wankers that infest Seoul.

philinkorea · Joined: 27 Jan 2003

actually i didnt mean to sound overy negative there.

yeah i do accept the good with the bad. I dont want it both ways. In terms of good and bad points Im happy. Im not one of those people who whinges. Ive had a cool time and am still happy. Im glad I came. I guess Im just saying how there seem to be big things i really like and dont like, very polarised.

cheers

nrvs · Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Location: standing upright on a curve

Today, I feel like my relationship with Korea is parasitic. I want to make the most money I possibly can and never return to this miserable country.

Tomorrow, after a good night teaching my students -- most of whom I like very much -- I may feel it's completely symbiotic.

So it goes, day after day. I feel bipolar with Korea and I wish it wasn't like that.

rapier · Joined: 16 Feb 2003

You have to work hard to enjoy Korea in my exp., and it takes a long time to know what you're doing.
Other foreigners here generally won't help you in the beginning, there exists a certain snobbery and protection of information about things like where to go and what to do, trial and error wastes a lot of time.
Its taken me ages to find good places in the countryside to visit, good bars to go to, learn much Korean, understand the culture a bit, have an ok social life, etc etc..
1 year isn't really long enough to make the best of it here.

mithridates · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 6:32 am Post subject:

The best way to make sure that your life in Korea is stable (emotionally) is to work on another project at the same time. Learning something, getting your masters, etc. Something that has nothing to do with the ebbs and flows of life at a hagwon or school and that you know is worth doing. Not just a hobby but some long-term objective. That way even if you have a bad day you didn't ruin the whole thing.

JacktheCat · Joined: 08 May 2004

My realtionship with Korea?

I've learnt to just ignore Korea when she gets in one of those petulant mood swings of hers.

Blind Willie · Joined: 05 May 2004

My relationship with Korea:

I work here, earn money. The rest of it doesnt concern me.